Housing Options

On this page you will find information on: Private rental, shared private rental, rooming house accommodation, student accommodation, youth refuge accommodation, Foyer, Public Housing & Community Housing options.

Private Rental

 What is it?

Private rental is a type of housing where a landlord rents out a property to a tenant. The landlord is typically the owner of the property, but they can also be a property management company (real estate agent). The tenant pays rent to the landlord/agent in exchange for the right to live in the property.

The length of your rental lease can vary but it’s usually a minimum of 6-12 month lease. Some rentals offer month to month leases so it just depends what you are looking for and what will suit your needs.

. Why it’s a good option?

If the rental property is within your budget, private rental is a great option!

• You can choose your location.
• You can choose the type of property – house,unit, bungalow, apartment etc  

‍Things to think about

‍What is your budget?

Go to our private rental budget calculator to work out what you can afford to pay towards rent per week. To be affordable it must not be more than 40-55% of your income. If it’s over 55% of your income you will find it very difficult to sustain your tenancy.

Costs Involved

There are some set up costs to consider when looking to rent a property. They include:

• Bond (usually the first months rent in advance) If you need assistance with paying the bond you can apply for a bond loan. Go here to apply.
• Great way to meet new friends, develop social networks
• 2 weeks rent in advance.
• You will need to pay for gas & electricity, water, internet.
• Furniture you might need (fridge, couch , TV etc)

Application Process

You need to be organised and prepared to apply for and attend property inspections. It can sometimes take quite a few applications before you are approved so you need to be patient & keep trying. It can all happen really fast when you are approved so this is where being prepared can take some of the stress away.

How do you apply?

Check out our Private Rental Resources and create you very own rental pack that will go through all the documents you need to apply for private rental.

Then check out Useful Resources to get you on your way  which will step you through what you need to do to apply, inspect properties, apply for rent assistance & bond loan & other things you need to consider.

Need help putting together your rental pack, applying for properties or more information?  Complete this referral form and a case manager will get in touch!

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Shared Private Rental

‍What is it?

A share house is a property that you live in with other people. It can be more affordable than living somewhere on your

The length of your rental lease can vary but it’s usually a minimum of 6-12 month lease. Some rentals offer month to month leases so it just depends what you are looking for and what will suit your needs.

 Why it’s a good option?

If the rental property is within your budget, shared private rental is a great option!

• Great way to meet new friends, develop social networks.
• Sharing the bills reduces living costs.
• Each house member can bring various pieces of furniture/whitegoods to share, reducing costs.

 Things to think about

‍What is your budget?

Go to our private rental budget calculator to work out what you can afford to pay towards rent per week. To be affordable it must not be more than 40-55% of your income. If it’s over 55% of your income you will find it very difficult to sustain your tenancy.

‍Costs Involved

There are some set up costs to consider when looking to rental property. They include:

• Bond (usually the first months rent in advance)If you need assistance with paying the bond you can apply for a bond loan. Go here to apply.
•  2 weeks rent in advance.
• You will need to pay for gas & electricity,water, internet. Sometimes this amount is included in your rent.
• Furniture you might need (fridge, couch , TV etc)

‍Application Process

Look for share house vacancies ads. Some examples are: Facebook (Fairyfloss Real Estate, Rent Melbourne, Melbourne rooms for rent/share housing), flat mate finders, room share etc. Once you contact the advertiser they usually arrange an inspection & interview which give you the opportunity to check out the place & other house mates. For more information on how to apply check out our Shared Accommodation Page.

 How do you apply?

Check out our Private Rental Resources page and create you very own rental pack that will go through all the documents you need to apply for shared private rental.

Want more information on share housing? Check out our shared housing information page here and here.

Rooming House

 What is it?

A rooming house is a property where you rent a room with four or more rooms rented to other occupants. There are usually shared bathrooms, kitchen, laundry & other living areas. These properties are often for people who are finding it difficult to find private rental accommodation or looking for some temporary accommodation.

These properties can either be privately or publicly owned and managed. There are many spread throughout Victoria. You must be over 18 years old to apply for a room in a rooming house.

‍Why it’s a good option?

·      Can be a good option if you don’t want to make along term commitment or just need somewhere to stay short term. This will depend on the rental agreement as some rooming house providers may ask for a long-term commitment.

‍Things to think about

‍What is your budget?

