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Housing & Accommodation

From your first week in a hostel to signing a lease. Bonds, inspections, and everything in between.

16 tasks in this category

First Month

housing

Understand rental bonds in NSW

When you rent in NSW, you'll pay a bond (usually 4 weeks rent). This is held by NSW Fair Trading, not your landlord.

First Month30 minutes to understand
housing

Know your tenants' rights in NSW

Tenants Union NSW provides free advice on rental issues, disputes, and your rights as a renter.

First Month30 minutes reading
housing

Know your tenants' rights in Victoria

Tenants Victoria provides free advice for renters in Melbourne and across the state.

First Month30 minutes reading
housing

Know your tenants' rights in Queensland

The RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) manages bonds and provides advice for Queensland renters.

First Month30 minutes reading
housing

Understand rental bonds in Victoria

Victorian bonds are held by the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority). Your landlord doesn't hold it.

First Month30 minutes to understand
housing

Understand rental bonds in Queensland

QLD bonds are lodged with the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

First Month30 minutes to understand
housing

Understand rental bonds in Western Australia

WA bonds are held by the Bond Administrator at DMIRS. Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

First Month30 minutes to understand
housing

Understand rental bonds in South Australia

SA bonds are held by CBS (Consumer and Business Services). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

First Month30 minutes to understand
housing

Understand Sydney's rental market

Sydney has Australia's most expensive rentals. Know median prices before you search to budget correctly.

First Month1-2 hours research
housing

Understand Melbourne's rental market

Melbourne offers better value than Sydney. Inner suburbs are popular but outer suburbs are much cheaper.

First Month1-2 hours research
housing

Understand Brisbane's rental market

Brisbane is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. The rental market has tightened recently.

First Month1-2 hours research
housing

Understand Perth's rental market

Perth has the most affordable capital city rentals. But availability can be tight.

First Month1-2 hours research
housing

Understand Adelaide's rental market

Adelaide has Australia's most affordable capital city rentals. Great value for newcomers.

First Month1-2 hours research
housing

Know your tenants' rights in Western Australia

WA tenant protections are managed by Consumer Protection WA. Know your rights for repairs, rent increases, and evictions.

First Month30 minutes reading
housing

Know your tenants' rights in South Australia

SA tenant rights are managed by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). They handle bonds, disputes, and tenancy advice.

First Month30 minutes reading

First Year

housing

Review rental lease or consider buying

After a year, your lease may be up for renewal. Consider whether to stay, move, or even explore buying property.

First Year1-2 hours

Australian Jargon You'll Need

Bond
A security deposit (usually 4 weeks' rent) paid when you sign a rental lease. It's held by the state bond authority and returned when you move out, minus any damage costs.
Strata
The body corporate that manages shared areas in an apartment building. Strata fees cover maintenance of common areas, building insurance, and shared facilities.

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