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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.

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Start with 6 articles per stage, in article order.

Showing 7 of 7 articlesClear filters

Before you leave

3 articles
TransportSydney
Stage · Before you leave

How do Opal cards and bank payments work in Sydney?

Use an adult Opal card or a supported bank card or device. Tap on and off, and keep the same payment method for the whole trip.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Transport
Stage · Before you leave

Can international students get transport concessions?

Eligible international students can apply for a Victorian travel pass. NSW has different concession rules and ordinary international students usually pay adult fares.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
TransportSydney
Stage · Before you leave

How do you get from Sydney Airport to UNSW?

Take T8 from the airport to Central, then light rail from Central Chalmers Street. Use L2 for upper campus or L3 for lower campus at UNSW.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Finding a place

1 article
Transport
Stage · Finding a place

How do you compare rent with a longer commute?

Compare both homes over the same week using rent, transport costs, travel time and the routes you would use after dark and for shopping.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Living in Melbourne

3 articles
Transport
Stage · Living in Melbourne

Where is Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, and do you need myki for Parkville?

The Free Tram Zone covers designated tram stops in the CBD and Docklands; Parkville campus is outside it. A tram trip entirely inside the zone needs no myki touch-on. A trip beyond it needs a valid fare. Check the official zone map and full route before travelling.

5 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
TransportSydney
Stage · Living in Melbourne

How do you travel from UNSW to the Sydney CBD?

Use L2 from upper campus or L3 from lower campus towards Circular Quay, then choose the city stop for your actual teaching address.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Transport
Stage · Living in Melbourne

How do you get home after late classes?

Ask campus security about an escort or check the campus shuttle, then connect it with public transport and the final walk home.

6 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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