HOUSING GUIDE

vu.edu.au/housingCRICOS Provider No. 00124K

STUDENT HOUSING SERVICES

CONTACT USStudent Housing Services Victoria University Web: www.vu.edu.au/housing Email: housing@vu.edu.au Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418

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CONTENTS

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS • VUAccommodation 2 • ShareHousing 3 • RentingaProperty 3 • Homestay/Boarding 4 • Hostels/RoomingHouses 5 • StudentApartmentBlocks 6

LIVING COSTS 7

STARTING A TENANCY • StepstoStartingaTenancy 8 • ConditionReport 8

DURING A TENANCY 9

MOVING • LeavingaPropertyattheEndofanExpiredLease 10 • TheFinalInspection 10 • BreakingaLeaseEarly 10 • Cleaning 11 • Storage 11 • BondReturns 11 • CancellingtheGas,Electricity,Water,TelephoneandInternet 11 • MailRedirection 11

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 12

HOUSING WEBSITES 13

HOUSING CHECKLIST • BeforeyouStartLooking 14 • ComparingProperties 15 • Gas,ElectricityandWaterBills 17 • WhatisAvailableforSharedUse 18 • Receipts 19

SUPPORT SERVICES 20

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT 21

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Choosingtherighttypeofhousingcanpresentachallengingtask.Eachoptionisworthinvestigatingfullybeforesigningaleaseagreementorpayinganymoney.Taketimetoexplorealloptions!

Accommodationoptionsinclude:

• VictoriaUniversityaccommodation(halls,residences)• sharedhousing• privaterental• apartments• homestay• roominghouses(hostels).

Therearealsomanyhotels,motels,youthhostelsandbackpackeraccommodationwhereyoumayliketostaytemporarilywhilelookingforongoingaccommodation.

Eachaccommodationoptionoffersdifferentbenefitsandcosts.Rentalpriceswillvarydependingonwhichsuburbyouwanttolivein,theconditionofthepropertyandrentaloptionyouchoose.Generally,thecloserthepropertyistothecityofMelbourne,themoreexpensivetherent.

Whenlookingforhousing,considereachoftheoptionscarefullytoseewhichonemeetsyourindividuallifestyleneedsandbudget.

VU ACCOMMODATIONUniversityownedaccommodationreferstostudentroomsthataremanagedbyUniversityResidences.Thistypeofaccommodationmayalsobereferredtoas‘halls’or‘residences’.

IfyouhaveneverlivedoutofhomeorwishtoliveinaUniversityenvironmentwithplannedsocial,recreationalandacademicactivities,thenchoosingtoliveinoneoftheVictoriaUniversitystudentresidencesmaybeagreatoption.

FollowingarethecontactdetailsforeachofVictoriaUniversity’sresidences.

VICTORIA PLACEVictoriaPlaceisapurpose-builtapartmentcomplexlocatedinFootscray,acrosstheroadfromtheFootscrayParkCampus.Ithas41fullyfurnishedself-containedapartmentsdesignedforstudentsandtwodeluxe3bedroomunitswithensuiteanddisabilityaccess.

Email:victoria.place@vu.edu.au Phone:+61393046307 Fax:+61393185232

STUDENT VILLAGEStudentVillageisaresidentialcampusofVictoriaUniversity.ConvenientlylocatedinMaribyrnongnearseveralVictoriaUniversitycampuses,itis9kmsfromthecentreofMelbourneandprovidesaccommodationforover500tertiarystudents.

Itphysicallycomprisesofsixindividualcolleges,howeverallcollegesinteractaspartofastrongcommunityspirit.

Email: student.village@vu.edu.au Phone:+61393046300 Fax:+61393185232

SUNBURY HALLSunburyHalloffersaffordablelivingtostudentsstudyingattheMeltonandStAlbansCampusesofVictoriaUniversity.StudentsfromothercampuseswhohavecarscouldalsofindSunburyHallagreatoption.

Email: sunbury.hall@vu.edu.au Phone:+61399193450 Fax:+61399193449

SHARE HOUSINGChoosingsharedhousinggivesyoutheopportunitytoliveindependentlyinasharedenvironment.Yousharethecostoftherentwithothersandsharecommonareassuchasthe

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

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kitchen,bathroomandlivingroomwithotherpeoplelivinginthehousehold.

Rememberthatasitisasharedarrangementpeoplemaytend tomoveinandoutofthehouse.Thiscanbegreatforinteractingandmeetingnewpeople,butitmayalsocreateachallenging study environment.

JOINING A SHARED HOUSEHOLDUsuallypeoplelivinginasharedhouseholdsharethecostofrentandbills(andsometimesfood).Thisoftenmakessharingacheaperhousingoptionthanrentingonyourown.Insomeinstances,housematesalsotaketurnsinsharingthecookingandputinmoneyforcommunallivingexpenses(suchascleaningproducts).

Itisalsolessexpensiveifyouchoosetomoveintoanestablishedsharehouseas‘thebasics’suchasfurniture,kitchenutensils andwhitegoods(e.g.fridge,washingmachine)arelikelytobe inthehousealready.Whenlookingatmovingintoasharedhousehold,alwayscheckwhatisincludedandwhatyouneed to bring to the house.

Somethingstoconsiderbeforeyoumoveinare:

• sharedrentalandlivingcosts• numberofpeopleinthehousehold• currenttenancyarrangements• closenesstocampusandpublictransport• sharedhouseexpectationsandrules• conditionoftheproperty• safetyinsideandoutsideoftheproperty• securelocksandsmokealarms.

