Australia Student Accommodation

There’s a vast array of accommodation options available for International students in Australia. So while finding the right accommodation for the right price can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging, there are services which can help you. The first point of contact you should make is with your Education provider. They oftentimes have options that are catered specifically to their students. They also might have contacts or leads to people that can help source accommodation for you. Overall, while seeking accommodation as an international student can be concerning, (especially since affordable housing in Australia’s larger cities faces shortage), most students are to find a “home-away-from-home” eventually. However, to do this, it is vitally important that you factor the relatively high cost of housing into your budget before you come to Australia. You may also need to have access to funds to cover possible rent increases too.

Apart from speaking to your education institution representative about housing options, you can also seek available options in Australian newspapers, Real Estate agents, as well as examining websites that cater for rental properties. Once you find your property, you will usually require references from people whom you’ve rented property from previously. This will help your application being considered by the landlord. It will also prove you have a record of being a good tenant. In addition to your references, you will need to provide evidence that you have enough money to pay for your accommodation (for example with a bank account statement).


Accommodation options available in Australia

There are many types of accommodation options available in Australia. So, while it might take some time to find, eventually, you’re sure to find accommodation that suits your needs. Apart from homestay, most accommodation does not include household items like electrical items, bedding, furniture, kitchen utensils or phones. However, you can find furnished apartments for various budgets if you search thoroughly. Another option is to buy cheap household goods from places such as: secondhand retail outlets, garage sales, co-op charity stores, private sales published in newspapers or on institution notice boards, and by bringing some of your own basic items from home. However, it is best to contact your institution for advice before deciding on your accommodation. They could have something available for you that may not have considered before, like sharing a flat with other students. Also, they can provide you with temporary accommodation so that when you arrive, you’ll have time to consider your long-term accommodation options.


Accommodation Guide in Australia

If you decide to study in Australia and thinking how much can you expect to pay for accommodation, read on! We’ve placed together a list showing you average prices for accommodation international students can expect to pay.  


Homestay (approx $100 to $300 a week)

Living with an Australia family can be a terrific way to experience your host country. It also proves a popular way for students to improve their English language skills, especially for younger students undertaking a short-course in English. With this option, the style of accommodation can vary. Some students have their own room while others share a room. Meals are also offered in such arrangement but not always. You’ll need to factor a food budget into your living expenses if meals are not provided by your homestay family.

A similar option to the homestay is the farmstay. This accommodation option offers the perks of the homestay option but in a rural setting. Talk to your Educational institution about your interest in this style of accommodation. Most institutions maintain a register of reputable families that provide board to international students during the academic year.

When paying for your homestay or farmstay, you’ll be required to deposit the equivalent of four weeks’ rent on arrival (if you have not paid before you leave home). But you’ll need to discuss the specific arrangement with your accommodation hosts. When you do pay for your accommodation, ensure you receive a receipt. Also, it is good practice to ask your hosts well in advance what their house rules are so that you can abide by them. After all, you are living in a private home so common courtesy is a good way to keep both you and your hosts happy! So don’t expect a maid service to clean for you. Indeed, you will be expected to clean up after yourself, especially in common or shared spaces. Also, it might be a good idea to seek your host’s approval before you installing a television in your room (or anything else for that matter). Just in case of any objections. However, most hosts will be very accommodating to you so the experience is sure to be great one of mutual benefit. Just remember to keep your lines of communication open and amiable. So do speak to your host families directly about any questions or issues you have. In most cases, they will try to help you. But if the matter is unresolved satisfactorily, you should then contact your institution for further advice and assistance. Your homestay coordinator or student services office at your institution should be able to find a solution for you. So don’t tolerate a situation that is not good for you! You and your host families are both meant to enjoy the experience!

To help you decide if you’d like to stay with a proposed host family in Australia, we’ve listed some questions you might to like your host families:

• What are your house rules?
• What bills am I expected to pay aside from rent?
• Are meals included?
• Do I need to pay to use the phone?
• What are your rules for using the kitchen and laundry?
• Am I allowed to have friends visit me?
• Do you have a curfew?
• What is the latest time I can arrive from school (if you’re under 18)?
• Can I receive calls from your home phone?
• How much notice do you need if I decide to move out? When can I expect to get my deposit back?

Hostels and guest houses (approximately $80 to $140 per week)

This option is the one of the cheapest accommodation options. There are a great many privately run establishments and more popular international chains run by organisations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). In this style of accommodation, students share kitchen and bathroom facilities. However, this type of accommodation is usually suitable for a short stay.


Accommodation and tuition at Australian Boarding schools (approximately $8,000 to $11,000 per year)

If you’re looking to complete your secondary education studies in Australia, there are many private schools which provide accommodation, meals and laundry services for international school students. In such schools, you will be living in a dormitory with other students of the same sex under adult supervision. For more information, you will need to contact the schools directly. Our Education consultant can help source an appropriate school.


Campus accommodation (approximately $100 to $250 per week)

This is by far the most popular accommodation option for international students completing tertiary education in Australia. At most universities and some vocational institutions, there are liaison officers that can help you find a place on campus or near campus (such as apartments, halls of residence or residential colleges). The cost for campus accommodation varies depending on the type of accommodation.

