Renting in Australia

Finding the right rental property can be tricky, but keeping a few tips in mind can help simplify the process and increase your likelihood of finding a rental that suits you.

1. Make a list of requirements

List your non-negotiables, which could be anything from air conditioning to a two-car lock up garage, prior to your search. This is especially important if you’re looking with other people, as agreeing to these may take a bit of compromise with housemates, partners or other tenants. 

2. Know your neighbourhoods

You’ll probably want to find a place close to what’s important. It’s a good idea to map out where you’re happy living, what is close to your work, your family and what neighbourhoods you’re happy to be a part of. It’s worth noting any traffic in or around the area, any particular facilities like schools, public transport types or daycares and where your nearest shops are or any other important necessities that you visit regularly. Do your research and get to know the area in advance.

3. Decide on a budget

Your budget isn’t simply for the actual rent. Moving out is always more expensive than anticipated because it can include things like connection of utilities and the moving of your things (moving boxes can get expensive!), alongside costs such as the bond and some rent that is paid in advance. Once you’ve figured out the ongoing costs of utilities, you can then calculate how much rent you could afford. 

4. Find rental properties

Now you’re ready to start looking! You can begin by searching the big rental websites, where you can filter the results to suit your requirements. If you’re not having much luck, it’s also a good idea to look through alternative websites such as Flatmates.com (if you’re willing to share) or even Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

5. Prepare your application

Whether you have your list of preferred rentals ready to go yet or not, it’s always a great idea to have your application prepared in advance. This is because there will be a variety of identity requirements that you’ll need to fulfil, as well as references and information to gather, in order to complete applications. Some things a rental agency may ask for are:

• a copy of your passport
• your birth certificate
• your drivers license, and
• recent payslips from your job or means of income. 
  

6. Begin organising inspections

If possible, try to register for the earliest inspection available, to ensure you get in before other potential renters. This is also beneficial as rental applications can take a while to process, in addition to the potential wait for a rental to become available. The sooner you’re able to see if you’d like to apply for a property, the better! 

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7. Attend as many inspections as possible

Don’t just attend the earliest inspections you can — attend as many as you can fit into your schedule. A lot of rentals will not allow for an application to be accepted without the potential tenant inspecting the location first. That’s why it’s important to ensure you view any that you’re hoping to apply for. 

8. Apply & prepare

Once you’ve viewed the property, you’ll be able to apply. Some agencies will allow for pre-inspection applications, but these will not be processed until you’ve attended an inspection of the property. This is why tip 5, ‘Prepare your application’, is crucial – you’ll be ready to apply as soon as you can, and you’ll hopefully be on the top of the pile.

Once you’ve applied, make sure to prepare yourself for a move and have your belongings ready to go. The application process can move quite quickly once you’re approved, and sometimes moving day can creep up quicker than you’d expect. 

9. Know your real estate & do the paperwork

If your application has been accepted, it’s time to get the process finalised. This is where one of the most important steps towards renting comes in: the paperwork. You’ll need to carefully read your lease agreement, and make sure you’re aware of all and any of your obligations.

Depending on where you are leasing, and what kind of place it is, your requirements may change. For example, some tenancy agreements could include special requests such as ensuring the hedges are cut or parking specifications from body corporates if you’re leasing an apartment. This is why it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your real estate agent. Make sure you have their contact details handy and you’re able to speak to them freely when needed.

10. Keep on top of your requirements

This includes maintaining the property to the standard it was originally rented at, ensuring your special requests are fulfilled and that you’re paying your rent on time or in advance to the designated bank account. It’s a great idea to keep your rent as an automated direct debit so that you can set it and forget it.

11. Get Contents Insurance

Make sure your contents are covered. As you may have noticed in your lease agreement, most real estate agencies will have a clause you’ll need to read and accept regarding their lack of responsibility for your contents within the rental. This means that although the landlord may have their own insurance policies, they won’t cover your belongings if something happens, like a fire (including bushfire), flood¹ or theft. Get to know your Contents Insurance options today.

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Read more:

• Renting and contents insurance explained
• Are water leaks covered home and contents insurance?

¹Actions or movements of the sea and storm surge are not covered (unless the storm surge damage occurs at the same time as damage caused by storm). Other exclusions apply.

AAI Limited trading as GIO. We do not insure you for bushfire, storm, storm surge, flood or tsunami in the first 72 hours of your policy. Very limited exceptions apply. Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Registered Office, Level 23, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.