TheHousingChecklist(page14)providesdetailedquestionstoaskwhenconsideringandmovingintoasharedhousingarrangement.

WhensharingitisimportanttorecognisethattheResidentialTenancyAct1997doesnotdifferentiatebetweentherightsandresponsibilitiesofco-tenantsinrelationtoeachother.Ifsomethinggoeswrong,alandlordcanpursueanyoneoralloftheco-tenantsfordamages.Specifically,thismeansthatyoucanbeheldresponsibleforthewrongdoingsofyourhousemates.Forthisreason,itisimportanttoensurethatyoumeetpotentialhousematesanddiscusslivingarrangementspriortomovingintoa shared household.

DISAGREEMENTS IN A SHARED HOUSESometimesdisagreementsanddisputesarisebetweenhousemates.Commonareasofconflictincludefriendsvisitingorstayingover,cleaning,foodanddifferentlifestylehabits.

Ifyoufindyourselfinthissituationremembergoodcommunica-tionisessential.Trytotalkthroughtheproblemdirectlywiththeotherhousemate(s)andfocusontheissue.Remainingopentotheotherperson’sperspectiveandlookingforareasofcommonalitywillalsohelptoresolvethedisagreement.

Aswithotherhousingoptions,itisalwaysagoodideatoestablishandagreeuponthelivingarrangementspriortomovinginto a house. It is also a good idea to have regular meetings with yourhousematestodiscusschores,billsandsocialactivities.

FINDING OR STARTING A SHARE HOUSEVictoria University has a Housing Database which its students can accesstoviewsharehouselistings.Thedatabasecanbeaccessedby visiting Student Housing Services at www.vu.edu.au/housing

Vacanciesforsharehousingareusuallyadvertisedinnewspapers,on the internet and through Student Housing Services at universities.

Alternatively,youcouldestablishyourownsharehousebyorganisingafewfriendstorentapropertywithyou.

VictoriaUniversityhasaHouseHuntingFriendsFacebookGroupwhereyoucanmeetotherstudentslookingforaccommodation.www.vu.edu.au/facebook-Groups

RENTINGSelectingtorentonyourownintheprivatehousingmarketgivesyoutheopportunitytoliveindependentlyandtobeself–reliant.Forsomestudentsthischoiceprovidesanexcellentoptionforprivacy,autonomyandlifestyleindependence.

TIP: TheDisputeSettlementCentreofVictoria(DSCV)providesafreemediationservicetohelpresolvedisputes.PhoneDSCV:0396038370

TIP: Ensurethatyoufullyunderstandanytenancydocumentsbeforeyousignthem.SeekadvicefromStudentWelfare ifyouareunsureofyourrightsandresponsibilities.

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Thisoptionhowevercanbeexpensiveasyouareresponsiblefororganisingthetenancy,payingfortheconnectiontoutilities,payingthefullrentandmanagingongoingbills.Pleaseconsideryourbudgetcarefully.Itisrecommendedthatyouallowatleast35%ofyourincomeforrent.

Youarealsosolelyresponsibleforallthedailychoresassociatedwithlivinginahouse.Forexamplethereisnosharingofdishes,cooking,groceryshoppingorcleaningduties.Again,ifyouenjoybeingself-sufficientandareorganisedtheseresponsibilitiesmay not be daunting.

FINDING A PRIVATE RENTAL Thereareafewdifferentwaysoffindingarentalpropertyin theprivatemarket:

• havealookthroughtheVUStudentHousingServicesDatabase to view current rental vacancies

• checkouttherentalpropertylistingsinnewspaperssuch asthe‘HeraldSun’or‘TheAge’

• searchtherealestatewebsites.

Ifyouhaveselectedafewpropertiesthatyouwouldliketovisitthrougharealestateagency,youshouldcontacttheagenttoarrangeatimetoviewtheproperty.

Ifyoudecidetoapplyforarentalproperty,youwillneedtocompleteanapplicationform.Thiscontainsarangeofpersonaldetailsincludingthecontactdetailsofreferees.Youmayalsobeaskedtoprovidedetailsofemploymentand/othersourcesofincome and rental history.

Ifyouwouldlikehelpcompletingtheapplicationform,contactStudent Housing Services

Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418.

Whenvisitingarentalpropertyitisagoodideatotakealongastreetdirectoryandbecomefamiliarwithwherefacilities(eg.shops,publictransport,chemist,doctoretc)arelocatedinrelationtotheproperty.

Itcanbedifficulttorememberallthethingsyouneedtocheckabouttheproperty.Forthisreason,it’sagoodideatotakealongtheHousingChecklist(page14).Thisisalsohandyforcomparingproperties.

ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO FIND A RENTAL PROPERTY

GiventhatthereisstrongcompetitionforrentalpropertiesinMelbourne,itisadvisabletoallowyourselfatleast4weekstofindsuitablehousing,especiallyatthestartofsemesterwhenmanystudentsarelookingtosecureaffordablehousing.Thisallowstimetohavealookatarangeofpropertiesonthemarketandhelpsyoutofindapropertythatsuitsyourneeds.

HOMESTAy/BOARDINGHomestayinvolveslivingwithafamily,coupleorsingleperson/sintheirhome.Generally,Homestayarrangementsincludeafurnishedroom,mealsandbillsandsharedaccesstocommonareassuchasthekitchen,lounge/familyroomandbathroom.Additionalservicessuchaslaundrymayalsobeincluded.

Hostscomefromadiversityofsocialandculturalbackgrounds. A‘family’couldbeamother/fatherwith/withoutchildren,asingleparentorasinglepersonwithnochildren.Hostsmayormaynothavepets,maysmoke,bevegan,vegetarianormeat-eaters.Hostsmayormaynotidentifyasbeingreligious,couldbeworking,studying,unemployedorretiredandcouldhavedisability access.

