For most international students, rental accommodation is the easiest and most convenient housing option.
Rental accommodation in Queensland varies from small studio apartments to large houses, which are normally rented by a number of tenants living together as “housemates”.
Things to consider
- Finding suitable rental accommodation within a reasonable price range can take time. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrive at least a week before you start your studies to allow yourself time to find accommodation, settle in and attend orientation activities at your institution.
- If you are renting, you should think about the size of property you wish to rent, affordable rental costs, proximity to public transport and whether you require “furnished” or “unfurnished” accommodation. Renting an unfurnished place is usually cheaper, but you will need to provide your own furniture.
- You may decide it is easier to look for an existing share house where the current tenants are looking for a new housemate. People who are looking for housemates often leave notices and advertisements in and around university and college campuses. However, it is probably best to start with your institution’s accommodation office where they can introduce you to other students who are in a similar situation.
How to find rental accommodation
Your study institution should be able to help you find rental accommodation, or show you how you can search for it on your own.
Our Student Directory contains links to a number of accommodation websites.
Classified advertisements in Queensland newspapers are another useful source of accommodation listings.
Housemates
Rights and responsibilities
Home security
When you are at home it is important that you feel safe and relaxed. So consider carefully where you want to live and who you want to live with.
Before you move in with your potential housemates, discuss your expectations and make sure each of you feel comfortable with the arrangement.
Topics that you may want to cover include:
- How much of the total rent and bills will each of you pay?
- How will you manage and share the cost of the phone and internet bills?
- Who will set up phone, gas, electricity and water connections? (This person’s name will be on all bills and therefore this person will be responsible for payment, regardless of whether the other housemates contribute or not.)
- Are you comfortable with friends coming over to visit during the day and/or night?
- How are you going to share the cleaning and maintenance responsibilities?
- Will you shop for food and cook together, or separately?
- What are your house rules about loud music and parties?
- What furniture do you need to rent or buy, and who will contribute what?
Renting is a legal arrangement. As a tenant, you have rights and responsibilities under the law. The Residential Tenancies Authority is an independent organisation which can give you advice and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
If you are renting with housemates, you should ensure that all of your names are on the lease (rental contract). This will protect your rights, but be aware that if your housemate leaves before the end of the contract, you are still liable to meet the obligations under the lease, including full rental payment.
If you are moving into an existing share house, ensure you understand whether or not the accounts for water, electricity, gas and telephone are included in the weekly rental amount. Usually payment for these accounts is in addition to the rent. You will need to discuss with your housemates when and how to pay your share of the bills.
Your home is your base, so take care and keep it safe.
Tips for keeping a safe household:
- Avoid keeping large amounts of money and valuables at home, and take out “contents insurance” on any items that are valuable.
- Make sure that all doors and windows are locked when you go out and preferably when you are home as well.
- Do not leave your keys where a stranger may find them (e.g. under a pot plant or the doormat).
- When you are out, it is best if the house looks as though someone is home – so perhaps if you are away, leave a light on (at night).
- Do not leave notes for housemates or visitors on the door indicating that the house is unoccupied.
In an emergency, you can contact the police, fire service or ambulance by telephoning 000 (zero-zero-zero).
To report a theft or break in, telephone your nearest police station. You can find your nearest police station on the Queensland Police Service’s website.
