Finding a property
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Check the UniSA Rental Database regularly for new listings.
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Check campus noticeboards for advertisements.
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Rental advertisements can be found in The Advertiser daily newspaper – especially on Saturday and Wednesday. The weekly free Messenger newspaper is also useful. Make a phone call early in the morning (9am) to get the addresses.
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Contact Real Estate agents in the area that you want to live.
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Private Rental is not always easy to get. You have to make a good first impression on the landlord/agent. If you make a time with the landlord or agent to look at a property, make sure that you arrive on time and well presented.
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Most agents require that you complete an application form. They might ask to see proof that you are studying at UniSA, a copy of your Student Identification card and a copy of your passport.
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Many agents also ask for contact names and details of people who can provide rental or personal references for you. If you are an international student, new to Australia, you can obtain a supporting letter from the International Student Adviser on your campus to verify that you are a UniSA student. However, they are unable to provide you with a personal reference.
Note. If possible, try to bring a reference in English from a previous landlord or a personal reference. Landlords and real estate agents usually ask for references when selecting tenants. -
You may be asked to give details about your income, bank account, rental history and employment. You do not have to give details about your race, marital status, sexual preference or religious/political beliefs.
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When viewing a property, take a friend with you for support and second opinion. Take a copy of the Rental Property Checklist (PDF 20kb - download Adobe Acrobat) to remind you of what to look for and ask about.
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When viewing the property check whether there is gas, as well as electricity, heating, smoke detectors (a legal requirement), the size and type of hot water system, space for a washing machine, locks on windows and doors, a phone line, enough working power points and light fittings.
Note. If the hot water storage system runs on electricity, you will save money if it operates on an off-peak tariff (heats water only at night).
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If you are planning to share a house or unit with other tenants, you have some choices regarding your residential tenancy agreement.
You may choose co-tenancy, which means all tenants' names are on the same lease agreement. In this case you are all responsible for the lease. One of the disadvantages of co-tenancy is that the Tenancies Branch cannot help you with any disputes with your house-mates, such as a house-mate not paying their share of the rent.
Having an individual lease means that each tenant is only responsible for their own individual lease agreement with the landlord. Therefore you cannot be held responsible for the actions of your house-mate.
Please refer to the frequently asked questions on this website for more tips on sharing accommodation.
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Don't sign a lease unless you are sure that you understand it all. If you have any doubts about the content of the lease, do not feel pressured to sign it or even agree to it verbally. Get independent advice from the UniSA Accommodation Services or the Tenancies Branch.
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If you are entering a boarder/lodger arrangement (where the owner lives in the same accommodation as you), the Residential Tenancies laws do not apply to you. However, we strongly advise you to have a written record of your arrangement with the provider. This can help avoid misunderstandings. Here is an example of an occupancy arrangement (PDF 34kb - download Adobe Acrobat) which you can use.