When you combine Australia's low property vacancy rate and high demand for rental properties with a massive influx of international students, the end result is a rental crisis for everyone who is looking for accommodation Down Under.
As renting accommodation and all the problems that come with it is a big issue for many people in Australia, we're going to take a deep dive into this topic by looking at how to prepare rental applications, tips on searching for the right accommodation, support services available, and rental scams that are out there.
Just remember that if you need support or someone to talk to, our Sonder support team is available 24/7 to chat whenever you need it.
5 tips when looking for rental properties
Renting in Australia is a competitive market, so you want to make sure you're fully prepared while making sure you know exactly what you're looking for. Don't worry, we're here to help you with five useful tips to make sure your rental journey is as easy as possible:
Find the right people to live with
Renting in Australia can be quite expensive and it's generally more financially viable to share accommodation with a few people. If that's what you want to do, then it's important to find people whose lifestyles are compatible. Housemates who like to party late may not gel well with those who prefer a quieter household!
If you're in need of some housemates, you can team up with some colleagues/fellow students, use your education provider’s housing service or off-campus networks (if you're a student), or search for housemates using online resources such as Flatmate Finders and Flatmates.com.au.
Search within your budget
It can be expensive when you're living away from home, especially when you take into all the various costs when renting such as paying bond and buying furniture if you're living in an unfurnished property, so make sure you live within your means.
Study Australia has a handy cost-of-living calculator to help you estimate your costs.
Make sure you have all the correct documentation
Rental applications can take some time to fill out and require a lot of information, so make sure you have all your documents ready.
This can include previous rental references, pay slips, a cover letter, and your rental history.
Be friendly at the inspection
While you don't need to dress up in a suit for a rental inspection, it's important to make a good first impression on the real estate agent. Look neat and presentable, and be polite as you want to present yourself as a responsible person who is taking the rental process seriously (which you are!).
Be ready
Have all your application information ready so that you can apply for rental properties as quickly as possible. Demand for accommodation is high so you want to get your foot first in the (metaphorical) door.
Preparing a rental application
As rental properties are in such high demand in Australia, it's important to take the rental application process seriously and properly as there are several other people who are ready to swoop in and take that rental property right out from under you. You want to be the ideal tenant so here's what you need to do:
Have all the correct documentation ready
Better to be overprepared than underprepared as you'll be ready to apply for applications straight away as they come up.
Documents can include:
Photo identification such as a driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card.
Secondary forms of ID include your birth certificate, Medicare card, bank card, student ID, bank statements, and bills.
Pay slips - show the landlord you have a reliable income, don’t be afraid to show off
A cover letter. First impressions matter.
Rental history - You need to provide rental ledgers and references from previous places you've rented.
Save time and apply online
2Apply and the Tenant App are great apps to store information so you're ready to go ASAP.
Get your housemates into gear
Make sure all your housemates who you plan on living with have completed the rental application and are all sorted with their documentation. You don't want to waste time chasing people up.
Be on time for inspections
Beat the queues, get to the front and have a good chat with the real estate agent
Be presentable and look half-decent. You want to show that you’re a responsible adult!
Follow-up with the agent
Let them know you’re interested and keen and happy to provide any additional information they need.
Support services and resources
It's important to understand your rights as a tenant. You have the right to feel secure at home and live in accommodation that is well maintained with working water and electricity. On the flip side, you need to pay your rent on time and keep the property clean and undamaged as part of your rental agreement.
Your real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every few months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home.
If you need additional help, Sonder is here for you 24/7 and our support team is always available to chat. If you need additional resources, we've listed them below.
For students:
Other resources and services:
Each state and territory has its own accommodation and rental resources available to those who need it:
ACT
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
There are also resources available to those in the ACT who are in need of emergency accommodation:
One Link - Information and connections for support services in the ACT, including services for families and young people, and services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Ph: 1800 176 468
Domestic Violence Crisis Service - 24/7 ph: (02) 6280 0900
The Early Morning Centre - A community hub supporting Canberra people who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, and those experiencing social isolation.
Northern Territory
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
New South Wales
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
For those who are in need of rental support in NSW, Rentstart is available to provide financial assistance to eligible clients to help them set up or maintain a tenancy in the private rental market. There are five types of Rentstart assistance:
Rentstart Bond Loan – An interest-free loan where you can apply for up to 100% of a rental bond. In exceptional circumstances, Housing NSW may provide a loan of up to 100% of the bond. Your repayment plan is based on how much of your income is spent on rent.
Advance Rent – A grant that is provided to clients who already have a Rentstart Bond Loan, but are finding it difficult to meet the set-up costs of their tenancy.
Rentstart Move – This assistance is for those who want to leave public housing or who are no longer eligible for it and have to vacate their property. If a client meets the Rentstart Move criteria, DCJ Housing will provide a bond loan for up to 100% of a private rental bond.
Tenancy Assistance – This is a once-only payment in a 12-month period, to help clients who've fallen behind with their rent and/or water bill. The maximum amount of assistance is limited to the equivalent of 4 weeks' rent. It's not provided as a loan and does not have to be repaid.
Temporary Accommodation – This is a short-term measure to provide limited accommodation in low-cost motels or caravan parks for clients who are homeless. Usually, the assistance is limited to a few days until clients can make their own more permanent arrangements.
You can check if you're eligible for Rentstart here.
Queensland
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
The Queensland government also has a dedicated 'Help with renting' section on its website that has rental and housing resources, including:
RentConnect - A service that helps people find and apply fora place to rent.
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) - A rental scheme aimed at low-to-medium income households where people can qualify if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS) - A helpline to help tenants understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Aside from rental programs and assistance, there are also other government resources available for emergency accommodation and homelessness:
South Australia
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
South Australia also has a Private Rental Assistance Program Policy which provides financial assistance to eligible customers who:
Have difficulty meeting the upfront costs associated with renting privately
Need help to maintain their accommodation.
Tasmania
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
Tasmania's Department of Communities has a Private Rental Incentives Program that encourages property owners to make their homes available for affordable rent to low-income households with low or no support needs. Head over to the website here for more information and to see if you are eligible.
Victoria
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
For those in Victoria in need of rental and housing support, the government has a dedicated HousingVIC website where people can find resources and seek assistance. HousingVIC has rental and housing resources that include:
Help with renting that includes RentAssist bond loans, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, financial help, and rental advice.
Social housing (public and community) for those on low incomes or those who have recently experienced homelessness, family violence or have other special needs.
Important information for public housing renters.
Victoria also has urgent housing helplines that can be contacted:
Homeless/Risk of Homelessness
Free 24/7 phone line 1800 825 955 will refer you to help nearby or to Salvation Army Crisis Services
Family Violence/Domestic Violence
Free 24/7 phone line - Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 1800 015 188
Western Australia
Those in need of rental assistance can apply to Services Australia for Rent Assistance, which is eligible for:
People with dependent children
People without dependent children
People in different circumstances
The WA government also provides Rental Assistance Options via the Department of Communities to those on a low to moderate income who have a housing need. These rental housing options include:
In addition to housing options, the Department of Communities and the Federal government also provide financial assistance options:
Financial assistance and support services
In addition to the student and rental resources outlined above, Australia has a number of financial assistance and support services available if needed:
Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand - Offers eligible people no-interest loans of up to $2,000.
The Australian Banking Association has a list of member banks providing customers with emergency assistance.
Sydney Water Payment Assistance Scheme provides emergency relief to those who are struggling to pay their water bill.
The Financial Rights Legal Centre can provide free financial advice from a financial counsellor.
The National Debt Hotline provides free and confidential advice from professional financial counsellors on 1800 007 007 (Open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.)
Economic Justice Australia has many useful resources about JobSeeker and other Centrelink payments.
The Moneysmart website has information about support and services for making financial decisions.
Use AskIzzy to search various support services in your area.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Information sourced from: ABC #1, ABC #2, Australian Property Investor, Domain, Real Estate, Study Australia,
Image credit: Friends
All content in Sonder's Help Centre is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.