Guelph city councillor responds to criticism over tiny home rental
When Guelph city councillor Rodrigo Goller listed the tiny home in his backyard for rent, the reaction was swift.
At 520 square feet, the two-bedroom home is listed for $2,500 per month, utilities included – a price more than one Facebook commenter called “shameful.”
But as Goller explained, the property isn’t exactly a get-rich-quick scheme.
“We are actually not getting any cash flow into our household for 18 to 20 years,” Goller said. “We will be contributing from our house to pay for the mortgage and the line of credit fees for this place.”
Goller said his family decided to have the home built two years ago.
“We didn’t really use all of it [the backyard], so we thought, ‘could we share it?’ Maybe with some students or with some working professionals,” he said.
He said they initially planned to rent it at a lower cost, but after construction went over budget, $2,500 is near the bottom of when they can afford.
Pictures of the interior of the home as seen in the rental listing. (Kijiji)
The rental listing received plenty of attention online, both good and bad.
“There was some negative feedback on social media that was surprising, but understandable,” he said.
While many think the price is sky-high, some of those in the Guelph real estate business say the cost is reasonable.
“It’s a two-bed, two-bathroom unit,” said Guelph realtor Megan Webb. “I think $2,500 is right bang on with the average for a two-bedroom in Guelph, especially for a new unit like that.”
The tiny home has two bedrooms. (Kijiji)
Webb, who works for Planet Realty, said based on what she’s seen and the amenities provided, $2,500 per month is not absurd.
“I can understand the shock and the issue with affordability, but people are paying those prices and we are seeing that,” she said.
While many are critical of Goller for not offering the property at a more affordable rate, he said his family simple can’t afford to, and it’s up to government – including the one he is part of – to do more.
“We really need more social housing in Guelph and that is something I want to see done as a city councillor. We need to more dollars towards social housing in Guelph,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978503.1721990327!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO says soccer coach Bev Priestman likely aware of spying
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker says the head coach of the national women's soccer team was likely aware drones were used to spy on an opposing country's practices in France.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.
DEVELOPING Recent rain, cooler weather limiting spread of wildfires in Jasper National Park
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
Search for missing vulnerable 3-year-old child in Mississauga, Ont. continues
Police say the search for a vulnerable child who went missing in Mississauga, Ont. Thursday evening continues. Three-year-old Zaid, who is described as possibly non-verbal, was last seen at 6:20 p.m. in Mississauga’s Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road. He was not wearing shoes or socks at the time.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.
Stay inside, filter indoor air amid wildfire smoke, respirologist says
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.