Man Found Living in Extreme Squalor – Tradie’s TikTok Plea Goes Viral

A New South Wales tradie documented the appalling conditions inside a home overrun with rubbish, prompting a plea to the Australian Prime Minister for intervention in the case of the resident living within it. Nathan Stafford, known online as “Nathan’s Lawn and Gardens,” shared videos to his TikTok account – which boasts 2.9 million followers – showing the squalor and the man himself lying amongst the waste.

Stafford first encountered the property in late 2024, but it was a welfare check on Tuesday morning that revealed the full extent of the situation. After repeated attempts to contact the resident were ignored, Stafford climbed a gutter and banged on a window to gain access. “I was completely transparent with him. I knew I had one opportunity here, mainly they’re hostile, aggressive or shameful … so they won’t let you in,” he told news.com.au.

Inside, Stafford described a scene of extreme disrepair and unsanitary conditions. “I was just gagging walking through,” he said in a TikTok video. “There’s rat poo everywhere, even on the mattress upstairs … that’s what he’s sleeping on.” He estimated hundreds of rats inhabited the home, calling the situation the worst he had ever witnessed. “I don’t think anyone ever chooses to live like this. Something went wrong and systems failed this man,” Stafford added.

The tradie directly appealed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a TikTok message, stating, “Get this man out of this house now.”

Homes NSW confirmed to news.com.au that it was aware of the case and had been “actively working with the tenant.” A statement released by the agency explained their approach prioritizes “working constructively and respectfully with our tenants to resolve issues and connect them with appropriate supports.” However, the statement acknowledged that progress can be hampered when a tenant is unwilling to engage.

Homes NSW stated that after “repeated attempts to assist the tenant,” formal warnings were issued and the matter was taken to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The agency affirmed its commitment to “continue to provide support pathways and specialist services during this process.”