She said prices were increasing much faster than her income.
She was recently offered a "rundown house with ripped curtains and a carpet that looked like it was laid in the 50s" for $500 a week in Western Heights.
"I couldn't believe it.
"I'm basically sending out a CV, not just references.
"I understand property investors are getting what they want and are having a great time, but I don't get paid any more than I used to. People just can't afford them and are becoming desperate."
She said with three children aged 16, 15 and 8 attending school, location was very important and she needed to be closer to the central city.
"I love Rotorua, I love living, working and doing business here, but bonds are up, letting fees are up and the cost of living is up.
"I'm a professional, hard-working woman who is community minded but I think I'm being overlooked to a point."
She said she wasn't being too fussy either.
"I either applied for them and missed out, or they were just not suitable. Some of them are asking way too much for what they are offering, but beggars can't be choosers.
"I am stressing out. The kids and I, we are all feeling the pressure."
She said it was not all bad because some agencies in Rotorua did understand the needs of the local community and did not charge expensive rental rates.
But she did feel she was "walking on eggshells" as a tenant.
"Do one thing wrong and you could be gone.
"I'd love to be able to buy my own home and am seriously thinking about doing that, but with the market as it is I don't think that's realistic for the next few years."