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Students at Central Queensland University - Melbourne International Campus can choose from a range of off-campus accommodation including rentals, homestays, house sitting, student housing and share accommodation. The following booklet includes information on some of these options but you can find other accommodation ideas through internet and phone book searches, in newspapers and magazines and by talking to friends. This booklet also contains information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant as well as valuable tips on how to ensure you find the most suitable accommodation option for your needs. If you have any further queries please contact Taane Sage or Fatemeh Zand, Student Advisers, Client Services, Level 1, CQU-MIC Email: t.sage@mel.cqu.edu.au; f.zand@mel.cqu.edu.au Telephone: (03) 8662 0513 Newspaper links Property website links Real Estate Agent links Student Housing Australia information Flatmate Finder information Homestay information Recommended student accommodation options Australian House Sitters Directory information Important information about renting Rental advertising abbreviations Page 1 1 1-2 3 3 4 5-8 8 9-12 13 The following newspapers, property websites and real estate agents advertise a range of houses, flats and apartments you can apply to rent. If you are looking to share accommodation you can apply for a lease along with friends or family members. If you do not know someone to share with, look in the “share accommodation” section of the newspaper or make use of the “Flatmate Finder” website outlined below. Newspapers www.theage.com.au www.heraldsun.news.com.au Property Web Sites www.domain.com.au www.realestate.com.au www.realestateview.com.au Real Estate Agents www.ljhooker.com.au Contact the Melbourne office 414 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9602 3339 Email: cityresmelbourne@ljh.com.au www.hockingstewart.com.au Contact the Melbourne office Level 1/388 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9670 3550 Email:melbourne@hockingstuart.com.au 1 www.noeljones.com.au/rent Contact the Footscray office 184 Nicholson Street, Footscray Telephone: (613) 9687 9966 Email: footscray@noeljones.com.au Contact the St Kilda office 271A Carlisle Street, St Kilda East Telephone: (613) 9527 5100 Email: stkilda@noeljones.com.au www.thomson.net.au Contact the Essendon office 144a Buckley Street, Essendon Telephone: (613) 9337 2777 Email: essendon@thomson.net.au Contact the Flemington office 291 Racecourse Rd, Flemington Telephone: (613) 9372 2277 Email: flemington@thomson.net.au www.barryplantdoherty.com.au Contact the Port Melbourne office 83 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9681 9000 Email: portmelbourne@barryplantdoherty .com.au www.bigginscott.com.au Contact the Melbourne office Level 3, 448 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9867 2144 Email: melbourne@bigginscott.com.au www.domain.com.au/lrreed Contact the Melbourne office Level 4, 140 Bourke Street, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9639 4888 www.ttglobal.com.au Contact the Melbourne office Level 9, 140, Bourke Street, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9662 1818 www.dinglepartners.com.au Contact the Melbourne office 39 Queen Street, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9614 6688 Email: pamd@dinglepartners.com.au www.micm.com.au Contact the Melbourne office 668 Bourke St, Melbourne Telephone: (613) 9604 8888 2 Student Housing Australia www.s-h-a.com.au Address: 6 High Street, North Melbourne, Victoria, 3051 Telephone: (613) 9663 1188 Fax: (613) 9663 7111 Email: info@s-h-a.com.au The Student Housing Australia website has links to housing options designed especially for students. Click on the “Looking to Rent” link, select “Universities of VIC” and the “Central Queensland University – Melbourne Campus”. This will bring up a range of properties currently available near the campus. The website also includes on-line application forms, property maintenance request forms and other helpful information. Flatmate Finder www.flatmatefinders.com.au Address: 65 Mt Hull Rd, Collinsvale, Tasmania, 7012 Telephone: 1300 66 19 70 Email: melbourne@flatmatefinders.com.au “Flatmate Finders” is run by a company that's been helping people find share accommodation for over 15 years. They're committed to protecting your privacy and using state-of-the-art technology to make the service easier, faster and more effective. Step 1: Create a profile - To search the database and contact people you will need to create a profile containing your preferences and description. This takes about 10 minutes and a staff member will then read your profile, correct any mistakes and provide you with some feedback. Step 2: Search our Database – After completing your profile you'll be presented with a list of matches. It's free to read the descriptions and make selections. A payment may be required to access certain details at this point. Step 3: Making contact - Whenever a match is made a 2-way introduction is sent (i.e. emails to you about them and to them about you) which include contact details. Introduction profiles can also be viewed online via your Match Inbox. 