Student Accommodation Australia

There are a lot of accommodations for international students:

One of the biggest challenges besides being in a new place where you do not know as many people as you would like is living arrangement.  You can get additional information at www.domain.com.au or www.realestate.com.au for a list of rentals or apartments.

You might want to research before just throwing yourself into something you are not quiete aware of or have not looked into before.  Your institution has an international office, contact the staff way before you arrive for information on housing in or out of campus, living and other questions.  

If you know people who live in Australia or have had past experience in renting in the continent it would be good to get their feedback and learn from their experience.  As well if you have rented with other people in the past, getting written references can work to your benefit by providing these statements to real estate agents when you apply for property, showing you have a good record as a good tenant.  


Types of accommodation

There are various types of accommodation.  Take things that remind you from home but remember not to include electrical items, furniture, bedding or kitchen utensils they qualify as quarantine.  Never the less you can always bring some of your own basic items, pillows, toothbrush, pictures, notebooks, books and other household items can be purchase in retail outlets or in private sales for people on a budget.   

Your institution can provide you with advice on accommodation options.  Temporary accommodations can be arranged for you before you leave home if you are still in the process of considering long-term options.

 
Here is where your money can take you

Home stay (about $110 to $270 a week)

Home stay is when you live with an Australian family in their home.  For young students, living on a budget and are studying for a short period of time, this is good.  For short term English courses this option is popular.  Single or shared rooms are available and costs vary.  Meals are usually included, but cheaper self-catering home stay is available.  

Another option is farm stay, which offers the same kind of services exept is in the rural part of town, is more quiet and relaxed.  

These families usually have done this before, it wont be the first time with an international student, but still you can ask them all the questions you want and get in touch with them as often as you feel you need too.  
You need to pay before you arrive or on the day of your arrival, so make sure this is a decision you want to follow through on.  

It might just be like living at home but with a new family, you will be expected to pick up after yourself and your things, especially in shared areas.  You should seek approval before installing any equipment in your room, such as television or nailing something into the wall or painting the room.    
Your host is their to help you and try to make your transition a little easier but if you feel that is not occurring you can also contact your institution for assistance.  

Some questions you should be thinking about and asking the host are:

• When should I pay for the rent or phone bill?
• What are the rules about using the kitchen, washing my clothes, going out and having friends over?
• What time at night should I stop receiving incoming telephone calls?
• When is the latest I can return home after school? (For students who are in high school or under the age of 18.)
• How much notice should I give if I decide to move out? When can I get my deposit returned?
• How much space would be available to me?
• Are the essential (such as a bed, night stand) already provided or is it extra?
• Questions provided by the Australian government guide for international students.

Hostels and guest houses (about $80 to $135 a week)The hostels are usually run by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).  Students share kitchen bathrooms facilities and short stay options are available. Boarding schools (about $8,000 to $11,000 a year)Many private secondary schools provide comfortable accommodations, meals and laundry services for international school students.  Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees.  You will share a room with other student of the same sex and be supervised by adults. Campus accommodation (about $11 to $250 a week)Most universities and some vocational institutions offer a variety of accommodations on or near campus, such as apartments or residential.  The cost will vary depending if you are staying on or off campus.  But keep in mind staying on campus will be slightly more expensive but includes meals, tutoring, libraries and computer facilities.  Halls of residence which is another option are located on or near institution campuses and are cheaper than residential colleges and also includes meals and some cleaning services are provided, the institution can provide you with further assistance, keep in mind the earlier you know what you like and where you would enjoy to reside the better it is, due to high demand by other students who are also interested in the same living space, is first come first serve.  Just because you have accepted to study in Australia does not guarantee you a room or a place of residence.    Renting accommodation and tenancy agreementsShared accommodation (about $50 to $160 a week) and rental accommodation (about $200 + a week)Renting a house or flat by yourself is a popular choice for all new international students, however, the shortage of rental properties means the price is quite high and competition is rough.  If you plan to rent do research and make sure to stay away from the scam or offers that may seem too good to be true.  Gather information on what kind of rentals your interested in, what would you like the price to include (if water, light, furniture) and use the internet as your friend check out www.realestate.com.au or www.domain.com, look at locations, prices, how far is it from your new school institution.  

Inspecting a property

When you find a location that you are interested in available for rent, you will need to pass by and view it, first set up a date and time to visit the local.  This information you can find on the real estate website.  It is accustomed to not rent a property that has not been inspected prior.

The location should look neat and tidy and not to be afraid to speak to the real estate agent showing the property if you have questions.  If you ha reference this would be the ideal time if you are a person who will be a renter to show them.  If you are really serious about renting make sure that you bring along proof that you can pay for rent.  

