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Renting guides

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

20 articles. Browse by stage ↓
How we write 1Summarise from official pages 2Show sources and check dates 3Update when rules change
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Move-in and move-out checklist
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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.
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Housemate cost split and agreement
Split rent, bills and bond by room size, then create a one-page housemate agreement.
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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.
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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.
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Renting letter generator
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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
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Showing 17 of 20 articlesClear filters

Before you leave

2 articles
Living costs
Stage · Before you leave

How do I budget for monthly living costs in Melbourne?

Add your own rent, bills, transport, food and other spending to calculate a monthly budget. There is no single amount for everyone. The three assumed budgets below show the calculation; replace them with your own figures. Keep the bond and moving costs separate.

6 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Living costs
Stage · Before you leave

How much money do you need for your first month in Melbourne?

Build a first-month payment calendar: bond, rent before entry, later rent due in the month, and living and moving costs. For an ordinary home at A$500 a week, the usual one-month bond amount is about A$2,172.62. Weekly and monthly payment schedules have different upfront amounts.

4 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Finding a place

3 articles
Living costs
Stage · Finding a place

What can you rent in Melbourne for A$300, A$400 or A$500 a week?

Establish whether A$300, A$400 or A$500 is your personal rent, a whole-property rent or a housing budget including bills. A budget band cannot establish the type of home available. Filter current quotes by campus, dates and room type, then allow for bills and upfront funds.

8 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
Living costs
Stage · Finding a place

Melbourne rental budget: which conditions can you relax?

Keep workable dates, travel and essential living needs. Change one condition at a time and compare the full cost.

7 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
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

2 articles
Living costs
Stage · Signing

Paying rent and bond for the first time in Melbourne: what to check before you pay

Separate the bond, rent in advance and any holding deposit, then check the agreement, payment period and payee. Victorian residential rentals have different limits and exceptions. A weekly advertised rent does not mean weekly payment. Pause and independently verify an unexpected account change.

8 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
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

9 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

Your first week in Melbourne: what to sort out first, and what can wait

On arrival, secure accommodation, phone access and transport. Then follow your own university deadlines for enrolment, accounts and travel. Arrange utilities once the long-term rental is confirmed and complete the condition report after entry. The deadlines here are not every personal visa or university obligation.

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

Rent or buy furniture for your Melbourne rental?

Check what comes with the property, then compare the full cost of renting or buying furniture over the time you expect to use it.

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

Your first shopping trip after moving to Melbourne

For the first shopping trip, buy missing washing, bedding and next-meal essentials. Check the actual inventory first, measure before buying bedding and arrange delivery access before ordering large items; add other supplies as daily needs become clear.

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

When to arrange internet for your Melbourne rental

You can arrange internet for a Melbourne rental before moving in. Once your agreement and access dates are settled, check the exact unit, order a suitable plan and any installation, and confirm the activation date separately. A connection box alone is not an active service.

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

Furnished Melbourne rentals: what to check at handover

Get an inventory for the exact unit, including quantities, condition and repair contacts. Buy around confirmed gaps.

7 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
View all 9 articles

Living in Melbourne

2 articles
Living costs
Stage · Living in Melbourne

How to read and check utility bills in Melbourne

Before paying, verify the provider, account, full address, billing period, readings and previous payments, then establish which charges are yours. A period after entry does not make every item your responsibility. Query discrepancies with the provider and avoid duplicate payment.

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

How to report recurring damp around a rental window

For recurring window damp in a Melbourne rental, record the address, exact location, first observation, changes and impact, with room and close-up photos, and ask the rental provider or PM to inspect the cause. Use urgent contacts immediately for safety faults, serious leaks or minimum-standard failures, then confirm in writing.

4 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026

Renewing or moving

1 article
Living costs
Stage · Renewing or moving

Renew or move when your Melbourne agreement ends?

Check how your current agreement can end, then compare written terms over the same period, including bills, travel and moving costs.

4 min readChecked 9 Nov 2026
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