3 These businesses are designed to assist students who want to stay with an Australian family in their home. Students are matched to a host family based on considerations including location, number of family members and cultural needs. Homestay accommodation is popular with students who want to make friends, learn more about the Australian lifestyle and improve their English language skills. Student Homestay Accommodation www.studenthomestay.com.au Address: 4 Knight Street, Elwood, Victoria, 3184 Telephone: (613) 9531 8476 Fax: (613) 9531 8476 Email: lynn@studenthomestay.com.au S.H.A is a personalised placement service for students and other travellers who need to live and/or study away from home. If you would like to live with an Australian family in Melbourne, S.H.A can arrange for your accommodation. You can choose either full board including meals or room only. Each student is treated as an individual and all hosts are critically interviewed for suitability, taking into account specific cultural and religious needs. You can get to know your host family and let them teach you about Australia, while sharing some of your local culture as well. S.H.A can also organise English lessons for you. Student Accommodation Services www.student-accommodation.com.au Telephone: (613) 9486 1916 Fax: (613) 9486 2333 Email: info@student-accommodation.com.au Student Accommodation Services has been placing international students in homestay accommodation since 1997. S.A.S strives to maintain a personal element in the service it offers. Every homestay family is individually visited by a staff member at least every 18 months and all hosts undergo interviews and security checks before being approved. All meals are usually included however you can pay a reduced rate if you select board without meals or if you share your room with another student. S.A.S is also committed to seriously considering all feedback from homestay students. 4 The following accommodation options are all located near the CQU-MIC campus and are suitable for students. Please contact the businesses directly or visit their websites for further information. Alpha Apartments www.alphaapartments.com.au Address: 139 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Telephone: (613) 9016 2388 Fax: (613) 9016 2399 Email: reservation@alphaapartments.com.au The Alpha Apartments complex is situated on Lonsdale Street near the corner of Russell Street - close to the CQU-MIC campus as well as many shops, cafes and the Chinatown precinct. The building opened in May 2005 and features 89 two bedroom apartments which can be rented by students on their own or sharing with friends. Apartments are fully furnished and the building is fitted with security entrances and 24 hour video monitoring. High speed broadband connection, direct in-dial phone numbers and coin operated laundry facilities are also available. Apartments can be leased for either short or long term stays. College House www.collegehouse.com.au Address: Collegehouse Management Services, Room 106, 570 Swanston Street, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Telephone: (613) 9349 2087 Fax: (613) 9349 2089 Email: manager@collegehouse.com.au Located on the fringe of the Melbourne CBD, College House offers spacious apartment living. All apartments are tastefully decorated and fully furnished with quality floor coverings, slim line blinds and state of the art kitchens. The living area has reverse cycle air conditioner-heating units for all year round comfort. Choose from one, two or three bedroom student accommodation. College House is close to both the city centre and CQU, the city fringe parklands, the famous Queen Victoria Market and the popular Lygon Street and Brunswick Street areas. 5 Global Village Accommodation www.globalvillageaccom.com.au Address: 35-41 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Telephone: (613) 8687 6188 Fax: (613) 8687 6199 Email: bookings@globalvillageaccom.com.au Global Village Accommodation is located on Lonsdale Street near CQU and offers both short term serviced apartments and long term accommodation. Choose from studio, one bedroom or two bedroom apartments - all fully furnished and self contained featuring modern European styled kitchens and bathrooms and contemporary furniture in the bedroom and living areas. Apartment services and facilities include a reception area providing local advice and assistance, twenty-four hour security, an on-site building manager, large laundry facility (coin operated), entertainment room (with table tennis), lounge area, TV and DVD, student study/lounge, undercover car parking (charges and condition apply – enquire at reception) and supermarket. RMIT Village www.rmitvillageoldmelbourne.com.au Address: 5-17 Flemington Road, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051 Telephone: (613) 8330 2000 Fax: (613) 8330 2001 Email: enquiries@rmitvillageoldmelbourne.com.au RMIT Village Old Melbourne is designed to create a friendly village atmosphere