ThereareseveralHomestaysthatcanarrangetheplacementofstudents into homes.

Homestay Victoria Web:www.homestay-australia.com Email:homestay@homestay-australia.com Phone:+61399741078

Australian Homestay Network (AHN) Web:www.homestaynetwork.org Phone:1300697829

Familystay Australia Web:www.familystayaustralia.com Email:familystay@bigpond.com.au Phone:+61395747473

TIP: AlwayscompleteaConditionReportbeforeyoumoveintoaRentalProperty.Thisimportantdocumentisyourwrittenrecordoftheconditionofthepremises(andmaybeusedasevidenceinanydisputeaboutcleaning,damageormissingitems).

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Student Accommodation Services Web:www.student-accommodation.com.au Email:saccomm@bigpond.net.au Phone:+61394861916

DISCLAIMER:TheabovementionedHomestayprovidersarenotownedoroperatedbyVictoriaUniversity.VictoriaUniversitydoesnotendorseanyofthesecontactsandtheyareprovidedforyourconvenienceonly.Anyarrangements,financialorotherwise,arestrictlybetweenthestudentandtheHomestayprovider.

Homestaychargesvary.Asageneralguide,itcostsbetweenA$240andA$290perweek.Theratemaydependonwhetherthehostisofferingasingleorsharedbedroom,thetypeofaccommodation(eg.house/unit)andthelocationoftheresidence.PrivateHomestayagencieswhoarrangetheplacementalsochargeaplacementfeeofuptoA$280.

WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE IN HOMESTAYWhenlivinginanewspacewithnewpeople,thereisthepossibil-ityofproblemsarising.Itisalwaysagoodideatodiscussandagreeuponthelivingarrangements,preferablyinwriting,beforemovingin.ThishelpstoestablishguidelinesandexpectationsatthebeginningoftheHomestay.

Intheeventthataproblemdoesoccur,trytotalkthroughtheproblemdirectlywiththeotherperson.Chooseatimethatyou arebothavailableandthinkaheadaboutwhatyouwanttosay. Itmightalsobehelpfultowritedownthepointsyouwanttoraise.Remembertostayfocusedontheissueandtalkabouttheproblem,nottheperson.Remainingopentonewideasandlookingfor areaswherethereiscommoninterestcanoftenhelpwith reaching a resolution.

Ifyouarereluctanttospeakdirectlywiththeotherperson,thenitisimportantthatyoucontacttheHomestayagentorStudentHousing Services Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418.

TheDisputeSettlementCentreofVictoria(DSCV)alsoprovidesamediation service. Phone:96038370,1800658528-tollfreeforregionalcallers.

ForfurtherinformationrefertotheUnderstandingYourRightsandResponsibilitiessection.

HOSTElS/ROOMING HOUSES Ifyouliveinahouseorbuildingthathasfourormorepeoplewhorentaroomandsharefacilities,thismaybeclassifiedasahostel or rooming house.

Hostelsarepopularamongststudentswholikelivingwithotherpeople.Inahostel,youlivewithotherpeopleinacommunalenvironment.Youcanrentyourownlockedbedroom(singleroom)orshareabedroomwithotherstudents(dormroom).

Bedroomsmaybefurnishedwithabed,wardrobe,tableandchairandlamp.Yousharethekitchen(s),diningroom(s),coin-operatedlaundry(s),telephones/internet,etc.Mosthostelsusuallyhaveacaféwhereyoucanbuymealsandthelargerhostelsoftenhavegyms,bars,travelagents,andbusinessfacilities.

Some things to consider:

• Ifyouaskedtoshareyourroom,youhavetoagreefirstandyour rent must be reduced

• Themaximumbondyoucanbeaskedtopayisupto14daysrent• Seekadviceifyouareaskedtosignatenancyagreement.• Ifyouwanttoleavetheroominghouse,youneedtogiveat

least2businessdaysnoticeforwhichyouwillneedtopayrent.

TIP: Itisagoodideatoclarifypriortomovingintothehousewhattypeofaccommodationisbeingoffered,asdifferentlawsapplyundertheResidentialTenancyAct1997.YourrentusuallyincludesbillsataRoomingHouse.Youcannotbechargedforutilitiesunlesstheroomisseparatelymetered.ChecktheConsumerAffairswebsite www.consumer.vic.gov.au

TIP: Dealwiththeissueearly.Thelongeraproblem isleft,themoredifficultitbecomestoresolve.

TIP: Ahostcannotputadditionalpeopleinaroomwithouttheconsentofthecurrentoccupier.

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STUDENT ApARTMENT BlOCkSStudentapartmentblocksarerunbyprivateoperators.Apartmentsincludebathroomsandkitchenfacilities.Ifyouenjoyindependentliving,thisoptionmaybeworthconsidering.

Theroomsarefullyfurnishedwithmostcomplexeshavingamanagementteamandusuallysecurity.Therearedifferentapartmentconfigurations,includingonebedroom,twobedroomandtwin share.

Rentingyourownapartmentmaybeexpensivesomanystudentstendtoshareanapartment.Sharedrentalmeansthateachstudenthasalockedbedroomandsharesthekitchen,etc.

