You can browse for rooms (share housing) or properties (private rental) by using the search panel at the top of the screen.
To gain access to the contact details of the accommodation Providers, you will need to register as a student on the Melbourne Polytechnic Off-Campus Accommodation database.
Here’s how to register.
It should only take you a minute or two.
You can recover your own password by clicking “Forget your password?” on the sign in page. This will send an email to your registered email address with a link. Once you click this link, you'll be taken to a page on the site where you can choose a new password.
You can choose from a range of off-campus accommodation options:
Share Housing
Sharing a rented house or flat with other people is generally the most economical, flexible and popular form of off-campus accommodation. You might choose to move into an existing share-house, or organise a group to establish a new share house.
Usually, each person in a share house has their own bedroom and contributes to the cost of household goods, the bond (security deposit), gas, electricity, water and telephone charges. In most cases you will be expected to provide your own bedroom furniture. The bathroom, kitchen and living room are for everyone to share and maintain.
Some considerations prior to moving into a shared household:
Tip: The Residential Tenancies Act (1997) does not differentiate between the rights and obligations of co-tenants in relation to each other. If you find yourself in a dispute with another tenant, the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) provides a free dispute mediation service.
Hostels/Rooming Houses
If you live in a house or property where there’s one or more rooms available for rent and the total number of people occupying these rooms are four or more it may be classified as a rooming house. Bedrooms are usually furnished and you can rent your own locked bedroom (single room) or share a bedroom with others (dorm room). You also share the house common facilities such as kitchen, laundry, bathroom and living areas. Rooming houses are a good option if you enjoy living in a communal environment.
Tip: Rooming house operators are required to comply with minimum standards which relate to privacy, security, safety and amenities. You can view the minimum standards at Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Private rental vacancies
This option includes units, flats, houses, self-contained bungalows and apartments. By living in a private rental you have the opportunity to live independently and to be responsible for all aspects of your tenancy. This can be one of the more expensive options as you are solely responsible for meeting costs such as the bond, rent in advance, gas, electricity, water, moving expenses and furnishings.
Tip: Ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of a lease agreement before you sign. It can be expensive to break a lease if you change your mind.
Commercially operated student apartments
If you are interested in living independently with access to common facilities this may be a good option. Rooms come fully furnished and (if you are not sharing with others) you may have your own bathroom and kitchen facilities. There are different types of accommodation within apartments you can choose from such as; studio room, one bedroom, two bedroom and twin share.
Tip: As with private rentals, ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of an agreement for a student apartment before you sign.
Boarding
In a boarding arrangement, you live with the owner/occupier of a home. Meals and other support may be provided and your room is usually fully furnished. This option can be appealing as it gives you the opportunity to be supported in a home environment.
Tip: It is a good idea to discuss any house expectations prior to moving in.
On-Campus accommodation is available at Melbourne Polytechnic's own Yarra House, located within the grounds of our Fairfield campus.
Yarra House is operated by Campus Living Villages.
A tenancy agreement, also called a lease, can be in writing or verbal. A lease can apply for a fixed term (for example 6 or 12 months) or be periodic (generally month to month).
Applying for a residential tenancy agreement:
The bond is then lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). Ensure you keep a copy of the receipt from the bond authority. For more information contact Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), or the Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV).
A bond is a security deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent) that you pay to the landlord at the start of your tenancy. When you pay a bond the landlord should sign a Bond Lodgement Form and give you the form to sign. The form should then be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority within 10 days.
If, at the end of your tenancy the landlord believes you damaged the property or if you have unpaid rent they make a claim for all or a part of your bond as compensation.
The Tenancy Union of Victoria produces a useful fact sheet on bonds.
Tip: Check that you receive a receipt for the bond and all other payments.
If the rent for your property is less than $350 per week, you can only be asked to pay the equivalent of one month's rent as bond.
There is no maximum amount of bond payable if the rent for your property is more than $350 per week, however 6 weeks rent might be a reasonable amount to expect to pay.
The condition report provides evidence of the condition of the property when you moved in. It documents cleanliness, fixtures and fittings and existing damage.
The report is essential as it may help you defend a bond claim or compensation claim for damage or cleaning costs at the conclusion of your tenancy.
Ensure you go through the property room by room and make comments on the condition report if you find any damage (such as marks on the walls, carpet stains etc.). Once the form is completed and signed return it to the landlord within three business days of moving into the premises.
Tip: We recommend you take photos of the property, this will help to support your comments on the condition report.
Rental prices vary considerably depending on the type of housing, the amenities available, and the location.
Securing your accommodation after arriving in Melbourne can take up to one month, or possibly longer, depending on your requirements. Try to arrive early so that you don't miss out on important orientation or enrolment activities.
In Melbourne, real estate agents don't escort prospective tenants to different apartments or houses. The prospective tenant (you) does all the work, and you need to find your own way to the properties, often at set times (open for inspection times are usually a 15 minute window of opportunity for prospective tenants to inspect the premises).
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is responsible for the administration of the Residential Tenancies Act.
You can obtain copies of Renting a Home: A Guide for Tenants or Rooming Houses: A guide for Residents and other relevant information and forms from Consumer Affairs Victoria - phone 1300 558181 or call into their office at 113 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.
CAV publications are also available in many other languages.
Tenants Union Victoria also provide information, support and advice to tenants. The TUV web page has an excellent range tenancy issue sheets and step by step guides in a broad range of languages. Or you can get phone advice 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1.00pm to 8.00pm Wednesday on (03) 9416 2577. (Closed on public holidays)
