We have a new and improved course search tool to help international students explore Australian study options. Find more information here

Accommodation tips: How to find the right house and housemates for you

Plus, everything you need to know about your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

8 June 2022

8 June 2022

8 June 2022

8 June 2022

8 June 2022

8 June 2022

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

When you arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to find the ideal place to live. You need to be able to find the right type of accommodation for you, at the at the right price.

If you plan to share a house with others, you will also need to find housemates who will be easy to live with... housemates who may even become lifelong friends.

So, we’re here to help you with some advice on finding the right home, and to make sure you know your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

Renting in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can rent or ‘lease’ a property by yourself, or with student friends or housemates. You may also choose to live with local Australians so you can also experience a new culture and community at home.

Real estate agents

One option is to apply for rental accommodation managed by a real estate agent who will also manage your rental agreement during your tenancy.

A real estate agent’s office will usually respond promptly to your enquiries and talk to the property owner on your behalf. 

Private rentals

You could also apply for accommodation called a private rental, where the owner of the house deals directly with you and manages the property during your tenancy.

It is important to be cautious when looking at private rentals not arranged by registered real estate agents. All property owners must strictly follow regulations on renter conditions and property repairs.

When you are in a private rental arrangement, it may be harder to get quick responses, including when requesting any urgent repairs. So, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements from the very start of your accommodation search.

Paying a bond

If you rent a house, you will need to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent). You will also need to pay some rent in advance (usually to cover the first four weeks of your tenancy).  

Before you apply for accommodation, carefully check the bond and lease agreements, terms and conditions.

Bond money is held by the relevant state or territory government authority in order to potentially pay for any damages that you, your housemates or house guests may cause to the rental property during your tenancy. Some, or all, of the bond may be refunded to you when your lease ends if there has been no damage done beyond ‘fair wear and tear'. 

Important things to note: 

  • Do not give bond money directly to a housemate as you will not be legally protected if they decide not to return the money.
  • If it is a private rental arrangement, make sure that the bond money is given to the residential bond authority in your Australian state or territory and not directly to the owner of the property. Your property manager will give you an official form to fill out in order to provide your bond.

How to find a rental property and housemates

Firstly, you will need to decide if you want to start a new lease on a rental property or move into an existing ‘sharehouse’:

1. Starting a new lease

Signing a new lease can require more paperwork than moving into an existing sharehouse, but you will have more control over your living situation and be able to choose your future housemates from the start.

You can visit real estate agent websites and offices in the local property area to find a listing of available properties to rent.

If you want to get started online, the most common sites to use when searching for rental properties in Australia are realestate.com.au and Domain.

Even when you have found your preferred accommodation, most real estate agents will require you to visit the property in-person before you apply to live there. This is recommended, so that you have an opportunity to check:

  • The condition of the property – does it need any urgent repairs?
  • Safety features – do the doors and windows lock properly?
  • The neighbourhood – do you feel comfortable in the area?
  • Location – is it easy to get to your campus, is it close to public transport and shops?
  • Surrounding noise levels – will you be able to study in that location?

2. Joining an existing sharehouse

If you are planning to move into a household looking for new housemates (or you want to promote a spare room in your house), websites such as flatmates.com.au and Flatmate Finders can be a useful place to start.

When it comes to finding the right housemates for your home, these are some questions you may want to ask them:

  • How often do you normally clean?
  • Have you had any difficulty paying rent in the past?
  • What do you like to do on the weekends and in the evenings?
  • Do you like to cook? Do you have any pets?
  • How long are you planning to stay here?

If you’re applying to live in a room in an existing household, they might ask you the same things, so it’s a good idea to think about your answers in advance.

Even when joining an existing sharehouse, make sure that you are on the lease agreement so that you and your financial bond are protected when you leave the house. Do not give your bond money to one of your housemates.

How do I fill out a rental application?

The real estate agent who is advertising and managing the property you’re applying for will tell you what you need to do.

This will include completing an application form. The information you will need to provide may include copies of personal identification, information on your rental history, and some evidence that you will be able to pay your rent, such as an employment contract or pay slips.

The rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities, so it’s a good idea to keep checking vacancy listings and apply for your preferred accommodation as quickly as possible. It also helps to add a cover letter so you can why you want this particular property and why you are a suitable tenant.

Your rights and obligations

You have the legal right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained and has working water and electricity. But you also need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged.

The real estate agent (property manager) or landlord (property owner) will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.

Find out more about your rights in our "Accommodation: know your rights" blog post. 

There are also a range of international student support services and help available within your state or territory:

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

When you arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to find the ideal place to live. You need to be able to find the right type of accommodation for you, at the at the right price.

If you plan to share a house with others, you will also need to find housemates who will be easy to live with... housemates who may even become lifelong friends.

So, we’re here to help you with some advice on finding the right home, and to make sure you know your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

Renting in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can rent or ‘lease’ a property by yourself, or with student friends or housemates. You may also choose to live with local Australians so you can also experience a new culture and community at home.

Real estate agents

One option is to apply for rental accommodation managed by a real estate agent who will also manage your rental agreement during your tenancy.

A real estate agent’s office will usually respond promptly to your enquiries and talk to the property owner on your behalf. 

Private rentals

You could also apply for accommodation called a private rental, where the owner of the house deals directly with you and manages the property during your tenancy.

It is important to be cautious when looking at private rentals not arranged by registered real estate agents. All property owners must strictly follow regulations on renter conditions and property repairs.

When you are in a private rental arrangement, it may be harder to get quick responses, including when requesting any urgent repairs. So, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements from the very start of your accommodation search.

Paying a bond

If you rent a house, you will need to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent). You will also need to pay some rent in advance (usually to cover the first four weeks of your tenancy).  

Before you apply for accommodation, carefully check the bond and lease agreements, terms and conditions.

Bond money is held by the relevant state or territory government authority in order to potentially pay for any damages that you, your housemates or house guests may cause to the rental property during your tenancy. Some, or all, of the bond may be refunded to you when your lease ends if there has been no damage done beyond ‘fair wear and tear'. 

Important things to note: 

  • Do not give bond money directly to a housemate as you will not be legally protected if they decide not to return the money.
  • If it is a private rental arrangement, make sure that the bond money is given to the residential bond authority in your Australian state or territory and not directly to the owner of the property. Your property manager will give you an official form to fill out in order to provide your bond.

How to find a rental property and housemates

Firstly, you will need to decide if you want to start a new lease on a rental property or move into an existing ‘sharehouse’:

1. Starting a new lease

Signing a new lease can require more paperwork than moving into an existing sharehouse, but you will have more control over your living situation and be able to choose your future housemates from the start.

You can visit real estate agent websites and offices in the local property area to find a listing of available properties to rent.

If you want to get started online, the most common sites to use when searching for rental properties in Australia are realestate.com.au and Domain.

Even when you have found your preferred accommodation, most real estate agents will require you to visit the property in-person before you apply to live there. This is recommended, so that you have an opportunity to check:

  • The condition of the property – does it need any urgent repairs?
  • Safety features – do the doors and windows lock properly?
  • The neighbourhood – do you feel comfortable in the area?
  • Location – is it easy to get to your campus, is it close to public transport and shops?
  • Surrounding noise levels – will you be able to study in that location?

2. Joining an existing sharehouse

If you are planning to move into a household looking for new housemates (or you want to promote a spare room in your house), websites such as flatmates.com.au and Flatmate Finders can be a useful place to start.

When it comes to finding the right housemates for your home, these are some questions you may want to ask them:

  • How often do you normally clean?
  • Have you had any difficulty paying rent in the past?
  • What do you like to do on the weekends and in the evenings?
  • Do you like to cook? Do you have any pets?
  • How long are you planning to stay here?

If you’re applying to live in a room in an existing household, they might ask you the same things, so it’s a good idea to think about your answers in advance.

Even when joining an existing sharehouse, make sure that you are on the lease agreement so that you and your financial bond are protected when you leave the house. Do not give your bond money to one of your housemates.

How do I fill out a rental application?

The real estate agent who is advertising and managing the property you’re applying for will tell you what you need to do.

