Kensington renters, you turned up. The lounge at Local: Kensington was absolutely packed with residents and local renters who clearly needed a night off from doom‑scrolling and arguing about split bills in the group chat.
Our first ever Rent Party at Local: Kensington brought together residents and renters from across Melbourne’s inner north-west for a night of stand-up, music, and just the right amount of light-hearted revolution.
This whole Rent Party idea came from beloved Melbourne comedian (and renter) Fergus Neal, who jumped on TikTok and Instagram to ask: what happened to rent parties? He reckons they were a frugal sharehouse classic, throw a party, charge your mates a small entry fee, and boom, rent covered.
We didn’t charge an entry fee (we’re nice like that), but we did think hard about what renters actually need right now.
A laugh. A community vibe. And a way to avoid overpriced bar drinks.
Host Fergus Neal opened the afternoon by asking the most important question:
“Any landlords in the building… just checking who’s keeping an eye on the revolution?”
From there it was chaos (in a good way). Musical comedian Sez pulled out renting horror stories that had everyone doing the “laughing but also low‑key traumatised” face. Blake Pavey had the whole room crying from laughing about what the realities young people in Melbourne right now – cost of living and global politics. You know, just keeping it light.
Then Nick Cody rolled in from just up the road in Ascot Vale, talking about parenting, raising kids in the inner west, and why Kensington’s mix of cultures and characters is exactly where he wants his family to grow up. Big “this is why we live here” energy.
Massive love to Little Sky Gelato, Chappy’s Chips, ALTR functional sodas and Heineken for keeping everyone fuelled. And our friends at The Dirt Company for providing freebies!
If you couldn’t make it – or you were stuck at work, at the footy or at yet another inspection – you can still come and see Local: Kensington for yourself.
Book a tour online, choose a time that suits you, and take a proper look around the apartments and amenities including pool, 24/7 gym, pilates studio, and coworking.
👉 Book a tour of Local: Kensington
Rent Party only worked because a group of brilliant comics turned up for Melbourne renters. If you enjoyed the afternoon – or you’re just discovering them now – please support them at their Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows and tours:
Keep an eye on their socials, and keep the laughs (and the quiet little renter revolution) going.
If you’re a Kensington, Flemington or Ascot Vale renter looking for a long-term home base, we’d love to see you at the next open day or on a private tour at Local: Kensington.
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