Moving into a place of your own (or with housemates) is a big deal. Knowing where to look and how to apply will make the process easier.
47%
of 20-24 year olds live with parents
Start searching online
There are a couple of different property search websites that you can use to find a place to rent.
Some will be websites that help you find empty properties to move into. Others will be existing properties with a room available. Start your search as wide as possible.
Searching online also means you can be specific in your search. You will be able to select property type (apartment, house, unit, etc.), price, suburb, size and others.
A word of advice: Don’t be too picky. If your standards are too high, you might find there isn’t much available.
Make a list of the things you’re willing to accept and the things you’re not. If you’re not finding much, you might need to lower your standards.
Start looking early as it might take some time to find a place to rent.
Rental location and price
Choose a location that suits your needs. Do you need to be close to work, school or family? Do you need to be close to public transport?
How much money can you afford to spend each week on rent? Remember to include the potential cost of bills for the property such as electricity and gas, food and other living expenses that you may have. Learn more about how to pay bills.
Your individual needs
Do you have accessibility requirements such as a ramp or accessible shower?
Maybe you need a ground-floor apartment? Do you own a car and need to have a parking space or storage?
Introduce yourself to the agent when you attend property inspections - it will help them remember you.
Rental assistance
If you currently receive a government support such as Youth Allowance, you may be eligible to receive a Centrelink payment to help with your rental payments.
You don’t need to apply to receive rental assistance. The Australian Government will automatically check to see if you’re eligible when you claim another payment from them.
Those who are eligible may be asked to prove they pay rent by showing their formal tenancy agreement.
For more information on rental assistance visit Services Australia.
Getting housemates
If you are not living with mob or family, moving into a house with other people is a great idea.
It helps to share living expenses with others and it’s also great to have some social connection at home.
If you think you would live well with others, give it a try. For some people, it will be a financial necessity.
Finding the right people to share with is important. They will become the people you see the most!
It can be helpful to have shared values and ideas on how you will live together and share the house.
There are lots of great groups you can join on social media that may be specific to a particular area, community or interest.
This can help you narrow down your search and learn more about potential housemates before you agree to move in.
There are also other great websites where you can either find a housemate to move in with you or find somewhere to live.
Things you’ll need to move into a house
- A deposit (usually two weeks’ rent)
- A bond (usually four weeks’ rent)
- Money for household items/removal service if needed
- Referees/references from employers or a mentor/friend/teacher, a respected elder in your community or mob
What is a bond?
The bond is the amount of money you pay before you move in. It is generally four times your weekly rent and is paid into a bond lodgement account when you sign the lease. When you move out, as long as nothing has been damaged, you get your bond back.
If you don't have a rental history, it can be helpful to ask a family member to write a guarantor letter as part of your rental application.
Property inspections
Most places will require you to attend a property inspection before you can apply.
The real estate agent will provide dates for upcoming inspections, usually online. If not, you may need to contact the property manager and ask when you can inspect the property.
They will ask you to register your details so that they can keep track of who is attending.
Often an inspection only goes for 15-30 minutes. You may not get another chance to attend the property, so try to be on time and take someone with you if you want some support.
When you arrive, the agent will ask for your name and tick your details off the list. There will sometimes be other people inspecting the property at the same time as you.
It can be hard if you don’t have a rental history so it might take a bit longer to find a rental place.
How to apply through a real estate agent
Have a look at the property listing and see what their application process is.
You will often need to click a link on the listing which will take you to an application page.
It will ask for a lot of personal details, so make sure you have all your documents ready to go. They usually also need photos of your identification uploaded as evidence.
If you need help completing the application, ask someone who has done it before if they can help you out.
If you start the application and realise you don’t have everything ready to go, you can often save the application and come back to it. But try not to leave it too long as you don’t want to miss your opportunity to apply.
Consider writing a letter to submit with your application.
Updates on your application
The property manager may receive lots of applications, so you may or may not hear back with an update on your application.
If you are being considered for the property, they will usually let you know quickly as they will want to get a new renter sooner rather than later.
If you aren’t sure, you can always contact the agent or check the listing online.
Don’t lose hope!
Don’t worry if you don’t get offered the property you want. If it was a great property, chances are you weren’t the only person who thought so too!
Try not to get discouraged. Just keep on looking and applying for others until you get offered one, because eventually you will.
Don’t give up if you don’t get the first place you applied for. Keep trying and soon you’ll find something.
Remember:
- Don’t be too picky about where you want to live
- Choose a location that suits your needs
- Find the right people to share your house with
- When applying for a property, make sure you have all your documents ready
- Don’t lose hope! Keep going until you find something.
Ready to put your skills into practice?
Get comprehensive guidance on renting and sharehousing at Youth Central.
