Australia Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation

Locating accommodation that suits you can be difficult and finding one on your budget can be more challenging, even Australian residents have difficulty finding new places to live as there is a shortage. Remember to take into account the cost of your housing when deciding. Check out  www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au for many housing options. Also check newspapers for private rentals and notice boards at Universities.

It is a good idea if you’re going to rent to get some referees from past landlords that you have rented from before. Also, providing a bank receipt to your prospective landlord or real estate shows at least that you can afford the property.


Types of accommodation

In Australia there are quite a lot of varying kinds of accommodation. Apart from homestay, most accommodation only offers you basic appliances such as a stove and maybe a fridge or a washing machine. Some rental properties are fully furnished but they will cost more.


Homestay (about $110 to $270 a week)

Homestay means that your are living with an Australian family. This is a good option for young students and people who are only staying a little while. Homestays will have either single or shared rooms and the cost will differ. There is also farmstay which means that you will be living in a rural or country area. Educational institutions across Australia have a list of good families that take on international students during the school year year. Usually homestays require that you pay up- front four weeks in advance, this is usually done before leaving your own country or when you first arrive. Remember to get receipts of your rent payments. Different families will have differing rules but most will want you to help clean. If you are going to buy in large electronic equipment (e.g a wide-screen TV) it may be a good idea to get permission from your host. If you are unsure about the rules of your homestay or anything that is bothering you, ask your host, they will be happy to assist. This may include practical matters such as how much of the house’s bill’s should I pay, when and how late you can go out or whether you can have friends over. If you are unhappy with your homestay family talk to the homestay coordinator or students services at your educational institution.


Hostels and guest houses (about $80 to $135 a week)

In Hostels and guest houses students usually share kitchen and bathroom areas and sometimes bedroom’s if the accommodation is dorm style. Hostels are often in good locations but are mainly used as a short term option until further accommodation is located.


Boarding schools (about $8,000 to $11,000 a year)

Boarding schools at Private secondary schools supply meals and laundry for students. The boarding fees are not included in tuition fees. These dorms are shared by members of the same sex and are supervised by adults.


Campus accommodation (about $100 to $250 a week)

Many universities and a few vocational institutions provide a range of accommodation at or close to the campus. They may be residential places, apartments or dormitory style residences shared with other students. The residential colleges, because they provide meals and other services are more expensive. There are often other social, education and sporting facilities. Slightly cheaper are Halls of residence which are located close to campus. Meals and some cleaning are usually supplied. There is a limit to vacancies for these options so it is important to apply early through your institution because you are not necessarily guaranteed a spot because you are doing a course in Australia.


Renting accommodation and tenancy agreements

Shared accommodation (about $50 to $160 a week) and rental
accommodation (about $200+ a week)

Renting a house, flat or apartment by yourself or with other students is an excellentoption for many international students. Though there is a limit of rental properties for all people looking for a place to live in Australia, especially in the bigger cities. If you are choosing to rent it is worthwhile knowing exactly what your rights are. Through university noticeboards, real estate agents, newspapers and other local institutions you can find out information on properties that are available. The internet is particularly useful as you can gather information from a wide variety of sources and you can usually find pictures of the place without having to go there.



Inspecting a property

When you are having a look at a property either through a private agent or a real estate agent it is a good idea to come prepared, having the relevant documents such as references, study and work details etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions with the person that is showing you around. Have a good look around the place and take your time. How furnished is the place? Is it in the right location? Is it big enough? Is there any major structural damage to the premise? Can I afford the place? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you consider putting in an application.


Bond and tenancy agreement

If you have been triumphant in getting a place you will have to pay for a bond. A bond is essentially a deposit on the place, it is usually the equivalent of about four to six weeks rent. This amount cannot be paid by cheque or credit. This will be paid to the landlord or real estate agent. This amount that you have paid will be returned to you when your lease finishes (if the place is in the same condition as when you got it). Now the tenancy agreement is a document that both you and the person renting the property both sign. There will be a list of guidelines that state when the rent is to be paid, when the inspection’s are and the current condition of the place. The condition of the place will be recorded by the real estate agent or landlord and any problems or house defects will be noted down so you are not responsible. However, it is good idea for yourself to note these yourself, take a photo of any problems you see, e.g - a crack in the wall or a burn in the carpet.


Rent

The rent what you will be pay to the landlord or real estate agent either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. This amount will usually not change unless an extra person moves in or you are on a periodic tenancy agreement. (see below)


Period of tenancy

There are two main kinds of tenancy agreements, fixed and periodic. A fixed-term tenancy (the most common) is usually for six months or a year. During this time your rent cannot legally go up. A periodic tenancy has no fixed end date. So it could be from month to month and the rent could potentially go up. A fixed-term tenancy means that you know you have that place for a certain period of time and you can relax knowing that you do not have to look for another place. However, if you decide you don’t like the place then you either have to break your agreement or put up with the place until the lease ends. A periodic tenancy agreement does give you security like the fixed-term does, however you are not bound to a lengthy agreement like the fixed-term. Both have positives and negatives.


Inspections

Inspections will usually occur ever two or three months, sometimes every month, or maybe even only twice a year. It all depends on the person renting the property. However, the landlord or real estate, by law has to give you at least two weeks notice before inspecting the property. You can usually organise a day and a time when all parties are free. Do your best to make the place look as good as when you got it.
 

Maintenance

The proprietor has to keep the place in good condition, for example the electricity, the plumbing or the breaking down of important services in your house. In the tenancy agreement you will be showed what you are responsible for and what is the responsibly of the property owner.


Utilities

Usually, you will be responsible for setting up the power, gas, electricity, water, internet etc and will be charged for the setting up of these services.


End of tenancy

The tenancy will end by you or by the owner. You may break the lease or leave the property when the fixed-term agreement finishes. If you are doing this you must notify the owner of when you are leaving and when the place will be cleared for inspection. Four weeks is usually sufficient warning for the owner. If the owner decided when you leave either because you have been evicted or is selling the property or moving back in they will usually give you six weeks to leave the premises which will be written and sent to you. The amount of time they need to give you varies from state to state so make sure you read your tenancy agreement watchfully.


Disputes

It is a good idea to try and be friendly with your real estate agent you can get along with them well. Try and be polite and treat them with respect. However, if you deem them unreasonable, if they are inspecting your property when not advising so, remember you have rights. It is always best to try and sort these problems out yourself, however, if the problems persist you can contact the Residential Tenancy Tribunal in you state. They will provide you with information on your rights as a tenant and if necessary a lawyer.