--- title: "Private Rental Properties" slug: "private-rental-properties" description: "Explore private rental options in Australia, from homes to homestays, and find the right fit for your needs while navigating the competitive market." updated: 2025-09-25T06:52:10Z published: 2025-09-25T06:52:10Z canonical: "accommodation-hub.gsa.unimelb.edu.au/private-rental-properties" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://accommodation-hub.gsa.unimelb.edu.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Private Rental Properties Renting through the private rental market allows you to choose a home or apartment suitable to your own needs, in the location of your own choosing. You can also choose to live with other people in a Share house or apply with someone you already know. While it can often be cheaper than other housing options, the application process can be harder as rental providers often prefer those with previous rental history. It can also be more competitive, with many potential tenants applying for the same rental property. If you decide to live in a private rental property, you may need to pay for utilities in addition to rent. You will also need to factor in travel times to and from campus. ### Are Private Rental Properties right for you? BenefitsThings to keep in mind - Flexibility in terms of location, amenities, and lease terms - May be more affordable - Greater diversity of housing types and locations (e.g. homes that are more suitable for students with children) - Option to apply with a friend/partner who is familiar with renting in Australia and has previous rental history - More privacy compared to other housing options - Travel times and cost may vary - You may need to pay for utilities - May need to buy all furnishings - Competitive application process - The quality of private rentals can vary widely, and you may encounter maintenance problems, or difficulties with rental providers, agents, and even housemates --- ### ![A stylized green house with a prominent entrance and large windows.](https://cdn.document360.io/a63102e0-1c70-425a-b60b-676c4ceaa1ef/Images/Documentation/image-1756362539527.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T19%3A51%3A30Z&se=2026-10-29T20%3A51%3A30Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=ywT1LMegj%2Ft22y04wfa9rYjYgSACoPufd0GRNOClAEM%3D)Finding available rental properties Once you have a good understanding of your current financial situation, you can begin your search for suitable properties within your budget. There are various websites and apps you can consult to find available rentals: **[**University of Melbourne Off-Campus Housing Network**](https://housing.unimelb.edu.au/)** Peer-to-peer platform for University of Melbourne students to find or share off-campus private rental listings. **[**Real Estate**](https://www.realestate.com.au/rent/)** Website listing properties available to rent from various real estate agencies **[**Domain**](https://www.domain.com.au/rent/)** Website listing properties available to rent from various real estate agencies **[**Flatmates**](https://flatmates.com.au/)** Website with features to find flatmates/established share houses with available rooms **[**Flatmate Finder**](https://www.flatmatefinders.com.au/)** Website with features to find flatmates/established share houses with available rooms **[**Fairy Floss Real Estate Facebook Group**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/117412174975402)** Facebook group where members can list properties available for rent, find something to rent, and find housemates **[**Rent Real Estate**](https://www.rent.com.au/mobile)** Website/mobile app with features to find and apply for rentals **[**TenantApp**](https://www.tenantapp.com.au/Rentals)** Website/mobile app with features to find and apply for rentals While many real estate agents list their properties online, you can also contact a real estate Agent directly to see listings for properties available to lease. Consider meeting with an agent in person to discuss your housing needs. They may be able to help you find a place if you are struggling. **Examples of real estate groups include:** - Jellis Craig - Nelson Alexander - LJ Hooker - Belle Property - Ray White > [!NOTE] > **To find other relevant real estate agents, agencies and services, use the search tool at:** [**Real Estate Industry of Victoria (REIV)**](https://reiv.com.au/choose-a-member) > [!WARNING] > **The sites, information, and groups listed above are provided as a guide only (not as an endorsement). Be wary of misleading information and scams when navigating rental advertisements. Always inspect a property before paying any money and/or signing a rental agreement. For more information about misleading information and scams,** [**click here**](/v1/docs/things-you-should-know-when-looking-for-a-housing#misleading-information-and-scams)**.** --- ![A stylized illustration of a house with multiple windows and a front porch.](https://cdn.document360.io/a63102e0-1c70-425a-b60b-676c4ceaa1ef/Images/Documentation/Rental Toolkit Exports6(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T19%3A51%3A30Z&se=2026-10-29T20%3A51%3A30Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=ywT1LMegj%2Ft22y04wfa9rYjYgSACoPufd0GRNOClAEM%3D)**Homestays** A homestay allows you to live with a local person or family in their own home. If you are new to Victoria, a homestay can help you transition to life with the support of people who are familiar with the area. Many homestays provide a furnished room and meals as part of your fees. However, internet and phone use may not be included. ### Are Homestays right for you? BenefitsThings to keep in mind - This option can be more affordable - Furnishings and meals may be included as part of your fees - This option can provide an opportunity to immerse in the local culture and lifestyle, and an ideal environment for language practice and improvement - May not be suitable for students with partners/children - May need to factor in travel times and cost - Application fee may apply - May need to pay for internet and/or phone usage > [!NOTE] > **To learn more about homestays and find homestay providers, visit:** [**Homestay**](https://study.unimelb.edu.au/accommodation/homestay) --- **Short-term Accommodation** Short-term accommodation options allow you stay in a temporary location while you search for a place to live. Options for short-term accommodation include hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals (like those advertised on Airbnb and Stayz). It is a good idea to book before you arrive, especially if you plan to arrive during busier periods in the year – like during the Australian Open in January – when accommodation is in high demand. > [!NOTE] > **To find out more about short term accommodation and find providers, visit:** [**Temporary Accommodation**](https://study.unimelb.edu.au/accommodation/temporary-accommodation) > [!NOTE] > **To find out more about accommodation options for University of Melbourne graduate students, visit:** [**Student Accommodation**](https://study.unimelb.edu.au/accommodation) A share house refers to when two or more renters enter into a rental agreement with a rental provider, and everyone’s name is on the agreement. An agent is a dedicated property manager or a real estate agent, who is paid by the landlord and is responsible for managing the day-to-day running of the rental property.