At the pricier end, residential colleges provide accommodation with meals. They may also feature sporting and social facilities, tutors, libraries and computer facilities. A similar accommodation is known as halls of residence. These are located on or near institution campuses. While generally cheaper than residential colleges, they still are a good option and feature additional benefits such as provided meals and some cleaning services. Be sure to contact your institution as early as possible to apply for a place as this form of accommodation ‘go like hot cakes’! And so, because their places are in such high demand in Australia, you are not automatically guaranteed a room by simply being accepted for study. Therefore, get your application in early to avoid disappointment.


Renting private accommodation

On average, shared accommodation can range between $50 to $160 per week and rental accommodation from $200 plus per week. Most students prefer to live with others rather than rent a house or flat on their own. This helps with providing company, sharing bills and the rental costs.  However, such shared accommodation options are increasingly more difficult to source. So, as the cost of accommodation rises, so does competition for places. In this way, if you’re planning on renting, do your research in advance. And make sure you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Also, check out the Residential Tenancy Tribunal’s website in your state for information about your rights and obligations.

To help gather the right information on the types of accommodation available, suitable locations, and the costs involved with rental properties, keep the following guide in mind:

•    talk to fellow students,
•    talk to real estate agents
•    check-out university notice boards and contacts
•    speak directly to your institution’s accommodation officers
•    examine your student and local newspapers
•    research rental websites

The sooner you do the groundwork in seeking accommodation, the sooner you can relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and delights of Australia and your local host community.
 

Rent

In Australia, the payment for private accommodation is called ‘rent”. It is usually paid weekly and for a pre-determined period, depending on your tenancy agreement. In most cases, rent must be paid in advance. In this way, if you fall behind on your rent, you could be evicted and your bond could be lost (i.e. given to the owner of the property in lieu of the money you still owe them). You could also damage your rental record which could affect your future rental applications. Because of these consequences, it is necessary that before you sign your tenancy agreement, you discuss with your real estate agent the precise method of payment and the frequency of payment to avoid such problems. For instance, the agent may ask you to pay in cash at the office of the real estate agent, or set-up direct debit (which is an automatic payment method that allows the agent to deduct money from your account on pre-arranged intervals).


Period of tenancy

There are two forms of rental contracts that you will be required to sign: either the fixed-term or periodic rental agreement. In the case of the fixed-term tenancy agreement, the contract is legally binding for a definite period of time (usually 6 to 12 months). It might be useful to know that once you sign this agreement, the rent cannot be increased. In contrast, in the case of a periodic tenancy, there is no definite end date. In this way, tenants usually agree to a month-by-month agreement. Consequently, there are no restrictions on their rent costs which could increase several times in one year.

To ensure you are signing a contract that best fits your needs, it is important to determine your needs in advance. To help you decide the best option, think about whether or not you want to travel in Australia. If so, a fixed-term tenancy might mean you’ll be paying double (i.e. both for your rental accommodation and travel accommodation). However, if you like the area of your rental accommodation and know you’ll be studying for 6-12 months, then the fixed-term tenancy agreement would be ideal for you.  On the other hand, if you find out you dislike the location of your rental property, then you might be struck with it. That is, unless you’re willing to forfeit your deposit (which is usually the equivalent of 4-6 weeks rent). So, a periodic tenancy does have its good points, namely, it gives you time to decide where you’d like to live.


Rental increases

Remember, if you’re on a fixed-term tenancy, your rental payment cannot increase for the agreed period stated on your contract. Only when you’re asked to sign an additional agreement to extend your rental period can the landlord increase the rental costs. Likewise, if your agreement is a periodic tenancy, you’ll be asked to pay an increased rent at the end of your contract. Your real estate agent is obliged to provide you with notice of their intention to increase your rent. But please be sure to examine the rental laws that are relevant to the state or territory where you’ll be living, as each state has different guidelines and rules. A good place to start your research would be the so your state Residential Tenancy Tribunal. They usually have a printed rental guide book which is a very useful way to keep abreast of rental laws and your rights as a tenant.

What is a ‘Condition report’?
A condition report is what you’ll receive when you rent a property. It is completed by your real estate agent on behalf of the landlord. Basically, it serves as a record of your rental property’s ‘condition’ before you occupied it. In this way, if you damage the property in any way, you’ll be liable for costs associated with fixing the damage. This cost is usually deducted from your deposit (which is your 4-6 week rental bond you are required to pay in advance). Consequently, it is important that you check this report thoroughly so you can confirm that it is accurate. Otherwise, you could be liable for paying property damages which were caused by the previous tenant.

So, in addition to your copy of your tenancy agreement and the keys to your property, the real estate agent should also hand you a condition report. Read their remarks carefully and examine the property yourself to ensure it’s accurate. Things to re-examine for accuracy in the report and rental property include:

• all evidence of mildew in the bathroom
• all wall cracks
• every stain, mark or dirt spot on the carpet
• the condition of every light fixture
• the condition of every appliance (such as the heater and kitchen stove)
• the condition of the bathroom fixtures
• the condition of any appliance or fixture not mentioned in the report
• add any scratches on floorboards or counters missing from the report
• take photos of any damage (before you move in and date them) as proof of your claim

As noted previously, it is extremely important that you agree that the condition report is accurate. If you are not happy its accuracy, raise your concerns with the real estate agent. They are legally obligated to write accurate reports. In most cases they do a good job of writing reasonable reports, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the report is fair. Otherwise, when you leave the rental property, you’ll lose part or all of you rental deposit bond.

