I rent out my studio in Bondi through Air B n B, and I object to being called a parasite. I work in the TV industry when in Sydney and my employment is sporadic and unpredictable-most jobs last from 1 to 3 months. I bought the flat after feeling I’d freeloaded on my friends in Sydney for long enough. Initially I rented it out to others in the industry in the same predicament, but since joining Air B n B I’m able to meet the expense of maintaining a second home in Sydney much more easily. My minimum stay is 2 weeks and I screen the applicants carefully- it is my second home and they are using all my stuff. I haven’t checked, but as the apartment block was once a hotel I’m probably not breaking any rules. I attend all the AGMs and have never heard a complaint about this practice. I am not depriving a needy student of a home- for a start, I never even consider anyone under 40- and as I get jobs at short notice, the place would be left empty most of the time if it weren’t for out delightful Air B n B guests, most of whom are retirees who have saved for years to visit Australia and can’t afford exorbitant hotel rates. I live in Byron Shire so I’m well aware of the ‘party house’ problem here and in Sydney- but there are many tales in the Naked City, and this has been one of them!