When you inspect the property some questions you should keep in mind is: Is there enough space for your needs? Is it close to public transportation? Is the rent price fair enough? Are you getting what you want out of the property for the money you’re paying? If you change your mind, how much notice do you need to give? Are the living conditions appropriate?  You should also look out for things that might need fixing: cracks in the walls, broken tiles.  Is it contract we are doing or monthly renting? If you want out later on what are the necessarily steps you need to do, how bind are you to the contract, what other information do they require for you to rent the location.   


Your tenancy agreement

If you are successful in applying to rent a property, you will need to sign a tenancy agreement.  The terms and conditions will vary from state to state but you can be sure to find clauses that might bind you to something you might not want to be bind with, you can also have a lawyer or someone else that has past experience to review it and look it over to make sure you are not getting involved in something that ultimately wont work for you.  


Bond: The bond is the money that you pay up front, like a security deposit.  Is about four to six weeks rent and you will have to pay it to the real estate agent in cleared funds (cash, not by credit card or checks)  when you sign the tenancy agreement.  This money you should get it back at the end of your term, when you leave this residency as long as the payment, room, or living space that you were residing in is the same way it was when you first moved in.  This money you cannot use it to pay your rest during the last couple of months.  

 
Rent:  The rent is the amount you have to pay each week or month, it various on what your landlord and agreements that comes upon between both parties.  Rent must always be paid in advance.  If you fall behind you run the chance of being evicted and losing your bond, giving the owner of the property the bond to cover the rent you are not paying.  Before you sing your tenancy agreement, discuss with your real estate agent how you will be required to make these payments.  Also look into if you can set up some kind of automatic payments.  


Period of tenancy:  You might be asked to sign one of two types of tenancy agreements- fixed-term or periodic.  A fixed-term tenancy is for a definite period, 6 to 12 months in which your rent cannot go up.


Rent increases:  If you are on a fixed-term tenancy, your rent cannot increase.  But if you move to a periodic tenancy at the end of your contract, your real estate agent may provide you with notice of their intention to increase your rent.  

Condition report:  When your real estate agent hands you your copy of your tenancy agreement and the keys to your new place.  Also included in your documents is your condition report, where presents when you can movie it, list the damages, such as cracks, dirty spots, appliances already included and other conditions.  Anything you noticed that came with the place and is not on the list you can add it and notify the agent.  Is also a good idea to take photos of the items you are adding to the list.  You will have three days to return a copy of the complete condition report to the real estate agent and always stay with a copy for yourself.  
 
Inspections:  It will be a condition of your tenancy that allows your real estate agent to inspect your property throughout your stay.  The purpose is so that the real estate agent can check that you are taking good care of the property and report back to the owner.  When ever other inspection takes place you will be given at least two weeks notice prior.  If the real estate agent is not satisfied that the property is not being kept you like it should, with adequate living conditions, maintained, they will generally make an appointment for another inspection soon afterwards.  If the property still isn’t up to the expectations that it should be you might find yourself in a position where you have to move out.


Maintenance:  Property owners are required to maintain their properties in a condition that is appropriate to be lived in on a day to day base, in good repair.  The responsibilities of every owner varies from state to state but generally includes fixing breakdowns of essential services, roof leaks, water pipes, electrical circuits; your real estate agent can provide you with more information.  


Utilities:  Everything extra that the location will have for your use, such as gas, water, electricity and telephone.  These appliances will come out of your pocket and it is your duty in most cases to pay them on time since you will be using them 100% of the time.  


End of tenancy: A tenancy can end in two ways- either you can end it, or the owner can choose to end it.  If you are on a fixed-term tenancy, you can decide to leave the premises at the end of the contract period or again renew it for another period of time.  If you chose to end it, you must provide a written notice at least four weeks before you leave. If the owner on the other hand decides to end the tenancy, you have about six weeks before you must leave.
 

State/territory contact Telephone Website

ACT Residential
Tenancies Tribunal
02 6217 4259 www.courts.act.gov.au

Queensland Residential
Tenancy Authority
1300 366 311 www.rta.qld.gov.au

Consumer Affairs
Victoria
1300 558 181 www.consumervic.gov.au

New South Wales Office
Of Fair Trading
13 32 20 www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

South Australia Office
Of Consumer and
Business Affairs
08 8204 9555 www.ocba.sa.gov.au

Western Australia
Department of Consumer
And Employment
Protection
1300 304 054 www.docep.wa.gov.au

Tenants’ Union of
Tasmania
1300 652 641 www.tutas.org.au


Disputes: Is important to try and maintain a good relationship with your real estate agent, and if any problems should arise you can communicate openly with them about any issues, but even if you do not have the greatest relationship with the agent you should still be able to communicate with them in a polite manner, they are after all the link between you and your new rental.  

If the problems are not ultimately fixed or you would like another option on the information they have given you, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Tribunal in your state.  They can provide more information on the laws of tenants’ protections.