Your Rights & Responsibilites If you are considering renting, read this important information about your rights and responsibilities.

Private Rental Accommodation

Finding quality and affordable accommodation in the private rental market can be difficult particularly when your are also making the transition to a new country, adjusting to an unfamiliar and intensive academic program.

It is for this reason that the University of Adelaide recommends all students consider securing long term accommodation before they arrive in Adelaide, as searching for permanent housing in an unfamiliar city can be a time consuming and stressful process.

If you would prefer to live in privately rented housing the Accommodation Service can help with guidance and resources to use in finding such accommodation.

Renting

An average house or apartment usually consists of a lounge and/or dining room, bathroom, toilet, laundry, kitchen and one to four bedrooms. The cost depends on factors such as location, quality and size, and whether it is furnished or not.

Most houses and apartments are unfurnished so you need to buy or rent furniture and other household items. Rental costs decrease as you move further from the city and the North Terrace campus.

Most property owners require a 12-month lease. Initial expenses are high, as it is necessary to pay a minimum of two weeks rent in advance plus a security deposit (or 'bond') equal to a maximum of four weeks rent (always obtain a receipt for these payments). You may also need to pay charges for connecting electricity, telephone and gas.

Signing a lease imposes certain responsibilities so you must ensure you understand these obligations. Infringements can lead to legal proceedings and associated expenses.

If you have any questions regarding your obligations under a lease agreement seek assistance from the Accommodation Service.

Sharing

Sharing a rented house or apartment with the other people is generally the most economical and flexible form of student housing.

Generally, each person has their own bedroom, while bathroom, kitchen and living areas are for everyone to share and maintain. You will usually be expected to provide your own bedroom furniture and to contribute to the cost of household goods, security bond and connection of services.

Boarding

Boarding arrangements vary widely. Some situations provide everything while others may require students to provide their own linen and household effects. Most boarding arrangements are very flexible - students and hosts negotiate various rules and conditions, prices, access to facilities and provision of meals. Rents can range from $160 - $200 per week.

If you have not rented in Australia before please refer to important legal information before renting.

Finding Accommodation

Our Accommodation Service team is available to assist students find accommodation in the private rental market.

Visit the Accommodation Service Centre on North Terrace campus or contact us should you have any questions prior to arriving in Adelaide.

In addition to the support provided at our Accommodation Service Centre students will also benefit from access to free internet, local telephone calls and our Rental Database.

Students interested in securing private rental accommodation are advised to:

1. Begin to research private rental options before they arrive in Adelaide.
2. Don’t expect to find suitable private rental accommodation quickly. Some students have no choice but to accept sub-standard or expensive private rental accommodation because they are unable to extend their temporary accommodation option.

Real Estate Websites

The Accommodation Service recommends that students begin to research options in the private rental market well before they arrive in Adelaide so that they can form realistic expectations.

It is important that students are able to identify what type of accommodation they would prefer, in which location at what price position. Being able to answer these questions will reduce the time it takes to find suitable accommodation on arrival.

The following websites are useful for research and sourcing private accommodation:

www.realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au
www.realestateview.com.au

Newspaper Classifieds

Private rental and share accommodation is listed in the local newspaper, The Advertiser, on a Wednesday and Saturday.

Free copies of these listings are made available for collection at the Accommodation Service.

For more information, please contact the Accommodation Service.