with landscaped gardens, open spaces and community meeting areas for residents and the local community. The Village features 228 fully furnished hotel-style rooms including single, twin and triple share rooms, some with kitchen facilities and some with balconies. The Village has an outdoor heated pool and an exercise room with fitness equipment and sauna. The Courtyard Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Village has its own laundry facilities. Residents also have access to the Village Resource Centre which is fully equipped with word processing, internet, e-mail, printing and copying facilities. RMIT Village Old Melbourne is located on Flemington Road near the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Royal Parade in North Melbourne, close to public transport and within walking distance of the city. 6 UniLodge www.unilodge.com.au Address: 238 Flinders St, Melbourne, 3000 Telephone: (613) 9224 1500 Fax: (613) 9224 1530 Email: UniLodge.flinders@UniLodge.com.au Address: 339 Swanston Walk, Melbourne, 3000 Telephone: (613) 9224 7888 Fax: (613) 9224 7777 Email: UniLodge.swanston@UniLodge.com.au Address: 9 Earl St, Carlton, 3053 Telephone: (613) 9001 2300 Fax: (613) 9001 2323 Email: UniLodge.campus@UniLodge.com.au The UniLodge management company operates three student apartment complexes in the centre of Melbourne. UniLodge has an understanding of both local and international student needs and offers a safe and comfortable living environment designed with study needs in mind. Students benefit from well trained and multilingual staff, pastoral care, support services and a fun student community atmosphere. Choose from one, two or three bedroom self-contained, furnished apartments at various locations. Facilities include 24 hour on-site management and security, internet access, a fully equipped business centre, student common room, big screen television and video player, student games room, snack food vending machines and a table tennis table. In addition, there is a coin operated communal laundry with washing machines, dryers and ironing facilities. UniLodge offers both long and short term accommodation options. Victoria Hall Accommodation http://melbourne-backpacker.com/vichall/ Address: 380 Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Telephone: (613) 1800 670 611 Fax: (613) 9639 0101 Victoria Hall has been providing high quality accommodation for students from around Australia and all parts of the world for the past 10 years. The family-run business focuses on the comfort, security and well-being of resident students. Housing up to 130 people at a time in their choice of single or twin share rooms, staff aim to provide the best environment for students to study but also try to create a fun and friendly place to live. They understand that moving away from home to study can be a difficult transition and they offer their students personal counselling and support if required. Victoria Hall is close to CQU and all public transport. Their central location is also within easy access of Melbourne’s key attractions, shopping precincts and leisure facilities. Their standard student rental agreement is for a fixed period of 38 weeks (2 semesters) but rates for shorter periods are also available. 7 The following accommodation options may suit you if you are looking to live in the suburbs of Melbourne rather than the city centre. Visit the websites for further information. Le Student 8 www.lestudent8.com Address: 205 Bell Street, Preston Vic 3072 Australia Telephone: (613) 9485 0200 Fax: (613) 9485 0280 Email: info@lestudent8.com Le Student 8 aims to provide a "home away from home" for international students, with happy, friendly staff and luxurious accommodation. Rooms are well appointed and feature modern technology. Le Student 8 also offers first class recreational facilities including 24 hour security systems, microwave, fridge, air conditioning, high speed internet connection, TV / DVD / CD player, fully furnished rooms, kitchens and laundry facilities on every level. Le student 8 is located in Preston and provides a complimentary shuttle bus that runs from La Trobe Street in the city every hour between 7am and 9.30pm. They also have a social committee that organises events for their students Australian House Sitters Directory www.housesitters.com.au Address: P.O. Box 848, Newcastle, NSW 2300 Telephone: (612) 4915 0222 Fax: (612) 4915 0260 House sitting involves staying in someone’s home, either short or long term, while they are away. With Australian House Sitters you pay an annual fee but then pay no rent or accommodation costs. You have no lease terms so you can move as often as you wish and you can choose from a variety of accommodation styles, sizes and locations. The arrangement means you are looking after people’s homes (and sometimes plants and pets) giving them extra security while they are away. Australian House Sitters are proudly Australia's first and largest house sitting service. You can find out more details on the website and can register as a house sitter via a secure online registration form. 8 Important Information