This will include completing an application form. The information you will need to provide may include copies of personal identification, information on your rental history, and some evidence that you will be able to pay your rent, such as an employment contract or pay slips.

The rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities, so it’s a good idea to keep checking vacancy listings and apply for your preferred accommodation as quickly as possible. It also helps to add a cover letter so you can why you want this particular property and why you are a suitable tenant.

Your rights and obligations

You have the legal right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained and has working water and electricity. But you also need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged.

The real estate agent (property manager) or landlord (property owner) will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.

Find out more about your rights in our "Accommodation: know your rights" blog post. 

There are also a range of international student support services and help available within your state or territory:

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

When you arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to find the ideal place to live. You need to be able to find the right type of accommodation for you, at the at the right price.

If you plan to share a house with others, you will also need to find housemates who will be easy to live with... housemates who may even become lifelong friends.

So, we’re here to help you with some advice on finding the right home, and to make sure you know your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

Renting in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can rent or ‘lease’ a property by yourself, or with student friends or housemates. You may also choose to live with local Australians so you can also experience a new culture and community at home.

Real estate agents

One option is to apply for rental accommodation managed by a real estate agent who will also manage your rental agreement during your tenancy.

A real estate agent’s office will usually respond promptly to your enquiries and talk to the property owner on your behalf. 

Private rentals

You could also apply for accommodation called a private rental, where the owner of the house deals directly with you and manages the property during your tenancy.

It is important to be cautious when looking at private rentals not arranged by registered real estate agents. All property owners must strictly follow regulations on renter conditions and property repairs.

When you are in a private rental arrangement, it may be harder to get quick responses, including when requesting any urgent repairs. So, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements from the very start of your accommodation search.

Paying a bond

If you rent a house, you will need to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent). You will also need to pay some rent in advance (usually to cover the first four weeks of your tenancy).  

Before you apply for accommodation, carefully check the bond and lease agreements, terms and conditions.

Bond money is held by the relevant state or territory government authority in order to potentially pay for any damages that you, your housemates or house guests may cause to the rental property during your tenancy. Some, or all, of the bond may be refunded to you when your lease ends if there has been no damage done beyond ‘fair wear and tear'. 

Important things to note: 

  • Do not give bond money directly to a housemate as you will not be legally protected if they decide not to return the money.
  • If it is a private rental arrangement, make sure that the bond money is given to the residential bond authority in your Australian state or territory and not directly to the owner of the property. Your property manager will give you an official form to fill out in order to provide your bond.

How to find a rental property and housemates

Firstly, you will need to decide if you want to start a new lease on a rental property or move into an existing ‘sharehouse’:

1. Starting a new lease

Signing a new lease can require more paperwork than moving into an existing sharehouse, but you will have more control over your living situation and be able to choose your future housemates from the start.

You can visit real estate agent websites and offices in the local property area to find a listing of available properties to rent.

If you want to get started online, the most common sites to use when searching for rental properties in Australia are realestate.com.au and Domain.

Even when you have found your preferred accommodation, most real estate agents will require you to visit the property in-person before you apply to live there. This is recommended, so that you have an opportunity to check:

  • The condition of the property – does it need any urgent repairs?
  • Safety features – do the doors and windows lock properly?
  • The neighbourhood – do you feel comfortable in the area?
  • Location – is it easy to get to your campus, is it close to public transport and shops?
  • Surrounding noise levels – will you be able to study in that location?

2. Joining an existing sharehouse

If you are planning to move into a household looking for new housemates (or you want to promote a spare room in your house), websites such as flatmates.com.au and Flatmate Finders can be a useful place to start.

When it comes to finding the right housemates for your home, these are some questions you may want to ask them:

  • How often do you normally clean?
  • Have you had any difficulty paying rent in the past?
  • What do you like to do on the weekends and in the evenings?
  • Do you like to cook? Do you have any pets?
  • How long are you planning to stay here?

If you’re applying to live in a room in an existing household, they might ask you the same things, so it’s a good idea to think about your answers in advance.

