Three years ago, Jordan van den Berg was just another TikTok creator poking fun at real estate agents. Now, at 28, he’s become a prominent activist in Australia, tackling the nation’s housing crisis head-on.
Posting under the pseudonym Purple Pingers, van den Berg sheds light on appalling renting conditions, landlord misconduct, and governmental shortcomings. His unconventional methods, including assisting people in finding vacant homes to squat in and exposing subpar rentals in a public database, have earned him a devoted following. Some liken him to the Robin Hood of renters.
Yet, van den Berg’s activism hasn’t been without controversy. His actions have stirred up opposition both in Australia and abroad.
Australia’s housing situation is dire, with soaring property prices, a shortage of rental properties, and inadequate public housing exacerbating the crisis. The burden falls heavily on the young and vulnerable, a fact that infuriates van den Berg.
While he now owns a home himself, van den Berg hasn’t forgotten his renting days. Witnessing the mistreatment of vulnerable renters in Australia fueled his activism.
Despite facing criticism and threats, van den Berg remains undeterred. He acknowledges his methods aren’t perfect but argues they’re a response to decades of mismanagement. He advocates for legislative protections for renters, reforms to tax incentives for property investors, and penalties for landlords who keep properties vacant.
Although he’s had discussions with advocacy groups and lawmakers, many keep their distance. Undeterred, van den Berg continues his advocacy work, even as it takes an emotional toll.
With a substantial social media following, van den Berg recognizes the power of collective action. While he may be just “some idiot on the internet,” he’s committed to making a difference, one person at a time.