TIP: Costscanvarybetweentheabovementionedoptions, soitisworthcallingafewdifferentaccommodationprovidersandaskingabouttheirshortandlongtermrates.Therearealsotemporaryaccommodationlistings(e.g.hotels,motelsandbackpackers)thatcanbeaccessed by visiting the Student Housing Services website www.vu.edu.au/housing

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ThefollowingtableliststheaveragelivingcostsperstudentforaroominanestablishedhouseholdintheprivatemarketascomparedtoaroominVictoriaUniversity’sStudentVillage.Thisisaguideonlyandcostsaresubjecttoincreaseandmayvarydependingonlocation,lifestyleneedsandchoices.

private Share House Student Village

ESTABlISHMENT COSTS $ $ $ $

Bond/damages/securitydeposit# 300-650 450

Rentorfeesinadvance## 300-650 1343

Applicationfee 0 50

Other charges 405

Furniture,linen,crockeryetc 150-650^ 150-250

Books&stationery 650 650

OverseasStudentHealthCover## 435 435

Totalestablishmentcosts 1835-3035 3483-3583

WEEkly COSTS per Week per year* per Week per year*

WEEKLYCOSTS $ PERYEAR* $ PERYEAR*

Rent/accommodationfees 150 7800 150.19** 7831

Food/Beverages 100 5200 100 5200

PublicTransportZone1Metticket 30 1560 30 1560

Personal care 20 1040 20 1040

Entertainment,sport,hobbies 20 1040 20 1040

Mobile/internet 30 1560 30 1560

Utilities(gas,electricity,water) 27 1404 7.70 401

ESTIMATEDMINIMALLIVINGCOSTS $377 $19604 $357.89 $18632

*52weekyear**academicyear(2011)&summer(2012)Contractrates(includesinternet).#Abondisrefundablesubjecttonodeductionsforoutstandingrentordamages.##maynotapplytodomesticstudentsunlessyouhaveyourownhealthcover

^Dependingifroomisfurnishedorunfurnished

Ausefulwebsitetofindoutaboutrentaltrendsandhousingcostsiswww.housing.vic.gov.au/publications/reports/reports/rental-report

LIVING COSTS

TIP: StudentWelfareStaffatVictoriaUniversitycanprovideyouwithinformationandadviceonmoneymanagement,tipstosave money,debtmanagementandinformyouofyourrightsinrelationtomoneyanddebtmatters.Youcanmakeanappointment withaStudentWelfareOfficerbycalling99198801,99192399or99194418.

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CONDITION REPORT TheConditionReportstatestheconditionofthepropertywhen you moved in.

Itisvitalthatyoucarefullygothroughthepropertyroombyroomandeithertickthecolumnnexttoeachitemifyouagree,ormakeacommentifyoudonot.Writeinanyadditionalitem/sofdamageyoufindthatisnotshownontheConditionReport.Takephotostosupportyourcommentsandfindings.

ReturnacopyoftheConditionReporttotherealestateagentorlandlordwithin3workingdaysofmovingintotheproperty.

TheConditionReportprovidestheevidencetosupportaclaimbyeitheryouorthelandlordorrealestateagentintheeventofadisputebetweenyouandthelandlordattheendofyourtenancy.

TheConditionReportdocuments:

• stateofcleanlinessoftheproperty• stateofthefixturesandfittings• declaresifthereisanyexistingdamage.

STEPS TO STARTING A TENANCY1. Lodgeapplication2. Applicationaccepted3. Realestateagent/landlordgivesyouaResidentialTenancy

Agreementtoread,understandandsign–keepasignedcopy.4. Paythebondandonemonth’srentinadvanceforthehouse. Note:ifyouarestartingatenancyinaroominghouseandthe

rentistobepaidweekly,theroominghouseownercannotaskformorethan14daysrentinadvanceandthebondcannotbe more than 14 days rent.

RefertoRoomingHousesectiononpage5oftheHousingGuide.

5. YouareprovidedwithaBondLodgementFormtocompleteandsign.Youkeeponecopy.

6. Realestateagent/landlordforwardsthebondtotheResidentialTenanciesBondAuthority(RTBA)within10businessdaysofreceivingthebondmoney.

7. TheRTBAsendsyouareceiptwithin7daysofreceivingthebond.

8. AConditionReportonthepremisesisgiventoyoubythelandlord/realestateagent.Thisisaveryimportantdocumentasitdetailstheconditionofthepremisesatthestartofthetenancy.Youhave3businessdaysfromwhenyoureceivethekeystoaddyourcommentstothisreportandhandacopybacktothelandlordoragent.

Note:Youwillusethisattheendofyourtenancytohelpassistyouwithyoubondclaim.Itisalsorecommendedthatyoutakephotographsoftheconditionofthepropertyandanyexistingdamagepriortomovingin.

9. ReturnacopyoftheConditionReportwithyourwrittencommentswithin3workingdaystothelandlordorrealestateagent.Keepasignedcopy.

10. Settle in.

TIP:Keepallyourtenancydocuments(lease,conditionreportandanyphotos)rentreceiptsandcorrespondencewiththerealestateagentorlandlordinonefolder. Checkthatyoureceivereceiptsfortherent,bondandanybills.Also,remembertheimportanceofchecking thepropertylocationandthesafetyinsideandoutsideoftheproperty.

TIP: UsedescriptivewordsontheConditionReporttodescribestateofcleanliness.e.g.moderatelyorheavilysoiledinsteadofemotionalwordssuchas‘thisplaceisfilthy!’Describedamageaccuratelye.g.6slatsofthelounge vertical blind are torn.

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TENANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES• Payrentontime.Iftherentis14daysormorebehind,the

landlord or real estate agent issues you a Notice to Vacate.• Takecaretoavoiddamagingtheproperty.• Reportanydamagecausedbyyouoryourvisitors.• Notifythelandlordorrealestateagentofrequired

repairsinwriting.• Connectutilitiesandtelephone.• Keepthepropertyclean;maintainthegardenandlawns(if

any)asstatedinthetenancyagreement.

