People often ask where do VCA students live? The answer is everywhere! VCA is accessible by public transport from all sides of the city. Please see the Where to Live section on this website. 

The most important considerations are that the accommodation is affordable, suitable to your needs and serviced by reliable and direct public transport. If you are unsure about Melbourne geographically and its public transport services contact
http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

It usually takes between 2-6 weeks of active searching to find somewhere to live. Many students stay in a student hostel or homestay situation while they are searching. Please see the VCA Homestay section in this website.

Sharing a house

Sharing a house is the most popular choice for VCA students. You can expect to pay $90-$140 per week for a room in a shared house in Melbourne in 2006 – although it can take some hunting to find the right one.

People in a shared household usually jointly lease their property from a real estate agent or landlord. Share houses range in size and condition and are organised around the house rules that the household sets.

Each person has their own bedroom to furnish, whilst the bathroom, kitchen and living room are ‘common areas' for everyone. Bills are usually shared. Food is either bought communally, or each person does individual shopping and has their own storage area in the kitchen.

If you are looking to move into an established shared house, you could potentially be moving in with strangers. This may be a bit daunting at first, but it can also be a great way to meet new people. Moving into an established house means you are likely to save money on establishment costs like utility connection fees and buying furniture and appliances.

How to find shared accommodation
  • Visit the VCA housing noticeboards outside Student Services and the Student Union.
  • Search online on the University of Melbourne's Housing Register, which has an up-to-date listing of available accommodation. You will need to be enrolled before you can use this service, as you need to enter your student card number.
  • Read THE AGE on Saturdays - it has a good listing of shared accommodation.
  • Check the housing noticeboards at other tertiary institutions including Swinburne, RMIT, Victoria University and Deakin.
  • Check bookshops and cafes in the areas you'd like to live. Some suggestions include:
    Carlton: Readings Bookshop, 309 Lygon St (window round the corner)
    Fitzroy: Friends of the Earth, Smith Street
    Brunswick: Organic Wholefoods, 452 Lygon St East Brunswick
  • Online websites can also assist with locating a home but it is best to check them out carefully and with someone else for company.

http://www.domain.com.au/
http://www.realestate.com.au/
http://www.yourestate.com.au/
http://www.flatmatefinders.com.au/
http://melbourneexchange.com.au/
http://melbourne.gumtree.com.au/
http://www.housecarers.com.au/

Assessing a house offer and moving in

Always call the potential house and speak with prospective housemates before you visit the property. Make sure you are clear about what kind of household you want to live in and discuss your desires and expectations with your prospective housemates. Asking direct questions is the best way to assess the household. Be very clear about whether the household has a current lease, for what period and who is on the lease. Make sure you understand what is on offer and whether you will be a co-tenant or you will be sub-letting from another tenant.

If you are to be a co-tenant your name will be added to the lease and your rights as a tenant will be protected by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). If you are sub-letting be aware that your rights are not covered by the Residential Tenancy Act.

If you are interested, make an interview time with the house mates and make sure you meet everyone you will be sharing the house with.

If you are still happy:

Discuss the rent and ground rules with the other tenants, write down what you have agreed to and sign it so there is a clear understanding.

Make a condition report on the room and house you are moving into, photograph it and put it somewhere safe in case of future disputes either with the landlord or the other tenants.

Contact the Tenants Union for any legal advice or information you need related to tenancy issues in shared houses before you move in.

Tenants Union
Administration: +61 3 9411 1444
Advice: +61 3 9416 2577
Fax: +61 3  9416 0513
Web http://www.tuv.org.au/

Establishing your own tenancy

If you don't want to move into an established house but would prefer to take out a lease in your own name, to live either alone or with friends of your own choice, here are the steps:

Investigate where you might want to live.  Take time to have a good look around, and check out the public transport options.

Work out how much you can afford to spend. Remember to include bills and kitty as well as living and travel expenses in your estimations.

BUY the SATURDAY AGE newspaper and read the rental accommodation section. The listings will enable you to compare the costs of rooms in various suburbs.

Plan for your needs. If you need to work, study or practice at home, keep that in mind. Painters may need well-ventilated spaces while musicians need to be able to practice without disturbing others.

Prepare a list of the real estate companies that advertise in your preferred areas and register with them, or call them every Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to check their latest listings.

Organise to visit properties that might be suitable. Most Real Estate Agents require a $50 deposit and ID when you borrow the key.

If you're applying for a property through a Real Estate Agent, you will need to provide contact details for two referees, usually an employer and sometimes a personal referee. Try to have all of this organised before you approach a Real Estate agent.

Check out the University of Melbourne's website for more tips on renting. Know your rights. Pick up your “ Renting a home - A guide for tenants and landlord” from VCA Student Services.

Check out the Tenants Union Website for any legal advice or information you need related to tenancy issues. Tel (03) 9416 2577

Signing a lease

If your application for a rental property is successful you will probably have to sign a written fixed-term agreement, which is known as a lease. Make sure you understand it before you sign it. You need to evaluate your preparedness to stay at a property for the term of the lease. It can be expensive to break your contract before the end of a fixed term.

Starting a tenancy-10-Steps

1. Application accepted

2. Agent/Landlord gives you a copy of the tenancy agreement (lease) to read, understand and sign. You must be given a copy of the agreement within 14 days

3. Pay the bond and one month's rent in advance

4. Agent/Landlord gives you a bond lodgement form to complete and sign. Retain the yellow copy.

5. Agent/Landlord forwards the bond to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority within 10 days of receiving the bond money

6. The RTBA sends you a receipt within 15 days of receiving the bond. Keep this in a safe place - you will need this to claim your bond money at the end of the tenancy.

7. Agent/landlord fills in the condition report and then gives it to you to complete.

8. As you move in, inspect the property and add your comments to the condition report - you will use this at the end of the tenancy to help identify the changes in the condition of the property during your residency there.

9. Return a copy of the condition report within 3 days to the agent/landlord. Keep a signed copy.

10. Settle in!