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Finding a place |
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If you have never rented before finding acommodation can be a difficult process, even experienced students may have difficulties when they are unfamiliar with the rental process in a new country. There are many decisions to make in short period of time so and you can never be too prepared for this process. Brisbane's rental market currently very competitive so even the best laid plans will have to be adjusted to suit what is available in the market place when you start looking. Accommodation StepsIts best to start with a budget or at least a price range for what you can afford to spend on rent which is paid on a fortnightly, 2 weekly basis. The cost of living sections can help in trying to find a rental budget. Read about the different type of accommodation available taking particualr note of the strengths and concerns of each type of accommodation. If you are planning on cooking for yourself you may want to start getting some cooking tips and recipes from family and friends. Do some research on the different suburbs in Brisbane. Everyone wants to live within walking distance to the campus but its generally more expensive and always in high demand. Get a feel for the rental market by doing searches on various accommodation databases based in Brisbane, read - Finding a home. After considering the cost, getting familiar with suburbs and general directions you are ready to begin searching and inspecting places that suit your needs. Discuss your needs and preferences with ISS staff and our accommodation assistants. Our Accommodation Officer is familiar with Brisbane's rental market and has contact with private landlords who cater for QUT international students. At the start of each semester ISS receives daily listings from agents in popular suburbs. New international students can get personal assistance in finding accommodation where accommodation assistants can accompany and drive you to carry inspections of rental properties or shared housing. Attend Discover Brisbane to find out more. Make phone calls to get street addresses and get as much information as possible over the phone. Make appointments if necessary. Remember to always ask advice from our assistants who know the different areas of Brisbane. Inspect vacant property and make a checklist of pros and cons for comparisons. Be prepared to accept the property as is or try and negotiate with the agent/ landlord if repairs can be made or furniture removed. Casual staff employed by ISS will accompany new students, to inspect up to three possible options. When looking for shared accommodation it's important to meet all potential flatmates and ask the right questions. Don't be afraid to be direct. Decide on a suitable property and submit an application to the real estate agent. The application must be submitted with a holding deposit of one weeks rent. The application is essentially looking at your capacity to pay rent (source of income) and your history as a tenant. So bring references from previous landlords, if you have any. Agent then seeks approval from the owner of the property. Wait for approval. By this stage you should be familiar with the details of Starting a Tenancy and your Rights & Responsibilities. Arrangements for shared accommodation are less formal but you still need to be well informed of your legal rights. Once approved, arrange a time to sign the lease and pay 4 weeks bond and 2 weeks rent in advance. Read the lease carefully before signing, check the tenancy period. Organise to connect electricity, gas, telephone and appropriate bond: Moving In... Move in and complete Condition Report within the first few weeks. What to look for when inspecting propertiesIt's a good idea to take notes of each property you inspect. Besides the address, rent, and agent take notes of the details:
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