When to arrange internet for your Melbourne rental
Start once the agreement and access date are settled. Check the exact unit address, connection type and any installation needed.
Key points
- 1Check whether internet is included
- 2Use the full unit address
- 3Record the service-ready date
- 4Leave property connection equipment behind
1Check the exact connection
A socket or connection box does not establish an active service.
If internet is included, ask management how to connect and report faults. Otherwise, check the address before choosing a plan.
If the unit is missing from a lookup, ask the provider to resolve address recognition and keep the case number. Use the address on your agreement.
An apartment may use another fixed network. Ask management which network serves the unit and choose a suitable provider.
2Check equipment before buying a router
Ask the provider to identify the connection and equipment requirements.
Get photos of sockets, the connection box, power supply and cables. Ask whether activation can be remote and what is missing.
For a technician visit, check the appointment window, adult attendance and access needed. Book after you can obtain the keys.
Arrange required permission for drilling, cabling or public-area access before the visit.
3Record when service will be usable
Start early and obtain the provider's connection estimate.
The nbn moving checklist recommends planning more than four weeks ahead. If your move is closer, contact the provider now.
Record the order, appointment, outstanding conditions, billing start and rescheduling process. Report missing equipment or access problems promptly.
If classes must be online that day, check hotspot allowance and signal, download materials or check access to university study spaces.
4Separate installation from the plan
For ordinary Victorian rentals, the rental provider pays initial fixed-line internet installation.
Reconnection is usually the renter's cost unless agreed otherwise. Budget separately for the plan and your equipment; ask for itemised charges.
Read the Critical Information Summary for term, charges, limits and cancellation, then check busy-period speeds and equipment needs.
Compare the first bill with the order. In a share house, record the account holder, bill split and handover when someone leaves.
5If the connection is delayed or faulty
Give the provider your order, unit number, fault timing and equipment status.
Follow troubleshooting advice and ask what remains to be done, the next action and response time. Keep the complaint number.
If the complaint remains unresolved, use ACMA's guidance to reach the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. Remedies depend on the problem.
If the connection box is missing, ask the provider to arrange replacement and follow its equipment instructions.
6When you move again
Arrange the old service end or transfer and leave fixed connection equipment at the property.
Keep the written end date separately from your new order and check the final bill.
Leave nbn-supplied connection equipment, power supply and cables at the address. Separate your router from items the provider requires back.
Yeeliving charges no fee to help connect utilities and internet. Provider plans and equipment costs remain payable as agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a network socket mean I can go online immediately?
A socket or connection box does not establish an active service. If internet is included, ask management how to connect and report faults. Otherwise, check the address before choosing a plan. If the unit is missing from a lookup, ask the provider to resolve address recognition and keep the case number. Use the address on your agreement. An apartment may use another fixed network. Ask management which network serves the unit and choose a suitable provider.
How early should I arrange an internet connection?
Start early and obtain the provider's connection estimate. The nbn moving checklist recommends planning more than four weeks ahead. If your move is closer, contact the provider now. Record the order, appointment, outstanding conditions, billing start and rescheduling process. Report missing equipment or access problems promptly. If classes must be online that day, check hotspot allowance and signal, download materials or check access to university study spaces.
Who pays installation, reconnection and plan charges?
For ordinary Victorian rentals, the rental provider pays initial fixed-line internet installation. Reconnection is usually the renter's cost unless agreed otherwise. Budget separately for the plan and your equipment; ask for itemised charges. Read the Critical Information Summary for term, charges, limits and cancellation, then check busy-period speeds and equipment needs. Compare the first bill with the order. In a share house, record the account holder, bill split and handover when someone leaves.
Can I take the nbn connection box when I move?
Arrange the old service end or transfer and leave fixed connection equipment at the property. Keep the written end date separately from your new order and check the final bill. Leave nbn-supplied connection equipment, power supply and cables at the address. Separate your router from items the provider requires back. Yeeliving charges no fee to help connect utilities and internet. Provider plans and equipment costs remain payable as agreed.
Sources (checked 2 Nov 2026)
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Setting up utilities and services
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Paying for utilities and services
- ACMA: Choosing an NBN plan
- ACMA: Problems with the NBN
This is general information, not legal advice. The rental information covers ordinary residential rentals in Victoria. Check which rules cover other accommodation agreements.