Another way of protecting yourself from false claims is to take a picture of the premise and hand a copy to your real estate agent as a supporting record. (You should also keep a copy of the photos and condition report for your own records): generally, when you return your signed condition report (which is usually due within three days of your tenancy start date), you will more likely receive your full bond deposit back when you vacate the premise at the end your contract.


Inspections

When you agree to be a tenant, you also agree to periodic inspections by the real estate agent or landlord. You will be given at least two weeks’ notice or more before an inspection. The purpose of such inspections is to provide them with evidence that you’re taking good care of the property. These inspections determine whether you will be allowed to remain in the rental property. So it is in your best interest to ensure you take every measure and precaution necessary in making your rental home damage free and clean. Your continued occupancy is contingent on this successful inspection report.

In the event your real estate agent is not satisfied that the property is being looked after adequately or in a satisfactorily clean condition, they will generally make an additional appointment for another inspection. You will then have time to clean the property. However, if the property is still considered unclean or damaged on the second inspection, you might be asked to leave the premises. Consequently, as an international student, you should do your best to avoid this incident by maintaining your rental property; why waste time on looking for a new rental property when you could be studying or going out and meeting new friends!


Maintenance

According to Australian law, property owners are required to maintain their properties in a reasonable condition that is appropriate to live in safely. Basically, the property should be in a state of good repair. However, their responsibilities are different from state to state, so be sure to find out what their responsibilities are in your visiting state to ensure your property meets legal standards. As a general ‘rule of thumb’, property owners are responsible for items such as:

• fixing broken appliances and fixtures such as burst water pipes and roof leaks
• ensure all electrical equipments and outlets are safe and working
• address and faulty or breakdown of essential services (like the toilet and shower)

For more information, you can speak to your real estate agent. They should be capable of providing you with details as to what the landlord is responsible for fixing and maintaining. They should also provide you with contact number and directions on what to do in an emergency (.e. should the electricity stop functioning at night, the name and number of their electrician).


Utilities:

Payment for utility services (such as connecting gas, water, electricity and telephone to the property) can either be managed or paid for by you or the landlord. You will need to speak to the real estate agent on what your rental agreement terms state. Utility arrangements vary greatly in each state and territory.


End of tenancy

So, you’ve finished your studies, collected lots of fond memories, and met wonderful new friends but now its time to leave. How do you get your bond deposit back? Well, essentially, if you’re tenancy agreement expires, you can simply clean the premise to the standard you found it in and vacate it by the expiry date. You will also need to write a letter to the owner or real estate agent notifying them of your intention to leave on the tenancy agreement’s end date. 4-weeks in advance of your departure would provide them with ample notification. Once, the real estate agent inspects the premise and agrees it is left in a condition equal to the standard it was left in before your occupation, then your deposit will handed to you within a reasonable timeframe. (Usually less then 4-weeks).

However, if you the tenant decide to leave before the tenancy agreement period has finished, you must provide written notice of your intention to vacate at least four weeks before you leave. In this event, you could lose you deposit bond as a result. However, some landlords are flexible about such matters if they find a new tenant within the 4-week period. You will need to thoroughly examine the rental property laws in your state as well as speak to the real estate agent directly.  But, if the reason for your early departure is not your decision, rather because the owner decides to end the tenancy, (i.e. you are being evicted for breaching your contract or perhaps they might be selling the property or moving back in themselves), they will need to provide you with a written notice to vacate. This notice is usually given six weeks in advance before you a required to leave. The length of notice does vary from state to state, so examine your tenancy agreement carefully.


Disputes

While you are a tenant, it is good practice to maintain a good and communicative relationship with your real estate agent. This ensures that if any problems arise, you’ll be able to find a reasonable resolution. However, there are times when the real estate agents are not able to assist you or that you feel you are being unfairly treated. In this case, if you don’t have a good relationship with your real estate agent, still try to address the problem with them in a polite manner. Yet, if your grievances are not satisfactorily resolved, or you’d like another opinion on the matter or information they have given you, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Tribunal in your state. This governing body is a able to provide you with information on your rights as a tenant. They also act a mediation body if you believe you are not being lawfully treated. Here are there contact numbers:

• ACT Residential Tenancies Tribunal: 02 6217 4259
• Queensland Residential Tenancy Authority: 1300 366 311
• Consumer Affairs Victoria: 1300 558 181
• New South Wales Office of Fair Trading: 13 32 20
• South Australia Office of Consumer and Business Affairs: 08 8204 9555
• Western Australia Department of Consumer and Employment Protection 1300 304 054
• Tenants’ Union of Tasmania: 1300 652 641
• Northern Territory Consumer Affairs: 1800 019 319