Australia Student Accommodation

As there is a current lack of affordable rentals in Australia it is best to look at the market where the student will be living before leaving their home land. This shortage is not just for international students it is affecting most Australians as well. With such a high demand this means more frequent rent rises and fewer houses and apartments available especially for those who are not working full time.

There are many places where students can search for rentals including real estate web sites, local newspapers and their education institutes international office should be able to provide some assistance.

When applying for a rental the agent will ask for specific information this will include references from where a student has lived and rented before. They will also require a current bank statement and proof that the student can pay the rent and support themselves. They will also ask for personal identification. Many real estate agents will ask for an application fee of one weeks rent, if the student is approved they will keep this fee. If the application is denied this will be returned to the student.

Types of Accommodation

There are many types of accommodation available for rent in Australia. Most rental options do not come furnished unless the student is staying in a homestay situation. There are many affordable furniture shops in all parts of Australia.

Some educational institutes can provide temporary short term accommodation to their international students, this option can be organised before arrival in Australia so the student has somewhere to stay whilst looking for permanent accommodation.

Homestay

A homestay arrangement will cost the student between AU $110 to $270 per week. This is where a student will stay with an Australian family through the duration of their course. A homestay is only available for students studying a short term course. Usually meals are included but a student will need to help with paying utilities such as electricity bills. These things will need to be discussed with the host family.

The host family are all chosen by institutes and are Australian government approved, so all students will be safe. A host family will ask for a deposit for the stay and a bond of four weeks rent which are payable before the student arrives at the home. The bond will be refunded if there are no damages done.

Hotels and Guest Houses

A hostel will cost the student between AU $80 and $135 per week. These are a short term accommodation option with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Boarding Schools

A boarding school offers on campus accommodation this is however a more expensive option costing the student between AU $8,000 and $11,000 per year. Here the student sleeps in a dormitory and has laundry and meal services provided. Dormitories are all same sex and are supervised by mature adults. Boarding Schools are for secondary school students.

Campus Accommodation

An on campus option for University students is available also. Accommodation includes apartment, colleges or halls of residence which will cost the student between AU $100 to $250 per week. Usually located within close distance to the campus where a student is studying.

Shared Accommodation and Rental Accommodation

With the current rental shortage in Australia rental accommodation is becoming more expensive. Many students are choosing to share a rental with fellow students. A shared rental will cost between AU $50 to $160 per week, compared to having a rental by themselves which will cost AU $200 and more a week. If choosing to find a rental in Australia remember the student will have to pay for utilities, food and be able to set up the house including furnishings.

Renting Accommodation and Tenancy Agreements

Inspecting a property

Once a student has found a rental advertised the next step is to contact the Real Estate Agent who is advertising the property and arrange an inspection. With the current rental situation in Australia there are more home opens being arranged so that more potential applicants can see through the house at the same time. The agencies will advise the student if this is the case.

During the inspection the student will be able to look through the property and get a better idea of the location to see if it will be suitable for their needs. It is best to look presentable when attending an inspection to make the best impression. If the student is pleased with the property then they can ask the real estate agent for an application form which will need to be returned to the Agency along with an application fee.

Tenancy Agreement

Once an application is approved the student will need to sign a tenancy agreement. This agreement is signed by all three parties, the tenant, real estate agent and the owner. It will state all terms and conditions including length of stay, maintenance, condition of the property, regular inspections and how often the owner is allowed to increase the rent (this will usually be six monthly).

Bond: In addition to signing the agreement the applicant will be required to pay a bond, this is four weeks rent. A bond covers any damages caused or found at the end of the tenancy period. If there are no damages made then the bond will be refunded in full.

Rent: The rent amount will have been agreed upon at the time of application, this is the amount of money the tenant will need to pay a week. Rent is paid in advance. At the time of signing the tenancy agreement the tenant will be required to pay two weeks rent. In most cases rent will be payable fortnightly and can be made straight into a bank account or directly to the real estate agency. If rent is not paid in time the office will contact the tenant requesting the payment to be made. If the payment is not paid at all then the tenant will risk being evicted.

Period of tenancy: A period of tenancy will be discussed at the time of application, and will be stated in the tenancy agreement. A fixed period will usually be either for 6 months of 12 months, if the agency and owner are happy with the tenant and the tenant wishes to stay these periods can be extended. A periodic tenancy is usually made when a house is for sale, in this situation there is no fixed period.

Rent Increases: The owner and real estate agent have the right to increase the rent at the end of a period of tenancy.

Condition Report: A condition report states at the time of agreement what state the property is in. This will include photographs and will mention any areas which are damaged and in need of maintenance. This condition report will protect the tenant from loosing their bond at the end of their lease. Both the agent, owner and the tenant will all have copies of this report.

Inspections: The real estate agent will inspect the property every three months to insure there are no maintenance issues and that the tenant is looking after the property. Photographs will be taken to update the owner. The agency is required to give the tenant at least two weeks notice before the inspection date. If the real estate agent has any problems with the property and the way it is being kept they will give the tenant two weeks to fix this and then they will return for a second inspection at the tenants cost.

Maintenance: It is not the tenants responsibility to pay for general maintenance, this is up to the property owner. This includes issues such as roof leaks, electrical faults, burst water pipes and other property issues. If there are any problems with the property contact the real estate agent for contacts and advise.

Utilities: All tenants are required to make the phone calls to connect their own gas, electricity and phone line. The tenant will also be required to pay for these utilities.

End of Tenancy: A tenancy is ended either at the end of a fixed term or if the owner decides to end the agreement. If the tenant agrees to leave at the end of a fixed term they will be required to write a letter to the agency stating this and giving them 28 days notice. If the tenant is asked to leave they will be given 6 weeks notice to leave the premises. On leaving the property, re read the tenancy agreement. The agreement will usually state that the property will need to be professionally cleaned and carpets to be professionally cleaned prior to leaving. If pets have staying on the property then pest control will be required to flea treat the property. All of these are at the tenants expense and receipts will need to be provided to the real estate agent when the tenant returns the keys. If the property has not been cleaned properly expenses will be taken from the tenants bond.

Disputes: In many cases disputes are easily sorted by contact with the real estate agent. If problems persist the tenant will need to contact the Residential Tenancy Tribunal, there is a tribunal available in each state of Australia.