Lately we have been hearing a lot about mortgage stress and I think It’s about time we are starting to hear about rental stress as well.  By definition mortgage stress is when a family spends 30% or more of their household income on their mortgage.   Same goes for rental stress and that magic percentage being 30% of your income.  We pay  30% of our income on rent and at one stage it was 39%, then add in food costs, bills, school fees etc etc you are not left with anything.  No wonder so many people are trying to get into government housing, last I heard it was a nine year waiting list and if you you truly have NO roof over your head it’s a two year waiting list.  What are those families meant to do for two years?  Well the department of housing have a great idea…. they are handing out tents!  No joke… tents.  Families with young children are forced to live in tents in and around the city.  I think this is a little more than stress, I’d say it’s a full blown crisis.  After hearing about that I’m counting my blessings and I can now honestly say I’m thankful for this tiny house I rent.  I have a toilet, shower, fridge, T.V and a warm bed.  I can’t imagine what those families are thinking when they are handed a tent and hear “come back in two years.”