Even when joining an existing sharehouse, make sure that you are on the lease agreement so that you and your financial bond are protected when you leave the house. Do not give your bond money to one of your housemates.

How do I fill out a rental application?

The real estate agent who is advertising and managing the property you’re applying for will tell you what you need to do.

This will include completing an application form. The information you will need to provide may include copies of personal identification, information on your rental history, and some evidence that you will be able to pay your rent, such as an employment contract or pay slips.

The rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities, so it’s a good idea to keep checking vacancy listings and apply for your preferred accommodation as quickly as possible. It also helps to add a cover letter so you can why you want this particular property and why you are a suitable tenant.

Your rights and obligations

You have the legal right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained and has working water and electricity. But you also need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged.

The real estate agent (property manager) or landlord (property owner) will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.

Find out more about your rights in our "Accommodation: know your rights" blog post. 

There are also a range of international student support services and help available within your state or territory:

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

When you arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to find the ideal place to live. You need to be able to find the right type of accommodation for you, at the at the right price.

If you plan to share a house with others, you will also need to find housemates who will be easy to live with... housemates who may even become lifelong friends.

So, we’re here to help you with some advice on finding the right home, and to make sure you know your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

Renting in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can rent or ‘lease’ a property by yourself, or with student friends or housemates. You may also choose to live with local Australians so you can also experience a new culture and community at home.

Real estate agents

One option is to apply for rental accommodation managed by a real estate agent who will also manage your rental agreement during your tenancy.

A real estate agent’s office will usually respond promptly to your enquiries and talk to the property owner on your behalf. 

Private rentals

You could also apply for accommodation called a private rental, where the owner of the house deals directly with you and manages the property during your tenancy.

It is important to be cautious when looking at private rentals not arranged by registered real estate agents. All property owners must strictly follow regulations on renter conditions and property repairs.

When you are in a private rental arrangement, it may be harder to get quick responses, including when requesting any urgent repairs. So, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements from the very start of your accommodation search.

Paying a bond

If you rent a house, you will need to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent). You will also need to pay some rent in advance (usually to cover the first four weeks of your tenancy).  

Before you apply for accommodation, carefully check the bond and lease agreements, terms and conditions.

Bond money is held by the relevant state or territory government authority in order to potentially pay for any damages that you, your housemates or house guests may cause to the rental property during your tenancy. Some, or all, of the bond may be refunded to you when your lease ends if there has been no damage done beyond ‘fair wear and tear'. 

Important things to note: 

  • Do not give bond money directly to a housemate as you will not be legally protected if they decide not to return the money.
  • If it is a private rental arrangement, make sure that the bond money is given to the residential bond authority in your Australian state or territory and not directly to the owner of the property. Your property manager will give you an official form to fill out in order to provide your bond.

How to find a rental property and housemates

Firstly, you will need to decide if you want to start a new lease on a rental property or move into an existing ‘sharehouse’:

1. Starting a new lease

Signing a new lease can require more paperwork than moving into an existing sharehouse, but you will have more control over your living situation and be able to choose your future housemates from the start.

You can visit real estate agent websites and offices in the local property area to find a listing of available properties to rent.

If you want to get started online, the most common sites to use when searching for rental properties in Australia are realestate.com.au and Domain.

Even when you have found your preferred accommodation, most real estate agents will require you to visit the property in-person before you apply to live there. This is recommended, so that you have an opportunity to check:

  • The condition of the property – does it need any urgent repairs?
  • Safety features – do the doors and windows lock properly?
  • The neighbourhood – do you feel comfortable in the area?
  • Location – is it easy to get to your campus, is it close to public transport and shops?
  • Surrounding noise levels – will you be able to study in that location?

2. Joining an existing sharehouse

If you are planning to move into a household looking for new housemates (or you want to promote a spare room in your house), websites such as flatmates.com.au and Flatmate Finders can be a useful place to start.

When it comes to finding the right housemates for your home, these are some questions you may want to ask them:

  • How often do you normally clean?
  • Have you had any difficulty paying rent in the past?
  • What do you like to do on the weekends and in the evenings?
  • Do you like to cook? Do you have any pets?
  • How long are you planning to stay here?

