Leaving Home

For many different reasons, you may need to make arrangements to leave home.

If this is necessary then the following tips may be helpful to you.

If going to University limited accommodation may be available on your campus.

Sharing Accommodation with Friends

Sharing a private rental with some friends may appeal to you.

You must make this a formal agreement which all the tenants must sign. This agreement will be about:

    • how bills are paid;
    • who cleans and maintains the property;
    • who is responsible for the lease;
    • what happens if one person doesn't do/or pay their share.

Respect each others property.

Get a property rental report. Take a photo of every room before you move in.

There are expenses that may need to be paid even before moving in; the following is a normal rate. You may find cheaper, but take care for hidden expenses:

    • Option fee on application for property - returned if application is rejected
    • Bond = 4 weeks rent
    • Letting fee = 2 weeks rent
    • 2 weeks rent in advance
    • Cleaning fee = 1 weeks rent

Consider the following:

    • Cost of repairs or replacement may be deducted from bond at the end of the lease.
    • Rent for furnished properties will be higher than that for a similar unfurnished property.
    • The rent must be paid until the end of the lease even if you move out. Approach the owner/agent about finding alternative tenants.

See: Renting a home in WA - a Tenant's Guide.

How many household appliances will you need?

Use the list below to assess the minimum that is essential to set up a home:

    • Bed, mattress, pillow
    • Bed linen
    • Blanket or doona
    • Mug, plate, bowl
    • Knife, fork, spoons
    • Kitchen utensils: Wooden spoon, tin opener
    • Washing machine
    • TV / DVD
    • Toaster
    • Refrigerator
    • Food storage - jars / boxes
    • Sofa / armchair
    • Microwave
    • Dishes
    • Saucepans / frypan
    • Kettle
    • Desk
    • Chair
    • Vacuum cleaner
    • Cleaning products
    • Sound system
    • Table and chairs
    • Towels

Going Overseas

Check out SmartTraveller's Top Ten Travel Smart Tips.