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Renting guides

Every fact shows its official source and the date we checked it.

How we write 1Summarise from official pages 2Show sources and check dates 3Update when rules change
Tools

Tools you can use now

No sign-up needed. Your progress stays in your own browser.

Move-in and move-out checklist
Tick items off room by room, with reminders to take photos as evidence. Your progress is saved in your browser.
For condition report and bond rules, the official pages take priority.
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Monthly living cost calculator
Pick your housing type and school, add bills, transport and food, and get a range rather than an exact figure.
A living cost estimate only. It is not proof of funds for a visa.
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Housemate cost split and agreement
Split rent, bills and bond by room size, then create a one-page housemate agreement.
The agreement is a record between you and your housemates, not a legal document.
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How much to have ready before you move in
Enter your weekly rent and how you pay it to see the most you can be asked for in bond and rent in advance, and which fees should not be charged.
This is not legal advice. Your agreement and the official pages take priority.
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Renting timeline for before and after you arrive
Enter your arrival and move-in dates to get a dated to-do list: searching, signing, paying bond, connecting utilities, the condition report and notice to vacate. Export it to your calendar or print it.
Legal time limits: the official pages take priority.
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Renting letter generator
Choose a situation, fill in a few blanks and get a letter for your rental provider or agent, with a plain-English explanation alongside.
This is not legal advice. Check the letter before you send it.
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Just arrived

Just arrived? Start here

When to start looking, what to sort out after you land, and what each area is like.

Starting in Melbourne in February or July 2027: when should you start looking for a place to live?
Plan your housing around 2027 course dates: when to start, where to stay first, what to book before you leave and what to sign after arrival.
Read the article
Your first week in Melbourne: what to sort out first, and what can wait
Airport transport, SIM card, banking, Myki, university check-in and moving: put them in order, with documents and deadlines ready.
Read the article
Melbourne area guides
Ten areas: which universities are close, how many places are listed, typical rents by room type, plus local amenities and transport.
See the area guides

Have a specific question? The help centre groups common questions by topic, and you can search it.Go to the help centre

Changes · What changed recently

What changed recently

Victoria's rental rules have been changing in stages, and old numbers still circulate online. Below are only dates you can check on an official page, each with the date we checked it.

See the full official list (CAV)
  1. 25 Nov 2025In effect
    First batch of new rules: 90 days' notice for rent increases (it was 60), rental bidding is banned, and a notice to vacate needs a valid reason.
    CAV · New rules summaryCAV · Rent increasesChecked 5 Oct 2026
  2. 31 Mar 2026In effect
    Rental applications must use the standard form, and rental providers and agents can only ask for what the form lists.
    CAV · Applying for a propertyChecked 5 Oct 2026
  3. 1 Jun 2026In effect
    Half-price public transport starts. The official page says it runs until 1 January 2027.
    vic.gov.au · Half-price travelChecked 5 Oct 2026
  4. 1 Jul 2026In effect
    Renters can transfer an existing bond to a new rental property (conditions apply).
    CAV · New rules summaryThis site · Bond and the RTBAChecked 5 Oct 2026
  5. 9 Sep 2026In effect
    Renters can pay their bond directly to the RTBA. You must tell the rental provider in writing before they start lodging the bond.
    CAV · Lodging the bond with the RTBAThis site · Bond and the RTBAChecked 5 Oct 2026
  6. 13 Oct 2026In effect
    Bond claims require at least 3 business days' notice and supporting evidence; rental application fees are banned.
    CAV · New rules summaryThis site · Bond and the RTBAChecked 16 Oct 2026
  7. Today11 Nov 2026
    Still to come
  8. 1 Jan 2027Ending soon
    End date of half-price public transport (the official page says until 1 January 2027).
    vic.gov.au · Half-price travelChecked 5 Oct 2026
  9. 1 Mar 2027Starts in phases
    Minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes start in phases: heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, insulation and draughtproofing.
    CAV · New rules summaryChecked 16 Oct 2026
Articles

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From before you leave to renewing or moving, pick a stage to see only its articles. You can also use the search box above.

Start with renting step by step

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Start with 6 articles per stage, in article order.

Showing 7 of 7 articlesClear filters

Finding a place

1 article
Living costsSydney
Stage · Finding a place

Setting a rental budget near UNSW Kensington

Add your share of rent and uncovered bills, then food, travel and personal costs. Keep bond and first rent separate from ongoing spending.

7 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Inspections

1 article
Living costsSydney
Stage · Inspections

E-bikes in Sydney apartments: storage and charging

Check written building arrangements and safe locations separately for e-bike storage and charging in a Sydney apartment. NSW guidance recommends charging large batteries away from living areas and exits, while awake and present. If no suitable arrangement exists, include that in your housing decision.

9 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Signing

1 article
Living costsSydney
Stage · Signing

Must NSW renters use a particular rent-payment app in 2026?

NSW residential renters cannot be required to use a particular payment app. Approved bank payments must be offered without provider-imposed fees. Centrepay has also been an option since 2 Mar 2026 for eligible recipients; normal fees charged by your own bank may remain.

8 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Moving in

4 articles
Living costs
Stage · Moving in

How to connect electricity, gas, water and internet as a renter

Check included bills, separate meters, gas and embedded networks before deciding which accounts to open. Contact providers once the agreement and access date are confirmed. They confirm connection or installation timing; do not wait until moving day.

5 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Living costs
Stage · Moving in

Why does my apartment use an embedded energy network?

A building energy company may bill you because the apartment is in an embedded network that on-sells energy. Identify the seller, meter and tariffs first. Before switching retailers, confirm the connection and who bills network costs. NSW and Victorian rules differ.

8 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Living costs
Stage · Moving in

Apartment parcels: Safe Drop or Parcel Locker?

An apartment lobby may not be a safe parcel location. Ask how the building handles deliveries, then compare Australia Post Parcel Locker and Parcel Collect if home delivery is unsuitable. Safe Drop still depends on the parcel, permissions and conditions on site.

9 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Living costsSydney
Stage · Moving in

Sydney apartment fire alarms: what should renters do?

Respond immediately to a fire alert in a Sydney high-rise and follow the building evacuation plan and fire service instructions. Do not use lifts in a fire. Learn the fire stairs, outdoor exit and meeting place at move-in. If you cannot leave safely, call 000 and follow emergency advice.

9 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
A one-page guide for parents

One printable page you can pass on to your parents.

Housing types comparedCostsRisks5 questions to ask an adviser
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