If you’re applying to live in a room in an existing household, they might ask you the same things, so it’s a good idea to think about your answers in advance.

Even when joining an existing sharehouse, make sure that you are on the lease agreement so that you and your financial bond are protected when you leave the house. Do not give your bond money to one of your housemates.

How do I fill out a rental application?

The real estate agent who is advertising and managing the property you’re applying for will tell you what you need to do.

This will include completing an application form. The information you will need to provide may include copies of personal identification, information on your rental history, and some evidence that you will be able to pay your rent, such as an employment contract or pay slips.

The rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities, so it’s a good idea to keep checking vacancy listings and apply for your preferred accommodation as quickly as possible. It also helps to add a cover letter so you can why you want this particular property and why you are a suitable tenant.

Your rights and obligations

You have the legal right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained and has working water and electricity. But you also need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged.

The real estate agent (property manager) or landlord (property owner) will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.

Find out more about your rights in our "Accommodation: know your rights" blog post. 

There are also a range of international student support services and help available within your state or territory:

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

When you arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to find the ideal place to live. You need to be able to find the right type of accommodation for you, at the at the right price.

If you plan to share a house with others, you will also need to find housemates who will be easy to live with... housemates who may even become lifelong friends.

So, we’re here to help you with some advice on finding the right home, and to make sure you know your rights as a housing tenant in Australia.

Renting in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can rent or ‘lease’ a property by yourself, or with student friends or housemates. You may also choose to live with local Australians so you can also experience a new culture and community at home.

Real estate agents

One option is to apply for rental accommodation managed by a real estate agent who will also manage your rental agreement during your tenancy.

A real estate agent’s office will usually respond promptly to your enquiries and talk to the property owner on your behalf. 

Private rentals

You could also apply for accommodation called a private rental, where the owner of the house deals directly with you and manages the property during your tenancy.

It is important to be cautious when looking at private rentals not arranged by registered real estate agents. All property owners must strictly follow regulations on renter conditions and property repairs.

When you are in a private rental arrangement, it may be harder to get quick responses, including when requesting any urgent repairs. So, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements from the very start of your accommodation search.

Paying a bond

If you rent a house, you will need to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent). You will also need to pay some rent in advance (usually to cover the first four weeks of your tenancy).  

Before you apply for accommodation, carefully check the bond and lease agreements, terms and conditions.

Bond money is held by the relevant state or territory government authority in order to potentially pay for any damages that you, your housemates or house guests may cause to the rental property during your tenancy. Some, or all, of the bond may be refunded to you when your lease ends if there has been no damage done beyond ‘fair wear and tear'. 

Important things to note: 

  • Do not give bond money directly to a housemate as you will not be legally protected if they decide not to return the money.
  • If it is a private rental arrangement, make sure that the bond money is given to the residential bond authority in your Australian state or territory and not directly to the owner of the property. Your property manager will give you an official form to fill out in order to provide your bond.

How to find a rental property and housemates

Firstly, you will need to decide if you want to start a new lease on a rental property or move into an existing ‘sharehouse’:

1. Starting a new lease

Signing a new lease can require more paperwork than moving into an existing sharehouse, but you will have more control over your living situation and be able to choose your future housemates from the start.

You can visit real estate agent websites and offices in the local property area to find a listing of available properties to rent.

If you want to get started online, the most common sites to use when searching for rental properties in Australia are realestate.com.au and Domain.

Even when you have found your preferred accommodation, most real estate agents will require you to visit the property in-person before you apply to live there. This is recommended, so that you have an opportunity to check:

  • The condition of the property – does it need any urgent repairs?
  • Safety features – do the doors and windows lock properly?
  • The neighbourhood – do you feel comfortable in the area?
  • Location – is it easy to get to your campus, is it close to public transport and shops?
  • Surrounding noise levels – will you be able to study in that location?

2. Joining an existing sharehouse

If you are planning to move into a household looking for new housemates (or you want to promote a spare room in your house), websites such as flatmates.com.au and Flatmate Finders can be a useful place to start.

