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Finding somewhere to live

Where to start
Visiting the property
Home-stay
Share-houses
Before you sign a lease

Where to start

• Is this your first time looking for accommodation? Follow the tips in this step-by-step guide.
  
  

• Are you unsure about whether student accommodation or private rental would best suit you? To see what you can expect in each type of option, click here.
  
  

• Check the UniSA Rental Database regularly for new private rental listings.
   

• Check campus noticeboards for advertisements.
   

• 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. Click here for commonly used abbreviations (PDF 33KB - Adobe Reader).
   

• Contact Real Estate agents in the area that you want to live.
   

• 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.
   

• 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.

  • 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 Learning and Teaching Unit 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.
     

• If you have a family, then look in the UniSA Rental Database, contact the SA Student Housing Association, as well as checking the Classified Advertisements of The Advertiser newspaper (Saturday and Wednesday) and contacting Real Estate Agents.
   

• For more handy tips on Where to look for a Rental Property, How to find a Sharehouse and Applying for a Rental Property, just visit the ShelterSA website.
   

• Avoid scams.  Be wary of false rental advertisements on the Internet.

  • If interested in booking any Student Residence (Student apartments, Student Hostels or Residential Colleges), ensure that you are dealing with the genuine property managers by using the contact details on the UniSA Accommodation website.
     

  • If you are choosing any other private rental option, do not pay money until you have actually inspected the property in Adelaide. Make sure that you get a receipt for any money paid. You should only arrange this type of accommodation once you are in Adelaide.

Visiting the property

• When viewing a property, take a friend with you for support and second opinion. Take a copy of the Rental Property Checklist (PDF 13kb -  Adobe Reader) to remind you of what to look for and ask about.
   

• 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).
   

• Check for signs of pests or vermin, or anything needing repair. Report these to the agent or landlord and make sure that you obtain a written agreement for repairs BEFORE you agree to the lease.

Home-stay

• Home-stay accommodation can be arranged through CELUSA or the Australian Homestay Network.
  

Share-houses

• Considering a share-house? You can find excellent practical advice on how to choose housemates, manage finances, get your bond refund, deal with disputes, etc. in the Sharehouse Toolkit.
   

• 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.
   

• Do you have strict cultural or dietary requirements? If you plan to live in a share house, then this will be a key issue to clarify with your potential housemates.  Obviously, if you are vegetarian or Muslim, it will be easier to prepare food in a kitchen with housemates who share your practices. The same principle applies to some prayer requirements. The Rental Database has a category for Dietary Requirements to assist with this matter. Alternatively, you can negotiate suitable arrangements with your housemates or landlord, such as separate cooking utensils and storage of foods, appropriate prayer facilities, if required, etc.
  Note: It is strongly recommended that you clarify these matters before committing yourself to a lease.

Before you sign a lease

• 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.
  
  

• If a landlord/real estate agent offers to improve something in the rental property you are considering (eg. paint the walls, install an air-conditioner, replace the window locks, etc.) get that in writing, before you sign the lease.
  
  

• Some landlords include water usage in the rent, some don't. It's important to ensure the details of the arrangement are absolutely clear in the lease. For specific advice, please refer to the Tenancies Branch fact sheet on Water Charging
   

• If you are entering a boarder/lodger arrangement (where the owner lives in the same accommodation as you), the Tenancies laws may 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 -  Adobe Reader) which you can use.

 

 

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