Costs of Renting
The average cost of renting in the university area (Ilam/Westburn) is as follows:
Two bedroom flat: $275-$302 per week
Three bedroom house: $340-$392 per week
Four bedroom house: $396-$475 per week
Five+ bedroom house: $528-$586 per week
(Information sourced from the Department of Building and Housing website.)
The majority of landlords of properties around the university area expect tenants to sign a 12-month fixed-term tenancy agreement. If you sign into this type of lease, it means you are liable for rental payments for the entire 12 months, whether you are living in the property or not.
Set-up costs
Expect expenses up front when you first move into your property, including:
• Furniture: Many flats are unfurnished so be prepared to buy items such as a bed, desk, couch, whiteware, cutlery and appliances.
• Bond: Up to a maximum of four weeks' rent can be payable immediately. Your landlord is legally required to lodge your bond with the Department of Building and Housing. When you leave your flat, provided that you have not caused any damage, your bond will be refunded to you. If there is damage to the property the landlord can request that some or all of the bond is used to cover the repairs.
• Rent in advance: Up to a maximum of two weeks' rent, payable immediately.
• Connection fees: You may need to pay a bond and/or a connection fee to connect your power, phone and internet.
Other Costs:
Other expenses which need to incorporated into your budget include your personal entertainment costs, money for clothes and other personal items, snacks, textbooks, photocopying, mobile phone costs, medical expenses, trips home, carpet cleaning, etc.