LANDLORD/REAL ESTATE AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES• LodgebondmoneywiththeResidentialTenanciesBond

Authority(RTBA).• Provideyouwithinformation-ConsumerAffairsVictoria

booklets‘RentingaHome:AGuideforTenantsandLandlords’or‘RoomingHouses:AGuideforResidents,OwnersandManagers.Landlords/realestateagentscanbefinedupto$500fornotprovidingthisinformation.

• Mustrepairandmaintaintheproperty.• Giveyouprivacyandmustgiveyouanoticetovisitorenter

yourproperty.

Ifyouwouldliketodiscussresponsibilitiesduringatenancyorfurtherinformation,contact:

Student Housing Services, Victoria University Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418.

Tenants Union of Victoria See: www.tuv.org.au Phone:94162577

Consumer Affairs Victoria See: www.consumer.vic.gov.au Phone:1300558181

DURING A TENANCY

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Movinghousecanbeastressfulandbusytime.Beingorganisedandtakingcareofyourrentalresponsibilitiesmayhelpyouwiththe move.

Someimportantthingstotakecareofbeforeyoumoveoutofahouseincludemakingsurethatyouhavepaidyourshareofthebills,cleanedyourshareofthehouse,disconnectedthegas,etc. ifrelevant,andprovidedyourforwardingaddressorhaveyoumailredirectedbyAustraliaPost.

LEAVING A PROPERTY AT THE END OF AN ExPIRED LEASEIfyouarelivinginsharedhousing(andnotonthelease),tellyourhousemate/sthatyouwanttoleaveandgivethemanexitdate.Yourhousemate/scanthendecidewhethertheywanttoadvertiseforanewhousemate.

Ifyouareonthelease,youneedtotellyourhousematesandgive28dayswrittennoticetothelandlordorrealestateagentofyourintentiontovacate.Yourhousematescanthendecidewhethertoadvertiseforanewhousemateoralsogive28dayswrittennoticeto vacate to the landlord or agent.

Ifyouarelivinginyourownapartment,youneedtogiveatleast28daysnoticeinwritingtothelandlordorreal-estateagent.ThisdoesnotapplytoRoomingHouseoccupancies.Inthesecircumstances,youneedtogive2daysnotice.

THE FINAL INSPECTION Thereal-estateagentorlandlordhas10workingdaysfromwhenyouvacatethepropertyto:

• undertakethefinalconditioninspectiontoensurethepropertyis clean and undamaged

• processyourbondclaimforrefund• notifyyouofanyissuesofdisputesuchascleaningordamage• andifthereisanissue,lodgeanapplicationwiththe

VictorianCivilandAdministrativeTribunal(VCAT)forthe matter to be heard.

Leavethepropertyinthesameorbetterconditionaswhenyousignedthelease.Priortothefinalinspection,repairanydamagetothepropertythatmayhaveoccurred.Remembertotakeallyour belongings.

Sharehouseholdsusuallyhavecopiesofallbillssentpriortotheinspectiondate.Youwillneedtopayyourshareoftheutilitybills(water,gas,electricityandphone)onyourvacatingdate.Allkeysandborrowedgoodsalsoneedtobereturnedtothelandlordonthevacatingdate.Extrarentmaybechargedifthekeysarereturned late.

BREAKING A LEASE EARLYIfyourlease(contractoragreement)hasnotyetexpiredandyouwanttobreakitearly,thenyoumaybeliabletopaytherentuntilthepropertyisre-let.Thismayincludethere-letfeeandanyadditionaladvertisingfees.

Thelandlordneedstotakeallreasonableactiontore-letavacantpropertyandcannotdiscriminateagainstpotentialtenants.Phonethelandlordregularlytoseeiftheyhavere-lettheproperty.

There-lettingprovisiondoesnotapplytohostels,roominghouses(unlesssignedintoacontract)orsharedhousingsituations.SeeStudentHousingServicesasapifyouneedadvice.

LandlordsmayalsolegallyapplytotheVictorianCivilAdministrationTribunal(VCAT)foryoutopaycompensationifyoubreakyourleaseearly.

Forfreeconfidentialadvice,contactStudentHousingServices Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418 Email: housing@vu.edu.au

Youcanadvertiseforfreeatwww.vu.edu.au/housingorwithanothertertiaryinstitutiontoseeifanotherstudentwilltakeoveryourleasewhenyouleave.Ifyouhaveimmediatereasonsforbreakingthelease,suchastherentedpropertybeingunfitforhumanuseormajorrepairshavenotbeenundertakenasrequested,seekadvicefrom:

Student Housing Services Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418

Tenants Union of Victoria Phone:94162577

MOVING

TIP:Itcanbeexpensivetobreakalease.Beforeenteringintoafixedtermtenancyagreement,thinkaboutyourlikelihoodofstayingatthepropertyforthefullperiodofthe lease.

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CLEANINGIfyouareleavingyourownhostel,flatorapartmentthenyouarerequiredtoensure:

• carpetsarecleanedandlawnsmowed• allsurfaces(benches,floorsandoventop)aredirtandstain

free• theoven/grillerandbathroom/laundryhavebeencleaned• newspapersarerecycledandallrubbishplacedoutfor

collection• allbelongings(furniture,clothes,books,PCandpotplants)

havebeenremoved.Thisincludestryingtofindtheowner (orfriendsof)belongingsleftbehindthatarenotyours.

