Frequently asked questions

• It can vary, but you should always ask the following questions before moving in:
  • how many others live there
  • whether they are male or female
  • what are their ages
  • what nationalities are the residents
  • whether they are workers, students, retirees or families
  • what type of person are the existing tenants seeking

• While it is possible, it depends on the accommodation. Studios or double rooms are generally more suitable for couples or friends. In a shared house, there is usually more than 1 room available and you can each rent a separate room.  Ensure to clarify availability and suitability before making any commitments.  

• Most advertised accommodations have strict rules regarding pets, so it’s essential to enquire beforehand to avoid lease breaches. If unsure, clarify the situation before signing a lease to prevent any complications later on.

• Moving into shared accommodation can be new and exciting yet challenging at times. Prepare yourself if you have never lived with others before.  
  
  
• Potential challenges include (but not limited to) :
  • Splitting bills  
  • personality conflicts
  • differences in expectations between housemates
  • Chore distribution 
    
    
• You can find information about various types of accommodation (including share houses) at QUT's accommodation resource page.
  
  
• There are also many online guides online about how to prepare to move into share housing:
  • Domain's renting guide
  • Moving into a Share House: Expectations vs Reality
  • 8 Crucial Steps to Follow Before Moving into a Share House
  • Rooming accommodation | Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au) 
    
    
• The QUT Accommodation Officers are also happy to talk to you about living in share accommodation.

• There are a number of services available that can assist you with your enquiries.
  
  
• In QUT:
  • Visit Renting Advice to find general advice regarding your tenancy
  • also find links to a number of very useful organisations that can provide specific information regarding all your rental enquiries.
    
    
• Outside QUT:
  • Residential Tenancies Authority 
  • Tenants Queensland 
  • QSTARS

• A detailed explanation of rental bonds can be found on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website.
  
  
• It is common practice to pay bond when you sign a tenancy agreement. All bond money is held in trust by the RTA while you live in the rental premises. The RTA will send you a notice (called an ‘Official Receipt’), to let you know they have received your bond. 
  
  
• Note: If you do not receive an official receipt within a couple of weeks of moving in, it is recommended that you call the RTA to check whether they have received your bond money (RTA's contact information)

• If you can’t afford the bond, the lessor/agent may let you pay the bond in instalments
  
  
• If you are an Australian or Australian citizen, 
  • you may be able to get a bond loan from the Queensland Government if you meet their requirements. 
  • Another option would be to approach QUT Student Counselling and talk to a Welfare Officer. Under special circumstances, QUT may be able to provide a loan to assist with your bond, rental or removal requirements.
    
    
• If you are an International Student, please contact Student Services to talk to an International Student Counsellor. 

• QUT's Accommodation Officers are available to offer advice and information about accommodation related matters including issues relating to share housing and rental accommodation, but not legal advice.
  
  
• The QUT Guild provides a free legal advice service for students. For more information about this, go to the QUT Guild's Legal Advice page.
  
  
• Legal help outside of QUT
  • For legal help regarding tenancy issues, contact Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS). They will be able to refer you to legal services if required.
    
    
  • There are also a number of Community Legal centres across Queensland which provide free legal advice. For more information about these, and to locate one in your area, go to the National Association of Community Legal Centres webpage.
    
    
  • It may also be possible to gain legal advice and representation through Legal Aid Queensland. Find out more information on their website. 

Each accommodation listing includes information about how to get to University from its location, either by walking or public transport, and approximately how long this would take.

Whereis and Google Maps are useful resources. The accommodation database listings include the street name and suburb of the accommodation on offer. You can use the above websites to locate the property and find directions to your campus. They also show the location of train and bus stations.

More information about the location of University campuses, including maps and public transport information, is available at Suburb Guides contained within the Student Life section on the QUT website.

Information about bus, ferry and train transport in Brisbane can be found at the TRANSLink website.

When searching, use the suburb field to select your campus, this will automatically include the suburbs adjacent to your campus. All of QUT’s accommodation listings can be searched by suburb. You should visit the Suburbs Guide to obtain a list of suburbs close to QUT's campuses.

Contact the person listed in the advertisement to confirm the availability and arrange an inspection of the room/property. Ensure to ask for a specific location detail and enquire about any queries you may have.  

Although we do our best to only list accommodation, we believe is suitable, we do not have the resources to inspect all properties offered, nor do we know the people offering accommodation through our service. Conduct thorough inspections and ask crucial questions. You will need to make your own decision about whether the accommodation is suitable, and whether your prospective housemates or landlord are reliable and friendly. 

If you decide that you want to inspect the accommodation, confirm an appointment time. You may want to bring a friend with you to provide some moral support when you inspect the accommodation. Before your appointment, think about the things you want in a home and perhaps make a list of questions that you can ask to ensure the accommodation is suitable. If you are looking at shared accommodation, make sure you meet all the people you will be living with, and inspect all the shared areas, as well as your own room. 

Remember, your prospective housemates will be assessing you for compatibility too! 

Due to the high demand for rental accommodation, the market is very competitive. Act swiftly and confirm availability promptly. Be aware of automated vacancy removal features in accommodation database.  

If you find yourself or a fellow student in a crisis situation that involves accommodation, contact us for help. Students in crisis should also contact Counselling Services for advice and referrals to appropriate welfare agencies that can assist in all accommodation related issues.

After hours emergency contacts are also available from Counselling Services.

International students can call Ph: 3138 2019 in all emergency situations to obtain assistance from International Student Services.

In life threatening situations, contact Queensland Emergency Services on Ph: 000. Inform the operator as to whether assistance from the police, ambulance, or the fire brigade is required. If you are calling from a mobile phone but your phone call to 000 is not connecting, phone 112. Be sure to tell the operator the town and state you are calling from. 

You can also send a text message to Queensland Emergency Services – Ph: 106.

Community and non-government organisations offer many types of short-term accommodation for people in emergency situations. Students who unexpectedly have no place to stay should contact the listed services below or QUT’s Counselling Services for advice or referrals.

• Homeless Persons Information Queensland
  • Phone: 1800 474 753 (24 hours, 7 days a week, confidential, free advice)
  • TTY: 1800 010 222
  • Email: hpiqhomelessness@smartservice.qld.gov.au
  • Website: http://www.qld.gov.au/housing/emergency-temporary-accommodation/homeless-persons-information-qld/

As a student, you might be experiencing your first move away from home and looking for rental accommodation. This page Students | Residential Tenancies Authority offers information on the four key stages of renting: before you rent, starting a tenancy, during a tenancy, and ending a tenancy.

You can also visit QUT Accommodation Service. On the main page, you’ll find the ‘Finding Accommodation Videos’ to assist you in navigating the accommodation process.

Should you require further assistance, please contact QUT Accommodation via accommodation@qut.edu.au or call +617 31382019.

You can find a comprehensive section for Accommodation Providers at the RTA's website. https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Managing

You can find a full guide about being a landlord at https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Managing/Information-for-agents-managers-owners/Property-owners-and-landlords-information

A list of temporary accommodation providers can be found at http://www.student.qut.edu.au/international/airport-reception.

Searching and securing accommodation is not an immediate process and it can take from a few days to a couple of weeks.

We recommend booking approximately 1 week at your temporary accommodation to be safe.