Storm damages homes, worsening rental crisis in Harden

Harden, a small town in New South Wales, is facing a rental crisis worsened by recent extreme weather. Last month, a severe storm caused flash flooding that rendered a dozen homes uninhabitable. This comes as the town already struggled with a rental vacancy rate of less than 1 percent. Local real estate agent Rosie Fairfield-Smith reported that all homes in Harden suffered some damage from the storm. Out of 150 rental properties listed, 12 are now off the market. As a result, many residents have been forced to find temporary housing in motels and caravans. One impacted resident, Jannine Vincent, moved to Harden seeking a fresh start but was shocked when her home and business were flooded. After the storm, she relocated to a local caravan park but soon found it challenging to find adequate housing. Fairfield-Smith noted that Harden typically has a very low vacancy rate, and currently, there are no rental listings available online. She expressed concern that some tenants may have to stay in unsuitable conditions due to the shortage. Emergency services had to rescue one person during the storm. Insurance experts advise that claims for storm damage should be addressed within 10 business days. They are also emphasizing the importance of a prompt response to claims, especially after significant weather events.