Eviction Looms for Vulnerable Residents in Paddington Boarding House

The fate of 28 vulnerable residents in a Paddington boarding house hangs in the balance as they face eviction from their long-time home to make way for luxury apartments.

The Selwyn Street property, home to low-income men—some of whom have lived there for decades—has become the centre of a housing battle highlighting the broader crisis in Sydney’s housing landscape.

Eviction Deadline Draws Near

Residents were initially set to be evicted on 1 February, but after a temporary reprieve, the deadline was extended to 3 March.

The boarding house, which has provided affordable accommodation since the end of World War II, was purchased in 2022 by LFD Developments with plans to convert it into four luxury homes. Despite community protests and legal challenges, the redevelopment plans are moving forward, with the matter now before the NSW Land and Environment Court, set for a hearing in May.

Many residents, including 83-year-old Richard Anderson and 80-year-old Sav Durac, have lived in the boarding house for decades, building strong community ties. Offers of alternative housing have been met with concern, as options are often far from the residents’ familiar neighbourhoods.

Mr Durac, for instance, declined an offer for accommodation in Botany, 45 minutes away, saying it would uproot his established routine and connections.

Government Response and Community Advocacy

NSW has expressed a willingness to part-fund the purchase of the boarding house to preserve it as affordable housing, contingent on the developer’s agreement to sell. The City of Sydney has also signalled its readiness to co-invest if a community housing provider can be secured to manage the property. However, LFD Developments has not responded to inquiries about a potential sale.

Community members, led by local advocate Mike Mannix, have rallied to support the residents, gathering over 25,000 signatures on a petition to save the boarding house. Despite these efforts, only two of the 28 residents have found new housing since eviction notices were issued in October.

Selwyn Street Paddington boarding house protesters — *Photo Credit: ActionforPublicHousing/Facebook*

Broader Implications for Affordable Housing

The situation in Paddington reflects a larger issue affecting thousands across Sydney. Boarding houses have long served as critical affordable housing options, but state planning laws and ineffective protections under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) have left many residents vulnerable to redevelopment pressures.

With median rents in Paddington soaring and public housing waitlists stretching for years, the eviction underscores the urgent need for policy reform.

Published 3-February-2025