Rental advice & support

It's important that you understand your rights and responsibilities before you rent a house or apartment, or board in a rooming house or shared accommodation.

This also includes Melbourne's cost of living and your personal budget.

To find stable accommodation during your studies, and protect your rights as a tenant, you need to understand Victoria's regulations on:

lease agreements
rental bonds
property inspections
obligations regarding repairs and maintenance.

If you need advice about renting or are having difficulties paying your rent, utility or other expenses, contact us so we can help.

Rental costs

It is important to consider the combined cost of rent, living expenses and transport when choosing rental accommodation in Melbourne.

Rental accommodation generally becomes more expensive the closer it is located to the Melbourne CBD.

Begin by preparing a budget
View suburb descriptions
Search for property options on realestate.com.au

If you need extra support or information, book an appointment to see a Student Adviser.

Financial assistance & tenancy guidance

Students may be eligible for rent assistance, relief schemes, bond loans and other financial help from government and the University.

For rental advice, contact one of these agencies according to your needs:

Consumer Affairs Victoria, the governing body responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tenants Victoria, which provides information about your rights as a tenant, and how to improve your conditions.

Contact the Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria for information and assistance before you sign a lease or if things go wrong during the lease.

: Benefits & funding schemes
Rent Assistance – Students receiving a Commonwealth Support benefit or pension and living away from home and paying rent may be eligible for Rent Assistance - contact Centrelink for more information.
Utility Relief Scheme – Australian resident students having difficulty paying a large utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity) can apply for a one-off utility relief payment. Contact the Department of Human Services to apply.
Housing Establishment Funds (HEF) - A Victorian Government initiative that addresses homelessness by providing financial assistance to individuals and families (Australian Residents) who are homeless or in a housing crisis. Funds may be provided for rent in advance (private rental) or rent in arrears (private rental) or emergency housing. An eligibility criteria applies. For further information about HEF phone 1800 825 955.
Loans
Bond Loan Scheme - Australian resident students on low income may be eligible for a Bond Loan for a rental property or as a resident in a rooming house. Contact Department of Human Services to apply.
Insurance
Good Insurance provides students on low incomes affordable household contents, car or home insurance.
The Good Shepherd has negotiated affordable premiums with low excess and flexible payment options specifically for people on low incomes.
Customers can also choose to pay premiums annually, monthly or fortnightly instalments and use Centrepay (Centrelink’s payment program) to manage payments.
: Consumer Affairs Victoria can provide tenants with information and advice.
The Rooming houses residents guide provides a summary of rights and obligations. The landlord must give you a copy of this guide on or before the day you move in.
: Tenants Victoria produces publications in multiple languages and provides free and confidential telephone, drop-in and email advice
The Equal Opportunity Act makes it illegal for Landlords to discriminate against you.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against:
Make an appointment with a Senior Adviser to discuss your options
Contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for advice
Contact the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) for a free mediation service to help resolve disputes
Phone Tenants Victoria: +61 3 9603 8310