Insharedhouseholds,bedroomcleaningis100%theresponsibil-ityofthepersonwhosleeps/sleptinit.Cleaningofcommunalareas(kitchen,lounge,bathroom,laundryandgarden)issharedequallybetweenallhousemates.

STORAGEIfyouhaveahouseholdoffurnitureincludingbed/s,wardrobe,bookshelf,chestofdrawers,washingmachine,fridge,microwavesofa,tableandchairs,bike,clothes,books,PC,desk,TVandstereo,youmaywanttousearemovalistandhirestorageto keepyourfurniture.

Comparepricesofstoragecompaniesandremovalistslistedinthelocalnewspaperandyellowpages.Checkwithremovalistshowbigtheirtruckis,ifinsuranceisincludedandifthequotedremovalistpriceisfor1or2people.

BOND RETURNSBondreturnsmaytakeafewweeks.Beforeinspection,complete aBondClaimforminpen-avoidleavinganyblanksectionsontheformandneversignablankBondClaimform.TheStudentHousingServicecanprovideassistanceifneeded.

IfyourbondwaslodgedwiththeResidentialTenancyBondAuthority(RTBA),itcantakeupto14workingdaystobedepositedintoyourbankaccount.TheRTBAprovidesnocounterchequesandtheBondClaimformmustbesignedbythelandlordbeforelodging.

Ifyoupaidabond/securitydepositinsharedhousingthatwaslodgedwiththeRTBA,thenyouneedtocompleteaTenantTransfer(pink)form.Thenewtenantpaysyouthebondmoneyyouareowed.Thenewtenantisthenincludedontheleaseandtheirshareofthebondisrecordedintheirname.Youshouldcheckwiththerealestateagent/landlordthatyournamehasbeenremovedfromthelease.

CANCELLING THE GAS, ELECTRICITY, WATER, PHONE AND INTERNETIfyouareinsharedhousingandaremovingout,youshouldringthecompanyandasktohaveyournameremovedfromtheaccountandsendyoua‘billtodate’.Likewise,itisagoodideatodisconnectaccountsifyouwererentingalone.

Whenyouleavetheproperty,ensurethatafinalreadingistaken(giveatleast48hoursnoticeforautilitiesreading).Thiswillhelptoavoidyoubeingchargedforutilitiesafteryouvacatetheproperty.

MAIL REDIRECTIONCompleteaMailRedirectionformatthepostofficetohaveyourmailsentfromyourcurrentaddresstoanotherlocaloroverseasaddress.Thecostofthisserviceisaround$12permonthandyoucanorganiseitinadvance.Redirectingoflettersoverseasdoesnotincurextracostsbuttheywillberedirectedviasea.

TIP:Youmaybeabletoacquirestorageboxesfreefromsupermarkets.Askfriendsiftheyhaveaspareroomorgaragethatyoucanrentshort-termtostoreyourstuff.

TIP: TheResidentialTenancyBondAuthority(RTBA)willnotacceptaBondClaimformifithasbeenalteredinanyway.Ifatenant,landlordorrealestateagentneedstomakeanychangestotheform,theymustcompleteanewBondClaimform.

NOTE: Ignoringyourresponsibilitiesmayhaveanimpactontheabilityoffuturestudentstoarrangeaccommodationwithlandlords.Youmayalsohaverentingproblemsifyoutrytorentinthefuture.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIESWhenyoustartrentingaproperty,youenterintoalease.Therearetwotypesofleases:fixedtermandperiodic.

Fixedtermleasesareforasetperiodoftime,usually6or12months.Conversely,aperiodicleasegenerallyrunsfrommonthtomonth.

Itisimportanttounderstandthataleaseisalegallybindingcontractbetweenyouandthelandlord.Ifyoubreakalease(e.g.leavebeforetheendoftheagreedtimeperiod),itcanbeverycostly.Forthisreason,onlysignafixedtermleaseifyouaresurethatyouwanttostayatthepropertyfortheentireperiodofthelease.

Itisimportantthatyoucompletelyunderstandwhatyouaresigning.Rememberthatyouareentitledtonegotiatethetermsoftheleasewiththelandlord-thelawdoesnotrequirethataleaseisfor6or12months.Itisjustcommonpractice.Forexample,youcanaskthelandlordtochangetheleaseperiodtofittheacademicyear.

Ifyouaremovinginwithotherpeople,youandtheothertenantsall need to sign the lease.

Ifyouaremovingintoanalreadyestablishedsharehouse,youshouldrequestwrittenpermissionfromthelandlordtohaveyourname added to the tenancy agreement. Including your name on the lease gives you the same rights as your housemates.

Youare,however,alsoequallyresponsibleforwhathappensinthehouse.Forexample,youareequallyresponsibleforanydamagetothepropertyandnonpaymentofrent.

Ifsomeoneismovingoutasyoumovein,makesurethatyoubothsignaBondTransferformpriortopayingthebondmoneytothetenantwhoisleaving.AskthelandlordoragenttocomeandinspectthepropertyandcompleteanewConditionReportsoyouarenotheldresponsibleforanydamagethatmighthaveoccurredbeforeyoumovedintothehouse.

Therearesomecircumstanceswhereyoumaybeinasub-lettingarrangement.Thisiswhereatenantassumestheroleoflandlordandsub-letsproperty.Thiscanmakeittrickyifaproblemordisputearises.Moreinformationonthistypeofhousingarrangementis availablefrom:

Tenants Union of Victoria Phone:94162577

Consumer Affairs Victoria Phone:1300518181.