about Renting If you are considering signing a lease to rent a house or apartment, the following information may be useful. Important terms: Bond: The bond is a sum of money (usually the equivalent of one month’s rent) paid at the start of a lease. It is also sometimes called the Security Deposit. This money should be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) by the landlord. The bond money will be returned to the person who originally signed the bond lodgement form at the end of the lease, unless the tenants cause any damage to the property during the time of their lease, or have any outstanding rent. In this case the equivalent money may be deducted from the bond. Landlord: The landlord is the person who owns the property, or the professional real estate agent representing the owner. See the list entitled “your rights” on page 10 for details of what you should be able to expect from your landlord. Tenant(s): The tenant is the person or the people listed on the lease and living in the rental property, ie. you! Rent: Rent is the agreed sum of money you pay (usually monthly) to the landlord. Rent is normally calculated over 52 weeks of the year and that amount is then divided by 12 months to come up with the monthly per calendar month (PCM) rate. Your landlord will provide you with details of how you can pay your rent and you will usually be asked to pay one month in advance. Forms: • You will have to fill in a residential tenancy application form to apply for the property. Usually this is done at the time of inspection. • A residential tenancy agreement or lease agreement will be drawn up outlining the terms and conditions of your lease. Always read it and make sure you understand the details before you sign it. • You will need to fill out a condition report at the start of your lease. This report notes any damage, dirtiness or non-working appliances at the time you move in to the property. You can add your own observations to the list and then return it to the landlord. It is important to complete this report thoroughly as it will be used to determine whether the full amount of bond is refunded at the end of the lease, or whether funds need to be kept for repairs to damage caused during your tenancy. If there is considerable damage before you move in, you may wish to take some photos with a date stamped camera and keep these as additional proof. • A bond lodgement form will also need to be signed. This is given to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) when you pay your bond. At the end of the lease the bond will be returned to the person who signed the bond lodgement form, so be sure to let the landlord know if the tenants change. 9 Your rights: • • • • • • • • • To be given a copy of the lease, a statement of rights and duties booklet and a document stating the landlord or agent’s full name, address, telephone and fax numbers. To be given a copy of the condition report on the premises and the opportunity to make additions/amendments. To have your bond lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (this should be done by the landlord). To move into clean premises. To be given rent receipts (unless the rent is paid into a bank-type account). To be given seven days notice of an inspection and 24 hours notice of access if required for repairs (unless urgent). To receive 60 days notice of any rent increase (rent cannot be increased more than twice a year). To receive 14 days written notice of termination of the lease if you either breach the agreement or are approaching the end of your lease period. If the lease has already expired you are entitled to up to 120 days notice depending on the circumstances. (Check the Tenants Union of Victoria website at www.tuv.org.au for specific requirements.) To have repairs carried out within a reasonable time. The landlord must organise and pay for all repairs, unless the damage is the tenant’s own fault. Your obligations: • • • • • • • • To pay your rent on time. To keep the premises clean, tidy and generally well maintained. To obtain the landlord's written permission if a new tenant is moving in and to notify the landlord if a tenant is moving out. To report any necessary repairs and not to make any alterations without written permission. Not use the premises for illegal activities. To treat neighbours with courtesy and keep noise at a reasonable level. To give at least 28 days written notice to end a lease. (In exceptional circumstances the required notification is 14 days - check the Tenants Union of Victoria website at www.tuv.org.au for specific requirements.) To leave the property in the same condition you found it. Rental tips: • • • • • Always personally inspect a property before you sign a lease – sometimes things look and sound better on paper than they really are! It can also help to make a list of the features you are looking for, for example security provisions and access to public transport. Keep all the paperwork including receipts in a folder – you may need to refer to these items throughout the course of your lease. Make sure you understand all paperwork before you sign it. If you have any problems, notify the landlord in writing and explain what action you expect. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself. If there is any verbal dispute, keep a note of what was said by both parties. 10 When you move in: • Contact your local water, electricity, gas and phone suppliers to ensure these facilities are working or whether they need to be connected. • If necessary, ask your landlord how to turn on the hot water. • Make sure everything is working (oven, plumbing, lights, heating, security systems, door and window locks) and if it is not, contact your landlord immediately. • Check with your landlord to find out on which day rubbish is collected. Electricity/Gas: 13 12 45 13 88 08 13 21 14 Water: 13 17 21 Phone: 13 22 00 13 39 37 Reporting faults: • First contact your landlord to explain the problem. The landlord has 14 days to carry out any repairs or fix the problem. • If the repair is urgent (burst water main, blocked toilet, serious roof leak, gas leak, dangerous electrical fault, serious storm, fire or flood damage) and you are unable to contact your landlord, you may organise the repairs yourself (to a maximum $1000) and inform your landlord as soon as possible. Resolving Disputes: • If a problem cannot be resolved with the landlord, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to seek advice. Visit the website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au or phone the hotline on 1300 55 81 81. • You can also contact the Tenants Union of Victoria or visit their website at www.tuv.org.au for advice. • If the issue is still unresolved, contact the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 1800 133 055 or www.vcat.vic.gov.au (or email vcat@vcat.vic.gov.au). • If you are having any problems with your bond contact the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) on 1300 13 71 64. 11 Ending a Lease: • In most circumstances you must give the landlord 28 days written notice if you are moving out, even if the lease is ending. Unless it is stated otherwise, the lease will become a non-fixed or month-to-month lease agreement following the end of the fixed lease period. If you leave without sufficient notice, you may be liable for costs associated with re-advertising the property as well as rent until a new tenant is found. • If the landlord wishes to end the lease they must inform you in writing. The required notice varies from 14 days to 120 days so, if in doubt, check why you are being evicted and refer to the Tenants Union of Victoria website at www.tuv.org.au. • Make sure all bills have been paid and you have arranged for the utilities (water, electricity, gas and phone) to be turned off. • Leave a forwarding address with the landlord in case any mail still arrives for you. • Make sure the property is clean to ensure you receive your bond back. Usually this includes having the carpets professionally shampooed, thoroughly cleaning all rooms of the house including inside cupboards and the oven and tidying any outdoor area. If there is serious damage to the premises the landlord may request part or all of the bond money for repairs. • You will then need to sign a bond claim form for the RTBA, who will send your bond refund to your forwarding address. 12 Rental Advertising Abbreviations: Due to the high cost of advertising, many printed advertisements list property features in abbreviated form. The following is a list of the most commonly used abbreviations. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 1ST FLR - 1st Floor (first floor) A/C, AIR COND, AIR CON - Air Conditioner AVAIL - Available BALC - Balcony BD, BDR, BDRM - Bedroom BIR - Built In Robe (wardrobe) BOND - Another word for a security deposit. Usually refundable at the end of your tenancy BTHRM, B/THRM - Bathroom BV - Brick Veneer (single brick walls - type of construction) CL, CLS - Close COMPL. - Complete CPRT, C/PORT - Carport (for parking cars),/li> CRT YD, C’YARD - Courtyard (small back garden) D’WASHER, DW - Dishwasher DBLE - Double (twice the size) DUCT HEAT, D/HTNG - Ducted Heating DWL - Dwelling ELEC HTG - Electric Heating FULLY FURN. - Fully Furnished GAS HTG - Gas Heating GDRN - Garden HEAT, HTR - Heater or Heating INSPCT BY APPT - Inspection by Appointment KIT, KTCH - Kitchen LA, L’DRY - Laundry LGE - Large LNGE - Lounge room LNGE/DNG - Lounge/Dining Room (combined room) LOC - Located LUG, LU GGE - Lock Up Garage MNTHS - Months (referring to length of Lease Contract) MOD CONS - Modern Conveniences (dishwasher, microwave etc.) MOD.KIT - Modern Kitchen O’PLAN, O/P - Open Plan (referring to layout of property) OFP - Open Fire Place OSP - Off Street Parking PCM - Per Calendar Month (referring to rental payment) PPTY - Property PRIV, PRVTE - Private PRKG, PARKG - Parking PW - Per Week (referring to rental payment) REFURB - Refurbished (rebuilt and improved) SEP - Separate SPAC - Spacious T/PORT, TRANS - Transport UC - Under Cover (referring to car-parking) WB - Weatherboard (timber walls – type of construction) WC - Water Closet or Toilet WIR - Walk In Robe (wardrobe) WWC - Wall to Wall Carpets 13