The cost of rent for a room in a rooming house varies depending on the location and the size of the room. Go to our rental calculator to find out how much you can afford to pay towards rent based on your income.

‍Costs Involved

Depending on the rooming house you will need to have:

·      Bond (usually the first months rent in advance)If you need assistance with paying the bond you can apply for a bond loan. Go here to apply.

·      2 weeks rent in advance

·      Utilities (gas, electricity, internet) are usually included in the rental price but not always.

·       Usually the room comes furnished but not always.

‍Location

You may not have the option of choosing where you go as it depends where a vacancy  comes up. If you are applying to a private rooming house you will have more choice of location.

‍Application Process

The application process for a rooming house varies depending on the property owner. In general, applicants will need to provide their name,contact information, and proof of income. They may also be required to providea letter of reference. .You may be offered a rooming house vacancy through your local access point if you are linked in with one.

 How do you apply?

To apply for a room in a rooming house, you should contact the property owner directly. They will be able to provide you with more information about the application process and the eligibility criteria. If you are linked in with an access point or support worker they will assist you in applying.

 If you are considering living in a rooming house, it is important to do your research and to visit the property before you sign a lease. This will help you to make sure that the property is a good fit for you.

Student Accommodation

‍What is it?

Student accommodation is a type of housing that is specifically designed for students. It can be found on or off campus,and it can range from single rooms to shared apartments. Student accommodation typically includes common areas, such as kitchens and lounges, and it may also offer additional amenities, such as laundry facilities, study spaces, and security.

‍Why is it a good option?

There are many reasons why student accommodation is a good option for students. Some of the benefits include:

• Convenience: Student accommodation is typically located close to campus, which makes it easy for students to get to class.
• Security: Student accommodation is often secured with key fobs or security guards, which can give students peace of mind.
• Amenities: Student accommodation often offers a variety of amenities, such as laundry facilities, study spaces, and security,
• Community: It can provide you with a sense of community and belonging. This can be especially important for students who are away from home for the first time.

What is Your Budget?

The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the location, the type of accommodation, and the amenities that are offered. In general, student accommodation is more expensive than renting a room in a private home, but it is often less expensive than living on campus. Go to our rental calculator to find out how much you can afford to pay towards rent based on your income.

‍Costs Involved

The costs involved in student accommodation vary depending on the location, the type of accommodation, and the amenities that are offered. In general expect to pay:

·      Rent

·      Bond

·      Utilities, internet

·      Furniture although many student accommodation options will come furnished.

·      Food & other living costs

‍Application Process

The application process for student accommodation varies depending on the provider. In general, students will need to provide their name, contact information, and academic information. They may also be required to provide a letter of reference or a financial statement.

‍How to Apply

To apply for student accommodation, you should contact the provider directly. They will be able to provide you with more information about the application process and the eligibility criteria.

Youth Refuge

‍What is it?

Youth Refuge provide crisis accommodation for young people aged between 16-25 years old. It’s shared accommodation and some are women& children only. Youth refuges are located across Victoria, and the vacancies available change on a daily basis. There are vacancies that are short term – a few nights, or longer term – 6 to 8 weeks. Often in longer term refuges, you will also receive case management support. Referrals to youth refuge can be completed by an access point or case manager.

Refuges have rules that you will need to abide by such as curfews each night.

 Why it’s a good option?

• Staff are onsite 24/7 to provide support
• Safe & secure
• Support from workers
• Rooms are already furnished

‍Things to think about

‍What is your budget?

Go to our private rental budget calculator to work out what you can afford to pay towards rent per week. To be affordable it must not be more than 40-55% of your income. If it’s over 55% of your income you will find it very difficult to sustain your tenancy.

‍Costs Involved

The cost of staying in a youth refuge varies depending on the refuge and the services that are offered. Some refuges charge a fee, while others are free of charge. It is important to ask about the costs involved before you make a decision.

‍Location:

Due to demand and availability, you may not be able to choose your location. You will most likely be offered a bed whenever one becomes available.

‍Application Process

The application process for a youth refuge varies depending on the refuge. In general, applicants will need to provide their name, contact information, and proof of age.

‍How do you apply?

You will need to go to your local access point and be placed on a youth refuge wait list. Your support worker will go through an assessment with you to determine if a youth refuge is a good option for you.  

If you are considering staying in a youth refuge, please contact your local access point or talk to a support worker about your options or complete this referral form and a case manager will get in touch!