Asatenant,itisimportantthatyoureadtheRentingaHome: AGuideforTenantsandLandlords(privaterental)orRoomingHouses:AGuideforResidents,OwnersandManagers,produced byConsumerAffairsVictoria.

Thesebookletsprovidebasicinformationaboutyoursandyourlandlord’s/roominghouseowner’srightsandresponsibilities. Itisrequiredbylawthatyouaregivenoneoftheseguidesby the landlord or real estate agent. Student Housing Services also hascopiesofthesebooklets.

Ifyouwanttodiscussatenancyissue,youcancontact:

Student Housing Services Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418.

Tenants Union of Victoria www.tuv.org.au-usefulhousingfactsheets Phone:94162577

Consumer Affairs Victoria www.consumer.vic.gov.au Phone:1300558181

TIP: Itiswisetodoasmuchresearchaspossibleonyourrightsandresponsibilitiespriortoenteringintoanytenancyarrangement.TenancyLawcanbecomplicatedandtheonusofresponsibilityiswithyouinunderstandingyourrightsandobligations.Remember,anyarrangementsarestrictlybetweenyouandthehousingprovider.

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Therearesomeexcellenthousingresourcesavailableonlineto helpguideyouthroughtherentalandsharedhouseenvironment.Checkoutthefollowingwebsites:

VU Housing Services and Housing Database provideshousinginformationandvacantrentalandshare housing listings www.vu.edu.au/housing

Tenants Union of Victoria providesmanyusefulfactsheetsandanexcellentsection on Student Housing www.tuv.org.au

Consumer Affairs Victorias providesusefulrentalinformation www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Community Housing www.wesley.org.au

Accommodation Websites www.domain.com.au www.realestate.com.au www.flatmates.com.au www.flatmatefinders.com.au

Real Estate Institute of Victoria www.reiv.com.au

Sustainable Renting Tipsonhowtoreduceyourenvironmentalimpact www.environmentvictoria.org.au/rentersguide

Government Bond Assistance http://www.housing.vic.gov.au

Crisis Accommodation www.frontyard.org www.melbournecitymission.org.au www.melbourne.homeless.org.au

Transitional Housing Management www.ych.org.au www.salvationarmy.org.au

public Housing www.housing.vic.gov.au

Dispute Settlement Centre of VictoriaTheDisputeSettlementCentreofVictoria(DSCV)helps peopletoresolvetheirowndisputes,includingtenancyissues. Manydisputescanberesolvedthroughcommunicationandnegotiation.Theserviceisfree.

www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/DOJ+Internet/Home/The+Justice+System/Disputes

Victoria Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)www.vcat.vic.gov.au

Residential Tenancies Bond Authoritywww.rentalbonds.vic.gov.au

HOUSING WEBSITES

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BEFORE YOU START LOOKINGWHAT CAN YOU AFFORD?

Whatarea(s)doyouwanttolivein?

Whatarea(s)canyouafford?

Canyouaffordtolivealoneandpayallthebillsordoyouwanttolivewithothers?

Howmuchisthebondandrentinadvance?

HaveyoucheckedwhetheryouareeligibleforfinancialassistancethroughCentrelink?

Howmuchisthegas,electricity,waterandphone?

Whatfurniture,utensilsandlinendoyouneed?

IF YOU ARE CHOOSING SHARE HOUSING, DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WITH:

Malesorfemales?

Olderoryoungerpeople?

Students,unemployedorworkingpeople?

Peoplewhosmokecigarettes,drinkalcoholortakedrugs?

Messyortidypeople?

Peoplewhokeepdifferenthourstoyou?

HOUSING CHECKLIST

ADDRESS:

Property1

Property2

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HOUSING QUESTIONS GENERAL

PROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Willyoubesharingwithanyone?

Whatisthelandlord’sname,phonenumberandaddress?

Howcloseispublictransport?

Isthepropertysafeinsideandoutside?

Arethereanysupportservicesnearby?

Isthereaworkingsmokealarm?

Doallthewindowsanddoorsopen/lock?

Istheareaquietornoisy?

Isthereagarden?Ifso,whomaintainsit?

Howlongwillittakeyoutogettocampus?

Arepetsallowedattheproperty?

Doesthehouseholdhaveanyspecificreligiousorculturalneeds?

Isthepropertyaccessibleforpeoplewithadisability?

COMPARING PROPERTIES

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RENTPROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Howmuchistherent?

Isthisrentforasingleorsharedbedroom?

Doestherentincludebills?

IMpORTANT DOCUMENTSPROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Howmuchisthebond?

Howwillthebondbekept?

HasaConditionReportbeencompleted,signedandprovidedtothelandlordandtenant?

Howlongisthelease?

Howmuchwrittennoticedoyouneedtogivetoendthelease?

Howmuchwillitcosttobreakyourleaseearly?

Howmanypeopleareonthelease?

CanIputmynameonthelease/tenancyagreement?

HOUSEHOlD RESpONSIBIlITIES AND RUlES

PROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Whobuysandpaysforthefood?

Whodoesthecooking?Whattypeoffoodiseaten?

Areanymealssharedorprovided?

Whodoesthegroceryshopping?

Whopaysforthegeneralhouseholditems(e.g.cleaningproducts)?

Dotenantsshopasagroup?

Whodoesthecleaning?

Arefriends/familyabletostayregularlyanddotheycontributetothebills?

Canfriendsandfamilyvisit?

Whatsustainablepracticesareusedattheproperty?(e.g.recycling,waterandpowerusage)

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GAS, ELECTRICITY AND WATER BILLS

PROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Arethereanywaterorheatingrestrictions?

Whopaysthebills?

