Q. Can I bring my own electrical items? i.e. rice cooker or hair dryer
A. We do not recommend students bring any electrical items from overseas for health and safety reasons. They are often not compatible with our power outlets and can cause power outages.
Q. Do I need to complete a Parental Guarantee?
A. Yes, our Application form includes a Parental Guarantee download and this should be completed by your parents, regardless of your age or where your parents live.
Q. Do I need a current Student Card or Letter of Offer to apply for a property?
A. Yes. As you must be a full-time tertiary student (some buildings may accept part-time students). A Tenancy Application cannot be accepted without a current Student Card, University Letter of Offer or Certificate of Enrolment.
Q. How long is the Lease/contract?
A. The standard Tenancy Agreement/contract is for a fixed-term tenancy of 12 months.
Q. What is the basis for calculating the rent?
A. Rental is paid per calendar month on the same day - not every four weeks.
To calculate the monthly rental: The weekly rental rate is divided by 7 (days in a week) to get the daily rate, then multiplied by 365 (days in year) then divided by 12 (months) to give monthly rental amount.
Q. What is the bond?
A. Bond (also known as a security deposit) is the amount of money you pay at the commencement of your tenancy and is held in trust by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) for the duration of your tenancy. It is usually equal to one month's rent. (it can up to six weeks if the rent is over $350 per week)
Q. What are the payment options for students?
A. The first month's rent and Bond can be paid via Direct Debit from your Australian bank account or via Credit Card.
Payments are also accepted via Bank Cheque, Australia Post Order or Bank Draft. Your monthly rent is best paid via Direct Debt or BPay from your Australian bank account or via Credit Card. Please note charges apply. Cash payments are not accepted.
Q. Can I move in before my contract/lease starts?
A. No. You can only collect keys and move in to an apartment on the day your legal agreement / lease / contract starts.
Q. Do you guys offer Airport services?
A.Airport pick up services are not offered on this particular property
Q. What time can I arrive
A.Once you have been approved for an apartment and you have returned the signed Agreement /lease and made payment of the first month's rent and bond, you will need to contact the Property Manager to book an appointment, to meet the concerned person in office during business hours to the collect keys, on the date your lease starts.You cannot collect keys without an appointment in the office.
Q. What do I need to buy or bring when I move in?
A. Your apartment is furnished with a bed, desk and study chair, microwave and fridge. You will need to supply your own towels, bed sheets, pillow, blankets and personal toiletries, as well as your own kitchen equipment (only some buildings include crockery and cutlery plus kitchen utensils).
Q. When do I pay my rent?
A.Your rent is due on the same day every month, starting from the date your Agreement / lease / contract commences. If your lease starts on 15th January, your rent is due on or before the 15th of every month. If you are paying by direct debit, you should always make your payment a few days earlier to allow time for bank transfers.
Q. Please brief in the Guest policy.
A.All residents are required to meet their guests at the entrance door, as the entrance is only accessible with a resident swipe card. The buildings have an intercom system so the guest can buzz the apartment to gain entry.
Q. Who cleans the apartment & communal area?
A.Tenants are responsible for cleaning their own apartments. If an apartment is shared by 2 or 3 people, the communal kitchen, living room and bathroom must be cleaned by all the tenants named in the tenancy. All communal areas (eg: entrance, hallways and communal living areas) are regularly cleaned by the site cleaner.
Q. Can I smoke in the accommodation?
A.Smoking is strictly not allowed inside the apartment or communal areas of the building.
Q. Is there always a member of the property available?
A.The property management hours are Monday to Friday between 9:00am – 5:30pm. There is also an After-Hours emergency contact available for maintenance issues when you contact the normal office number.
Q. What is a Notice to vacate?
A.A formal Notice to Vacate (NTV) is given to all the tenants. Every tenant receives a "Notice to Vacate - at the end of the fixed term tenancy, with the initial Tenancy Agreement/ Lease. This means that all tenants must vacate on the last day of their lease. If a tenant does not wish to leave, they can opt to sign another lease (renewal agreement) for another fixed term of 12 months (or sometimes 6 months).
Q. What are the possibilities that my bond can be claimed?
A.The Owner is entitled to compensation if you have failed any terms or conditions in your Tenancy Agreement or breached the Residential Tenancies Act (Victorian State Government Law covering rental issues). Please note that the Owner cannot claim for wear and tear of items or fittings in the apartment. The major claims against the bond are for cleaning, repair of damages or replacement of inventory.
Q. How do I receive my Bond back?
A.At the end of the tenancy, the keys would be needed back to do a Final Inspection and provide you with a “Bond Claim” form for completion. You need to submit your address details and Australian bank account details to the property manager. Your agreed refund will be processed by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority within two weeks, after you have returned keys and completed the Bond Claim form.
Q. What documents are needed to register a booking for the property?
A. The pre-requisites to complete a registration with us are as below-
1. Student Card/Letter of Offer
2. Passport/Driver’s Licence
3. Current Bank Statement
4. Most recent pay slip (if applicable)
5. Parental Guarantee