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Foyer Accommodation

‍What is it?

Foyer accommodation is a type of supported housing that provides young people with a safe and stable place to live, as well as access to support services to help them achieve their goals. Foyers are typically designed for young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

‍Why it’s a good option?

Some of the benefits of Foyer accommodation include:

• A safe and stable place to live
• Access to support services: This could include support to find a job, managing money, and accessing education and training.
• Opportunities to build skills and confidence: This can help you to become more independent and self-sufficient.
• A chance to get back on track: With support you can learn the skills you need to live on your own and to  build a better future for yourself.

 Things to think about

‍What is your budget?

The cost of foyer accommodation varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation.In general, foyer accommodation is funded by a combination of government grants, private donations, and fees from residents.

‍Costs Involved

The costs involved in Foyer accommodation vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation. In general, residents are expected to pay a rent that is based on their income.They may also be required to pay for utilities, food, and other expenses.

‍Application Process

The application process for Foyer accommodation varies depending on the organization. In general,applicants must meet certain criteria, such as being aged 16-25, being at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and being engaged in education, employment or training.

‍How do you apply?

To apply for Foyer accommodation, you should contact your local foyer, support worker or access point. They will be able to provide you with more information about the application process and the eligibility criteria.

If you would like to chat t one of our youth case managers complete this referral form and a case manager will get in touch!

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 Public Housing

What is it?

Public housing is a type of housing that is owned and managed by the government. It is for people on low incomes that are most in need, especially those that have recently experienced homelessness, family violence or have other special needs.  

You must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this type of housing. You cannot choose a suburb to live in but you can choose waiting list areas. If eligible you will be offered a property in any of the suburbs that are covered by the waiting list areas that you have chosen.  

Why it’s a good option?

Some of the benefits include:

• It is an affordable option for people on low incomes.
• Stable accommodation – it’s a long term housing option.

 Things to think about

You do not have the option of choosing the location, size or type of property but you can choose the general areas you would like to be housed in.

What is your budget?‍

Rent is usually charged at 25% of your total income.

Costs Involved

Besides rent there are other costs to consider. They include:

• Rent in advance
• Utilities –gas, water, electricity & internet
• Furniture
• Food & other living costs

Application Process

There are 3 ways to apply for community housing. They include:

• Online application (via your myGov account)Online application (via your myGov account)

• Paper application – you can go here to download these or go to an office to pick on up.
• Through a support agency – If you are experiencing homelessness and receiving support you may be eligible for Priority access. You will need you support worker to complete an application.

You will need to provide proof of identity documents, residency status and income.

How do you apply?

To access social housing,you need to register on the Victorian Housing Register and wait for an offer based on your eligibility and priority.

There is a high demand on this type of housing and there are long wait lists.

Community Housing

What is it?

Community Housing is secure, affordable long term rental housing managed by not-for-profit organisation for people on low incomes or with special needs. Community housing provides different types of properties depending on the needs and preferences of the family or individual.

You must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this type of housing. You cannot choose a suburb to live in but you can choose waiting list areas. If eligible,you will be offered a property in any of the suburbs that are covered by the waiting list areas that you have chosen.  

Why it’s a good option?

Some of the benefits of this type if housing include:

• It is an affordable option for people on low incomes.
• Stable accommodation – it’s a long term housing option.

Things to think about

You do not have the option of choosing the location, size or type of property but you can choose the general areas you would like to be housed in.

What is your budget?

The cost of social housing is based on your income and household size, but it is usually around 25-30% of your total income. You may be eligible for rent assistance via Centrelink with this type of housing.

Costs Involved

Besides rent there are other costs to consider. They include:

• Rent in advance
• Utilities –gas, water, electricity & internet
• Furniture
•  Food &other living costs

Application Process

There are 3 ways to apply for community housing. They include:

• Online application (via your myGov account) Online application (via your myGov account)

• Paper application – you can go here to download these or go to an office to pick on up.
• Through a support agency – If you are experiencing homelessness and receiving support you may be eligible for Priority access. You will need your support worker to complete an application.

You will need to provide proof of identity documents, residency status and income.

How do you apply?

To access social housing, you need to register on the Victorian Housing Register and wait for an offer based on your eligibility and priority. Go to Apply for Social Housing for instructions on how to apply & information on the eligibility criteria.

There is a high demand on this type of housing and there are long wait lists.

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