Howarethebillsdivided?

TELEPHONEPROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

Isthetelephoneprovided?

Arethereany‘pin’or‘time’restrictionswhenmakingcallsonthephone?

Howisthephonebilldivided?

FOxTEL AND INTERNET

PROPERTY 1 PROPERTY 2

IsFoxteltelevisionprovided?Doesthiscostextra?

Isinternetaccessprovided?Doesthiscostextra?

Note: The tenant needs to connect the utilities if moving into a vacant property

BEDROOM FURNITURE

Property 1: bed wardrobe desk drawers heater fan computer lamp other

Property 2: bed wardrobe desk drawers heater fan computer lamp other

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WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR SHARED USE?

PROPERTY 1 ✓ PROPERTY 2 ✓

DVD Player DVD Player

Computer/printer/internet Computer/printer/internet

Kettle/toaster/ricecooker Kettle/toaster/ricecooker

Cutlery/plates/cups Cutlery/plates/cups

Linen-pillow/sheets/doona/blankets/towels Linen-pillow/sheets/doona/blankets/towels

Carparking Carparking

Other(e.g.soapbutter,milk,sugar,coffeetoiletpaper,cleaningproducts)

Other(e.g.soapbutter,milk,sugar,coffeetoiletpaper,cleaningproducts)

(TICK WHAT IS PROVIDED ✓)

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RECEIPTS (SAMPLES ONLY)

Bond Receipt (Example)

Date Paid:

(Nameofpersonmoneypaidto)received$(amount)forbondfrom(yournameandnewaddress)

BothSignatures

Rent Receipt (Example)

Date Paid:

(Nameofpersonmoneypaidto)received$(amount)from(yourname)for(howmany)weeks rentforaddress

BothSignatures

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SUPPORT SERVICES

If you are experiencing difficulties outside of Victoria University Student Engagement office hours, there are many free support services available to help you either by web or phone.

COUNSELLING SERVICES

SERVICE DESCRIPTION CONTACT

lifelineLifelineprovidesaconfidentialtelephonecounselling services service

phone: 13 11 14 Web:www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide lineSuicidepreventionandcounsellingandsupport

phone: 1300 651 251

Beyond Blue Info lineProvidesaccesstoinformation,adviceandreferralsarounddepression,anxietyandrelated conditions.

phone: 1300 22 46 36 Web: www.beyondblue.org.au

Gay and lesbian Switchboard Victoria Counsellingandinformationphone: 1800 184 527 6-10pmDailyand2-10pmWednesday

CRISIS ACCOMMODATION

Crisis Accommodation Info lineProvidesavarietyofsupporttopeoplewhoarehomelessorriskofhomelessness.

phone: 1800 627 727 10am-midnightdaily

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency Fire,Police,andAmbulanceservices phone: 000

poison Information lineProvidesatimely,safeinformationserviceinpoisoningsandsuspectedpoisonings.

phone: 13 11 26

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENTTheStudentEngagementDepartmentprovidesarangeofsupportservices to Victoria University students. Student Engagement staffcanassistwithmanyissuesorreferyoutotheappropriateservices.StudentEngagementstaffarebasedoneveryVictoriaUniversitycampusandareavailableduringtheUniversitycalendaryear.

Togetadviceandinformation, phone991988019919239999194418

HOW STUDENT WElFARE STAFF CAN HElp yOU

CENTRElINk ✓ Advocacy

✓ Payment advice and entitlements

✓ Applicationassistance

FINANCES ✓ Moneymanagement

✓ Debtor Rights

✓ Using credit

✓ Contract advice

✓ Shortterminterestfreestudentloansofupto$500 (uponapproval)

✓ EligibilityforHECSHelp,

✓ Feeextensionsandfeewaivers

HOUSING✓ Tenancylawsandissues

✓ Databaseofstudenthousingoptions

✓ Housingmentoringprogram

✓ HouseHuntingFriendsFacebookGroup

✓ Utilityaidandpaymentadvice

OTHER ISSUES✓ Transitionissues

✓ ExplainingUniversityprocesses

✓ Legalinformationandreferral

✓ Understandingandpayingfines

✓ Referralstoexternalcommunityagencies.

www.vu.edu.au/facilities-and-services/advice-and-counselling/welfare-services

SCHOlARSHIpS✓ Arangeofscholarshipsareavailableforenrolledstudents

✓ InternationalScholarshipsarealsoavailabletogovernmentsponsoredstudents.

www.vu.edu.au/courses/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AlSO pROVIDES THE FOllOWING SERVICES:✓ Counselling

✓ Disability Services

✓ StudentLife

✓ StudentAdvisoryService

✓ SportandFitness

www.vu.edu.au/current-students/services-for-current-students

CONTACT USStudent Housing Services Victoria University Web: www.vu.edu.au/housing Email: housing@vu.edu.au Phone: 9919 8801 9919 2399 9919 4418

Disclaimer:Pleasenotethispublicationhasbeenproducedtoprovidehousinginformationandshouldbetreatedasaguideonly.VictoriaUniversityacceptsnoresponsibilityfortheaccuracyofinformationandreservestherighttomakechangestothedocumentatanytimeinitsabsolutediscretion.Theonusofresponsibilityiswitheachstudenttoassesswhetheranyhousingoptionoutlinedinthispublicationissuitabletohis/herownneeds.Anyarrangements,financialorotherwise,arestrictlybetweenthestudentandthesharehouse/landlord/agency/agent.

Whileeveryreasonableefforthasbeenmadetoensurethisinformationiscorrect,detailsaresubjecttochange.7151.12.11