It’s September and conversations between students making share-house plans have begun. Finding a share house, especially as a first-time renter, can be a daunting prospect but Observer is here to walk you through what you need to know.
The early days of this process for most students is going to involve figuring out who you will move out with.
For some students, deciding who they live with can be one of the more anxiety-inducing parts of this process. Former on-campus resident Sienna says “deciding who to live with is not necessarily about moving in with the person you are closest to but someone you get along and can openly communicate with”.
Another student agreed, saying “try not to decide who you live with too early because you may end up living with people you’re not as close to anymore”.
The lead up to the application process is the best time to get on top of your administration and finances, and discuss the next step with your future housemates.
A realtor from Canberra based real estate agency Home By Holly says “we recommend 4-6 weeks from being able to move into a rental is when you should start looking”. Most Canberra properties are listed on realestate.com.au where you can keep all your information pre-filled out for open-houses.
Figuring out where you may need to compromise or what is realistic for your group will also be important.
A former on-campus student said that he “was surprised that almost all properties are three-person homes”.
Ultimately “we had to live on the South Side because we were shopping around for four people”. Knowing and being honest about your budget can help ensure that your group has shared expectations going into the viewing process.
Home By Holly suggests “good referees who can confirm that the applicant can maintain a property (home/ apartment etc)” may help you secure a rental. You can get in contact with your hall of residence’s administrative team for a reference so that it’s ready to go come application time.
It is also worth finding out if your group requires a guarantor.
Home By Holly explains this may be required “if an applicant is unable to show proof of consistent income”. For Home By Holly properties, your guarantor is willing to “complete an application and be listed on the tenancy agreement and be held financially responsible, but they reflect in their application they are not going to reside in the property”.
Third year ANU student Sienna said that for her apartment she “only added a parent as a guarantor for the very last application which proved to be the successful move”.
Attending rental open-houses can make the end of semester a busier time, but making the advertised listing time times can help you really determine if the property realistically suits you and your group’s needs.
Home By Holly realtor says “be organised, attend the first opportunity to view the property that is of interest, present yourself well and just keep looking”. Home by Holly suggests that prospective renters be aware that “the property suits their needs, and they are being realistic in what they are looking at, that they can afford the rent and they can maintain the property”.
Completing your paperwork correctly and promptly is essential, Home By Holly provides the advice that “applications not completed correctly is the first mistake made by many, not just students/young people”. Make sure your references and information is all spelled correctly to keep your application moving forward.
Sienna stated that she was “surprised by the amount of documentation that needed to be provided for the application process”. Home by Holly suggests that “Cover letters for groups helps A LOT to share with Landlords to explain the set up of the tenancy as the application paperwork isn’t that personal”. Cover letters can be written by you and your housemates to explain who you are and why you think you would be a good fit for the property.”
Another student, Charlie, stated that “we had really comprehensive cover letters and we felt it helped our landlord get to know us, we now have a really good relationship”.
Lastly, remember that competition this time of year is tough and that rejection will almost certainly be a part of the process.
Home By Holly urges that students “do not give up because you don’t get the one rental you LOVE more then the other 10 you have seen/ considered. Everything happens for a reason, and you will end up in a rental that feels like your new home”.
Sienna says of her and her housemate, “we did six applications before we were accepted for our current place”.
You’ve got this! Go find that Inner North share-house and try to stay friends with your housemates for the next 6-12 months.
Graphics by Will Novak
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