Renting an Apartment in Australia For Students: A Complete Guide

Selecting affordable housing, like university apartments, homestays, or private rentals, is crucial after choosing your Australian study location.

Prioritise comfort and safety for both studying and daily life. Before deciding, thoroughly research available student room rentals and understand the renting process in Australia. Keep reading for more insights and tips on accommodation and renting for students.

1. Choose The Right Place To Live

Finding a suitable housing facility is integral to feeling at home, especially when moving to a new place. Accommodations around Australia vary, depending on your location and what type of accommodation you choose. 

Here are different accommodations that you can choose from:

• Private rentals

• Long-term student residencies

• Apartment accommodation

• Homestay 

• Hostels 

2. Important Things To Consider

Location

The closer you live to Australia's CBD (Central Business District) area, the more expensive rent gets. The same applies to the accommodations close to campuses. It's always better to conduct thorough research when looking for accommodations. However, there's a possibility that you'll find housing that is further from your campus. 

Finding apartments of your choice might be challenging, as Australian cities currently face a rental shortage. It may take you weeks or even months to find long-term accommodation. Therefore, you need to book short-term accommodation before coming to Australia so that you have the option to stay.

At the same time, you can conveniently look for a long-term rental property. 

Style of Accommodation

The accommodation you choose is entirely up to you — it depends on your expectations and needs. If you want to live with other students, rent a share house or a private rental. You can also get a fully furnished property, which might be a little expensive and hard to find. Remember, most rental properties in Australia are unfurnished.

International students can live and experience life with an Australian family by choosing a homestay. This accommodation is more expensive than the other options available but includes utility bills and meals. 

Rental Agreements

When renting a property in Australia, you'll be required to sign a legal contract to protect both the tenant (you) and the landlord. The minimum contract period may last up to six months, but most contracts last for twelve months. 

You will also need to pay a security deposit called a bond. It covers cleaning and maintenance costs after the tenant leaves the property. It's crucial to note that some rules and regulations govern the use of bonds, and you must abide by them.  

You can visit the Residential Tenancies Authority to learn more about tenants' rights and responsibilities. This website will help you to be more aware of your rights and obligations before you sign a rental agreement. 

3. Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Renting In Australia

You need to ask yourself the following questions to make the right decision and find accommodation according to your requirements. 

• What are my rights and responsibilities as a tenant?

• How close is the accommodation to my campus?

• Is the area safe enough?

• Are there any public transport options available?

• Is the place comfortable and quiet to sleep and study?

• Does the accommodation cost include internet, telephone, and utility bills?

• How many people will I share the accommodation with and what are they like?

• Will I be comfortable sharing accommodation with different people?

• Does the accommodation include meal plans?

• Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?

To clear your doubts about renting in Australia, you can talk to your education provider or your institution's international student support team. 

4. Accommodation Tips

Here are some tips you should consider when searching for accommodation in Australia for international students:

Do Not Leave Anything For The Last Minute

Leaving things for the last minute may create havoc. So start making accommodation plans immediately after you receive your acceptance letter from the university, college, or school. Planning helps you properly consider and go through all the available options. 

Seek Advice

When searching for private accommodation in Australia for international students, you can seek advice from your education provider or institution. Usually, they have a list of accommodation options around your area. 

Go Online

You can check out several rental properties on websites like domain.com.au and realestate.com.au. This will help you find an apartment or a shared house facility per your location.

Know Your Rights

Students renting an apartment in Australia need to know their tenancy rights. You can visit realestate.com.au to learn more about tenant rights in different states of Australia. 

Carefully Go Through Your Lease or Contract

It's essential to understand your accommodation lease or contract. So take time to read the document and talk to your landlord or educational institution to clear all your doubts if you have any confusion. 

Make Sure To Check The Costs

Ensure you understand the additional expenses incurred apart from the rent and deposit. Thoroughly check the inclusions and exclusions.

Review Your Inventory or Condition Report

If you rent a private property, you will get an inventory (list of property contents) and a condition report that describes the state of each item of the property.

When you leave the property, you can prove that you have not caused any damage and that you are eligible to receive your deposit back. Make sure that you understand what you are agreeing to and signing. 

Find Cheaper Alternatives For Household Items

In Australia, several second-hand markets and rental schemes offer cheaper alternatives for buying new things not included in the accommodation, like furniture, refrigerators, and washing machines. So consider those options and save a ton of money.

5. Additional Details

If you need more information on renting, you can contact the relevant authority in a specific state or territory in Australia. Here's a list of authorities in different states and territories of Australia that you can check online:

• Victoria - Consumer Affairs Victoria

• Queensland - Tenants Queensland

• Tasmania - Consumer, Building, and Occupational Services

• New South Wales - Tenants, Information, Advice & Advocacy Services

• Western Australia - Tenancy WA

• South Australia - Tenants' Information and Advisory Service

• Northern Territory - Consumer Affairs

• Australian Capital Territory - Tenants Union Act

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?