When it comes to finding the right housemates for your home, these are some questions you may want to ask them:

  • How often do you normally clean?
  • Have you had any difficulty paying rent in the past?
  • What do you like to do on the weekends and in the evenings?
  • Do you like to cook? Do you have any pets?
  • How long are you planning to stay here?

If you’re applying to live in a room in an existing household, they might ask you the same things, so it’s a good idea to think about your answers in advance.

Even when joining an existing sharehouse, make sure that you are on the lease agreement so that you and your financial bond are protected when you leave the house. Do not give your bond money to one of your housemates.

How do I fill out a rental application?

The real estate agent who is advertising and managing the property you’re applying for will tell you what you need to do.

This will include completing an application form. The information you will need to provide may include copies of personal identification, information on your rental history, and some evidence that you will be able to pay your rent, such as an employment contract or pay slips.

The rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities, so it’s a good idea to keep checking vacancy listings and apply for your preferred accommodation as quickly as possible. It also helps to add a cover letter so you can why you want this particular property and why you are a suitable tenant.

Your rights and obligations

You have the legal right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained and has working water and electricity. But you also need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged.

The real estate agent (property manager) or landlord (property owner) will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.

Find out more about your rights in our "Accommodation: know your rights" blog post. 

There are also a range of international student support services and help available within your state or territory:

A sunset view of the Sydney CBD skyline from a high rise.

Quando você chega a um novo país, pode ser difícil encontrar o lugar ideal para viver. Você precisa encontrar o tipo certo de acomodação para você, pelo preço certo.

Se você planeja compartilhar uma casa com outras pessoas, também precisará encontrar colegas de acomodação com quem será fácil conviver…e que poderão até se tornar amigos para toda a vida.

Então, estamos aqui para ajudá-lo com alguns conselhos sobre como encontrar a casa certa e garantir que você conheça seus direitos como locatário na Austrália.

Alugar imóveis na Austrália

Como estudante internacional na Austrália, você pode alugar um imóvel sozinho ou com amigos ou colegas de acomodação. Você também pode optar por viver com australianos locais para que possa experimentar uma nova cultura e uma comunidade em casa.

Corretores imobiliários

Uma opção é enviar propostas de aluguel para acomodações gerenciadas por um corretor imobiliário que também gerenciará seu contrato de aluguel durante a locação.

A imobiliária geralmente responderá prontamente às suas consultas e conversará com o proprietário do imóvel em seu nome. 

Aluguel particular

Você também pode buscar acomodação por aluguel particular, segundo o qual o proprietário da casa lida diretamente com você e gerencia o imóvel durante a locação.

É importante ter cuidado ao buscar aluguéis particulares não intermediados por agentes imobiliários registrados. Todos os proprietários devem seguir rigorosamente os regulamentos sobre as condições do locatário e reparos de imóveis.

Quando você está em um contrato de aluguel particular, pode ser mais difícil obter respostas rápidas, inclusive ao solicitar reparos urgentes. Portanto, é importante entender seus direitos desde o início da sua busca por acomodação.

Pagar depósito caução

Ao alugar um imóvel, você precisará pagar um depósito caução ou “bond”, que geralmente equivale a quatro semanas de aluguel. Você também precisará pagar algum aluguel adiantado (geralmente para cobrir as primeiras quatro semanas de locação).  

Antes de enviar a proposta de aluguel, verifique cuidadosamente o valor do depósito caução e os termos e condições do contrato de aluguel.

O depósito caução é retido pela autoridade governamental estadual ou territorial relevante para potencialmente pagar por quaisquer danos que você, seus colegas de acomodação ou convidados possam causar ao imóvel alugado durante a locação. Uma parte ou a totalidade do depósito caução pode ser devolvida a você quando o contrato de aluguel terminar, se não houver danos além do “desgaste normal”. 

Coisas importantes a observar: 

  • Não pague o depósito caução diretamente a um colega de acomodação, pois você não estará legalmente protegido se ele decidir não devolver o dinheiro.
  • Se fizer um acordo de aluguel particular, certifique-se de que o depósito caução seja dado à autoridade responsável pelos depósitos cauções residenciais no estado ou território australiano onde você mora e não diretamente ao proprietário do imóvel. O agente imobiliário lhe dará um formulário oficial para preencher relacionado ao depósito caução.

