Question 1

What’s the rental market really like?

Accepted Answer

The current metropolitan Melbourne rental market is extremely competitive; with not enough houses and many people applying for several rental properties. This makes it so important to apply for realistic options within your budget. When you go to an open house and apply for a property, consider: • You might be an amazing renter, but you are competing against others who apply for this property. This could include an applicant that has been renting for 5+ years, with stable income and ability to provide rental references. • You are in charge of what you apply for, so consider what your goals for private rental are, and whether you may need to compromise on some of your ideals for now, while you continue to build your rental history. • Sometimes your goal is an amazing goal for the future, but it’s not for right now. You may love the idea of living by yourself but find that you aren’t being approved for any properties. That’s okay, you may be able to find a share house to check out, meet the people, and (if you like it and are approved) live in it for a while until you’re ready to find that amazing property you’re dreaming of!

Question 2

Where can I find a rental property or share house?

Accepted Answer

There are so many great options, here are just a few: https://www.realestate.com.au/ - advertises both private rental properties and share houses in the locations of your choosing https://flatmates.com.au/ - advertises available share houses in the area of your choosing, and possible housemates who you can pair up with to apply for a private rental property with. https://www.flatmatefinders.com.au/ - advertises available share houses in the area of your choosing, and possible housemates who you can pair up with to apply for a private rental property with. https://www.facebook.com/ - you may be able to find groups that advertise share houses in different suburbs, or local areas. No matter which path you choose, keep your safety in mind when going to new places and meeting new people. You can do this by informing trusted people about where you’re going and who you’re meeting. When meeting new people for the first time, choose a public place if you can. Please note we do not endorse or partner with any of these sites. MOIRA does not guarantee that any specific information or listing is genuine, accurate or suitable for you. You must think critically about anything you find on these sites as we don’t accept liability for any loss or damage caused by these websites. See our full disclaimer via the link below.

Question 3

Applying for private rental - Resources

Accepted Answer

Your Journey have some great resources you can look at to further inform you on applying for private rental: Rental Cover Letter - By Yourself Rental Cover Letter - With A Group Flatmate Profile Guide Hot Tips for Rental Applications

Question 4

Bond

Accepted Answer

A one-off payment that Residential Rental Providers (sometimes referred to as Landlord or real-estate agent) will request from you while you rent their property. Bond is usually the equivalent of one month of rent. The Residential Rental Providers will send the bond to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) for the lifetime of the lease. You may be eligible to receive the bond back when your lease ends, subject to certain conditions e.g. is the property in the same condition as it was when you moved in?

Question 5

RentAssist Bond Loan

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible for a RentAssist bond loan if the cost of your private rental is within 55% of your income. Click here for more information about a RentAssist Bond Loan (Available on Centrelink Website). Please note, we are not affiliated with the RentAssist program and cannot facilitate a RentAssist bond loan. The RentAssist bond loan scheme is provided by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and may change in accordance with Victorian Government policies in the future. See our full disclaimer via the link below.

Question 6

Rental Payments

Accepted Answer

This is usually a weekly payment that will vary depending on many factors. Usually, Residential Rental Providers will require that you pay one month of rent in advance in addition to your bond payment at the start of your lease. The cost of rent can vary broadly depending on where you live, the size of your house, whether utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and internet are included in the cost of the rent, and whether you split the cost of your rent and other rental expenses with housemates. This can be a great opportunity to decide what you want to prioritise in your budget. For example, do you want to prioritise discretionary items, or would you prefer to put more money toward your rental? Deciding what you want your living situation to look like can be such an exciting time because you get to decide what is most important to you from a lifestyle, living and financial perspective as you explore your options, relative to your budget.

Question 7

Centrelink Rent Assistance

Accepted Answer

To ease your cost-of-living pressures while you are living in a private rental, you may be able to receive rent assistance from Centrelink. You may be eligible for this if you are currently receiving certain payments from Centrelink, you can find more information here . Centrelink rent assistance is available through the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility for assistance is determined by the Commonwealth Government. We are not affiliated with Centrelink and cannot advise whether you are entitled to rent assistance from Centrelink. Please consider getting advice directly from Centrelink. See our full disclaimer via the link below.

Question 8

Appliances and Furniture

Accepted Answer

Prepare for the financial requirements of purchasing furniture by doing research before you move out where possible. Rental properties are usually unfurnished so you may need to purchase most of your furniture and any other household items you need. What are your priorities? Most people find that they have some items that they want to have new or look a certain way, and some items they are willing to compromise on. This might mean purchasing from a variety of different places such as retail stores, Facebook marketplace and Op shops (keep in mind that second hand goods may not be in safe working condition and may not have a warranty). And it might even mean that some non-essential items are purchased down the track because it’s not a priority to you when you first move into your new house. Making a list of all the things you need and want and estimating their cost beforehand can help prepare you for the cost of setting up the lifestyle you are choosing.

Question 9

Utilities

Accepted Answer

When you move into your property, you may need to sign up to utilities which can include gas, water and electricity. There are lots of online resources to help you explore your different options, including the following websites: https://www.myconnect.com.au/ - MyConnect can assist you to set up your utilities via phone call. https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ - You can compare the different plans on the market to find one suitable to your needs. Please note we are not affiliated with, and do not receive commissions from, any of these sites or organisations. As well, we are not responsible for any affiliations or commissions these sites may receive if assisting you. You should research any organisation yourself before using any services. See our full disclaimer via the link below.

Private Rentals

FAQ

FAQ

Private Rentals

FAQ

FAQ