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After considering the cost, location, and type of accommodation you are ready to
begin inspecting properties. Our Accommodation
Officer is familiar with Brisbane's rental market and has contact with private
landlords who cater for QUT students. At the start of each semester ISS receives
daily listings from agents in popular suburbs. If you are after homestay,
email the ISS homestay coordinator.
Accommodation Steps
ISS can arrange airport reception and temporary accommodation for new students
only.
- Decide on the type
of accommodation and work out your budget
for rent. Discuss your needs and preferences with ISS staff.
- Search through listings of suitable vacancies from the
real estates, classifieds,
Accommodation providers
, student guild accommodation listings,
noticeboards around campus, etc..
- 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 people who know the area.
- 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.
Inspecting
It's a good idea to take notes of each property you inspect. Besides the address,
rent, and agent take notes of the details:
- Is there laundry facilities?
- Is there a telephone line already connected?
- Do the light fittings work?
- Is the oven/ stove, gas or electrical?
- Do the toilet and shower all work?
- Is there damp or mould on the walls?
- Is there painting required?
- Is the place furnished? What kind of furniture?
- Is there an insect/ pest problem?
- Is it close to transport, shops, and campus?
- Will the area be noisy? Is it on a busy road?
- Is there good security?
- Will the landlord carry out any repairs before you move in?
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