Many people coming to this website may already be living in private rental. It comes in all shapes and sizes, from large houses to apartments or single rooms in share-houses.
This can be great for those who can afford it. But even for people who are working it can be a struggle to pay the rent. For people on Centrelink payments, there are almost no affordable private rentals in major cities or towns. Many people continue living in private rental that isn’t affordable because they don’t have any other options.
| Cost before you move in | Bond is usually 4 weeks rent. You may be eligible for government help to pay your bond, through the Bond Loan scheme. You may also be eligible for money through the Housing Establishment Fund. You may be asked to pay up to 4 weeks in rent in advance. |
| Cost each fortnight | Rent is usually paid monthly. Private rental costs can exceed what you can afford and place people in housing stress and risk of homelessness. You can apply for Commonwealth Rental Assistance through Centrelink. |
| Eligibility | You will be asked for information when you apply for a rental property. For example: • references from other houses you have rented in the past • references from your employer • rental history • a guarantor • bank statements |
| Changes you can make to your house | You can ask your landlord to make changes to the house to make it easier for you to live there. The landlord must pay for repairs and they must accept the cost of ‘fair wear and tear’ over the time of you live there . |
| How long can you stay there? | About two-thirds of private tenants have a fixed term lease that means they can stay in their home for at least 12 months. Outside of a fixed lease, landlords can give 60 days notice to vacate for various reasons. If your landlord wants you to leave, please call us for information about your options. |
| How to Apply | Most listings are now available on the internet sites such as domain.com.au, rent.com.au. You can also ask your local Real Estate agent for vacancies. |
| More information | Consumer Affairs Victoria publishes a Renters Guide with more information on renting https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/starting-and-changing-rental-agreements/resources-and-guides-for-renters/renters-guide |
All information contained on these pages is general in nature, and should not be considered advice. Information will be subject to change. Please contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.