Migrant services - Accomodation
- Arranging Accommodation Before Arrival
- Arranging Accommodation After Arrival
- Renting
- Tenancy Information
- Utilities
Pre-Arrival Information
Arranging Accommodation Before Arrival
Some people prefer to have long-term housing arranged before they get to Melbourne.
Although this can provide peace of mind, it's important that the housing option has been investigated as thoroughly as possible.
For instance;
- Request floor plans, photos or other evidence of what you can expect to find when you arrive at your new home;
- Confirm that the room or apartment has windows;
- Will it be big enough for you?
- Does it include the facilities and services you require?
- Make sure you get what you were promised after you arrive.
Ask for recommendations from friends or family who know your requirements and have experienced living in Melbourne.
Sometimes you cannot immediately access their pre-arranged room or apartment on arrival in Melbourne. If you find yourself in this situation, you should arrange temporary accommodation prior to your departure.
Os Australia can assist you with your permanent or temporary accommodation requirements.
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to arrange share housing from a distance. You really need to be in Melbourne to inspect properties and meet potential house mates to see if you'll get along.
Arranging Accommodation After Arrival
Securing long-term housing after you arrive in Melbourne can be a good way of being fully informed about your housing choice.
We recommend that OS Australia will assist you in sourcing long-term accommodation immediately on arrival. This will help to give you enough time to 'house hunt' and settle into your new surroundings and environment.
There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can:
- Physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease.
- Decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood.
- Assess the noise levels, both by day and night.
- Check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged;
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation;
- Make housing your first priority. Without a house, you're homeless;
- Avoid rushing your 'house hunting'. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices;
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Os Australia can help you with your accommodation requirements, or you can make your own arrangements through one of our many partners.
Cost of Living
Researching the possible costs of living in Melbourne will help you plan your budget. Budgeting is crucial and will help you choose a suitable and affordable housing option.
Living on your own is generally more expensive. Usually the more people you live with, the cheaper it becomes. However you still need to consider whether living in a large household suits your lifestyle.
Estimated Average Rental Prices
Weekly property rental prices vary according to a number of factors, such as: size of the property; location; condition of the property; additional features (garden space, garage etc).
ur estimated weekly rental figures for various housing arrangements are:
|
For Students Homestay (full board) - $223 Hostels (furnished) 1-bedroom single occupancy - $256 |
Vacant property (unfurnished) |
* These figures are estimates only, and are current as at 31st July 2007.
Establishment Costs
At the start of your tenancy you will need enough money to pay both the first month's rent and one month's rent as bond. You may also need to pay for utilities connection, furniture and household goods.
Tenancy Advice
Tenancy agreements are legally binding documents.
You do not necessarily have to have a written agreement to be covered by the tenancy law in Victoria.
Understanding your tenancy rights and duties will help you manage your housing and communicate with your landlord with more confidence.
There are simple ways of learning about your rights and duties. Reading the information on the following pages is a good way to start.
- What is the RTA?
What is the RTA?
In Australia, laws that apply to tenancy agreements vary from state to state.
The legislation that covers landlords and tenants in Victoria is called the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
The purpose of the RTA is to define the rights and duties of landlords and tenants/residents of:
- rented premises;
- rooming houses;
- caravan parks.
Your rights and duties as a tenant vary slightly with each of the options.
The provisions in the RTA outline procedures to avoid and/or resolve disputes under the Act.
Who is Covered by the RTA?
If you have an agreement with your landlord, you will most likely be covered by the RTA.
The RTA covers Australian and international tenants. It also covers tenants regardless of whether they are students, professionals or unemployed.
Tenancy agreements or leases are legally binding documents. Learn about your tenancy rights and duties to avoid troubles with your landlord.
Where Can I Find Out More?
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) produces a booklet called 'Renting a home: A guide for tenants and landlords'. It is your landlord's dutyto provide you with a copy of this booklet at the start of your tenancy. It's also available from Student Housing Services or online on the CAV website.
Useful fact sheets are also available on the Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV) website.
Utilities, Phone & Internet
Where separate meters are provided, tenants are responsible for connection and usage of water, electricity and gas. Tenants are also responsible for connection and payment of the telephone.
The cost of gas, electricity and water is your landlord's responsibility if separate meters are not available at your property. Tenants are not responsible for water service charges or local council rates. The landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs to appliances, fixtures or fittings that supply water to the property.
The Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV) produces a range of useful online fact sheets, including one on the topic of Utility charges.
Arranging Utility Connection
The tenants who previously lived in your new property should have disconnected utility services on their departure from the property. To arrange connection, you should contact utility companies three days before you move in to your new property. This way you can ensure that services are connected when you arrive.
Be prepared to pay a connection fee in your first bill for the connection of services like telephone and electricity.
With deregulation of the utility markets you can shop around to find the provider that best meets your needs and budget. A list of companies is provided below for your convenience, however this is not an exhaustive list.
You may also wish to browse for other utility providers listed in the Yellow Pages directory.
| Gas & Electricity | Electricity |
|---|---|
AGL Energy Australia Origin TXU |
Powerdirect RedEnergy |
| Telephone, Mobile & Internet | Mobile |
AAPT Cellular One Ltd Bdigital Digiplus Optus Telstra |
3 Mobile Vodafone Virgin Mobile Austar |
| Telephone & Internet | Mobile & Internet |
Primus Telecommunications |
Dodo |
| Internet | |
Unwired |