The South Australian opposition is calling for tougher action to be taken against housing trust tenants who deliberately trash their own homes.

The call follows reports of a Paradise housing trust property left in a state of disrepair, exacerbating concerns for the thousands of South Australians awaiting public housing.

Images from the property show significant damage, including a collapsed ceiling, a smashed window, and a backyard filled with rubbish. 

“It smells like urine in here,” a nearby resident said.

The state opposition says tenants who damage public housing should not be re-housed until the full cost of repairs is covered. 

“We don’t want to see people trash these community state government assets rewarded when there are so many people at the moment sleeping rough,” Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said.

Data obtained through freedom of information indicates that as of April 30, more than 15,000 South Australians are on the public housing waitlist, with 3783 classified as Category 1 – the most urgent cases. 

At the same time, more than 1400 public housing properties are vacant, requiring maintenance or redevelopment.

Residents reported lodging complaints about the Paradise property as far back as 2023. 

According to reports, the tenant was evicted last week after the house was boarded up and bailiffs arrived. 

Despite the eviction, concerns remain for the former tenant’s welfare. 

“I’m glad she’s gone, but on the other hand I do worry – does she have somewhere to live?” David said.

The government maintains tenants who engage in misconduct will face consequences. 

“We are cracking down on antisocial behaviour,” Housing Minister Nick Champion said. 

“We’ve adopted a three written warnings policy, we’re taking more matters to the tribunal than ever before.”