Como encontrar um imóvel para alugar e colegas de acomodação

Em primeiro lugar, você precisará decidir se deseja iniciar um novo contrato de aluguel ou mudar para uma casa compartilhada:

1. Fazer um contrato de aluguel

Assinar um contrato de aluguel pode exigir mais papelada do que se mudar para uma casa compartilhada, mas você terá mais controle sobre sua situação de moradia e poderá escolher seus futuros colegas de acomodação desde o início.

Você pode visitar sites e imobiliárias localmente para encontrar uma lista de imóveis disponíveis para alugar.

Se você quiser começar online, os sites mais comuns usados para pesquisar imóveis para alugar na Austrália são o realestate.com.au e o Domain.

Mesmo quando você encontrar uma acomodação de que goste, a maioria dos corretores imobiliários exigirá que você visite a propriedade pessoalmente antes de enviar a proposta de aluguel para morar lá. Esse passo é recomendado para que você tenha a oportunidade de verificar:

  • O estado do imóvel – precisa de reparos urgentes?
  • Recursos de segurança – as portas e janelas podem ser trancadas corretamente?
  • O bairro – você se sente bem na região?
  • Localização – é fácil chegar à instituição de ensino, está perto de transporte público e do comércio?
  • Níveis de ruído ao redor – você conseguirá estudar nesse local?

2. Mudar para uma casa compartilhada

Se você está planejando se mudar para uma casa que está buscando novos colegas de acomodação (ou quer anunciar um quarto vago na sua casa), sites como o flatmates.com.au e o Flatmate Finders podem ser úteis para começar.

Quando se trata de encontrar os colegas de acomodação certos para a sua casa, estas são algumas perguntas que você pode querer fazer:

  • Com que frequência normalmente você limpa a casa?
  • Você teve alguma dificuldade em pagar aluguel no passado?
  • O que você gosta de fazer nos fins de semana e à noite?
  • Você gosta de cozinhar? Você tem algum animal de estimação?
  • Quanto tempo você planeja ficar aqui?

Se você estiver buscando uma casa compartilhada, os moradores da casa podem perguntar as mesmas coisas para você, por isso é uma boa ideia pensar sobre suas respostas com antecedência.

Mesmo ao se mudar para uma casa compartilhada, certifique-se de estar no contrato de aluguel para que você e seu depósito caução estejam protegidos quando sair da casa. Não dê o depósito caução a um de seus colegas de acomodação.

Como faço para preencher a ficha de proposta de aluguel?

O corretor imobiliário que está anunciando e gerenciando o imóvel no qual você está interessado dirá o que você precisa fazer.

Isso incluirá o preenchimento de uma ficha de proposta de aluguel. As informações que você precisará fornecer podem incluir cópias de documento de identificação pessoal, informações sobre seu histórico de locação e algumas evidências de que você conseguirá pagar o aluguel, como um contrato de trabalho ou contracheques.

O mercado imobiliário pode ser competitivo, especialmente em cidades maiores, por isso é uma boa ideia verificar sempre os anúncios e enviar sua proposta de aluguel o mais rápido possível. Adicionar uma carta de apresentação, na qual você apresenta porque deseja esse imóvel específico e porque é um locatário adequado, também ajuda.

Seus direitos e obrigações

Você tem o direito legal de se sentir seguro em casa e morar em uma acomodação bem conservada e com água e eletricidade. Mas você também precisa pagar seu aluguel em dia e manter o imóvel limpo e sem danos.

O corretor imobiliário (gerente imobiliário) ou o proprietário (dono do imóvel) realizará uma vistoria no imóvel a cada 3 a 6 meses. Legalmente, eles devem avisar você com pelo menos sete dias de antecedência antes de entrar na sua casa.

Saiba mais sobre seus direitos na publicação "Acomodação: conheça seus direitos" no nosso blog. 

Há também uma variedade de serviços internacionais de apoio a estudantes internacionais e ajuda disponível no estado ou território em que você mora: