Renting in Melbourne: Your Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls!

Every year, the student season in Melbourne sees a significant number of Chinese students flocking to Australia to attend prestigious institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and Monash University.

Given the high rental costs and challenges associated with securing on-campus accommodation, coupled with limited choices in living environments, many students opt to rent properties near their educational institutions. However, navigating the Australian rental market proves to be vastly different from that in China, often leading students, who lack familiarity with local rental practices, into pitfalls and potential scams.

Therefore, we’ve compiled essential considerations for renting in Melbourne, Australia. From securing a rental to moving out, we aim to help you seamlessly navigate through the potential pitfalls and challenges of renting in Melbourne.

 

1. The Current State of the Rental Market in Melbourne, Australia

With the pandemic receding, Melbourne’s rental market is heating up once again, especially with the onset of the new academic year, making it even harder to find accommodation. International students in Melbourne typically have two options for renting: through an agency or from a private landlord. Both methods have their pros and cons, allowing students to choose based on their personal circumstances.

Aspect	Renting through an Agency	Renting through Private Renting
Process	– Landlords entrust properties to agencies, then agencies rent to tenants.	– Landlords rent out properties directly.
Advantages	– Higher quality properties. – Standardized process. – Better security.	– Cost-effective. – Direct communication. – More housing options.
Disadvantages	– Higher prices. – Strict review. – Complex process. – Longer leases.	– Less formal procedures. – Higher risk. – Mixed housing quality.

One point worth noting is that many international students have reported that they have been repeatedly rejected when submitting rental applications for properties in real estate or domains, even if they have found satisfactory accommodations. This is because good properties managed by agencies often receive multiple rental applications, and agencies tend to prefer tenants with a history of living in Melbourne, good credit discipline, and financial records. Therefore, it is not very friendly to international students.

Additionally, this year, international students renting in Melbourne should be able to sense that not only is it difficult to find accommodation, but prices have also increased. The average rent near Melbourne’s city center, RMIT, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University ranges from $400 per week to $1000 per week. Considering economic factors, one may opt for shared accommodation or living slightly further away.

2. Considerations When Renting in Melbourne – During the Rental Process

 

• • Validity of Rental Source:
    • • Utilize reputable channels to minimize risk.
    • • Exercise caution with excessively cheap rentals.
    • • Ascertain reasons for significant price deviations.

• • Assessing Safety of the Area:
    • • Prioritize areas with good reputations and higher safety levels.
    • • Avoid streets with heavy foot traffic or numerous bars.
    • • Research area’s safety status and residential building security features.

• • Thorough Property Inspection:
    • • Inspect several properties before finalizing.
    • • Schedule viewings in advance for agency rentals.
    • • Focus on various aspects like room size, noise levels, furnishings, appliances, cleanliness, sanitation, transportation, pet policies, and housemate compatibility.

• • Careful Examination of Contract Terms:
    • • Confirm details like bill inclusions, payment methods, deposit terms, lease duration, subletting policies, and early termination options.

• • Retention of Rental Contracts:
    • • Keep copies of all signed documents, especially lease agreement and deposit receipts, for dispute resolution support.

 

3. Considerations When Renting in Melbourne – During Move-in

• • Move-in Inspection
    • • Before moving in, thoroughly inspect the property.
    • • Check furniture and appliances for any damages or missing items.
    • • Sign the condition report provided by the agent or landlord and retain a copy for your records.

• • Timely Rent Payment
    • • Ensure rent is paid on time to avoid penalties or complications.
    • • If facing financial difficulties, communicate promptly with the agent or landlord to discuss payment options or solutions.

• • Dealing with Issues
    • • Report any urgent maintenance issues immediately to the agent or landlord.
    • • Landlords are typically required to address urgent problems within a reasonable timeframe, usually within 14 days.
    • • Tenants have the right to request repairs or replacements for non-urgent issues without incurring additional charges.

• • Routine Inspections
    • • Landlords or agents must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before conducting routine inspections.
    • • Tenants have the right to be present during inspections and can request alternative arrangements if necessary.

• • Rent Increases
    • • Rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of the lease unless otherwise specified in the tenancy agreement.
    • • Any proposed rent increases must be communicated to the tenant in writing with sufficient notice as per the local rental laws.

• • Early Termination
    • • Early termination of the lease is generally not allowed unless specified in the agreement.
    • • Discuss termination clauses and potential consequences with the landlord or agent before signing the lease to ensure mutual understanding and agreement.

 

4. Considerations When Renting in Melbourne, Australia – During Move-out

After the lease ends, here are some important reminders for moving out:

• • Give Advance Notice to Landlord or Agent
    • • In most areas of Australia, tenants must provide written notice to the landlord or agent 28 days before the lease ends.
    • • Agents usually email tenants weeks before the lease ends to discuss renewal. If not contacted, tenants should send written notice themselves.
    • • Moving out without notice may result in extra rent or automatic lease renewal.

• • Ensure Deposit Refund
    • • Confirm the deposit refund amount before signing the refund form to prevent underpayment or non-refund.

• • Clean and Clear the Property
    • • Remove all personal belongings and ensure the property is clean to avoid extra charges for cleaning or garbage disposal.
    • • Pay special attention to cleaning ventilation fans, filters, appliances, pet stains, mold, and dirt on surfaces.

• • Keep Property Manager’s Contact
    • • Retain the property manager’s contact details for future rental references.

Endnote

When planning to rent accommodation in Melbourne during your studies, it’s crucial to thoroughly review this guide on renting in Melbourne. By doing so, you can minimize potential risks associated with renting and ensure a smoother rental experience.

Now, it’s time to seek for your home in Melbourned under our guidence!