Finding the right long-term accommodation is one of the most important steps in settling into your new life in Sydney. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the rental process effectively.
Setting Your Budget
The first crucial step is determining how much you can comfortably spend on rent. Financial experts recommend allocating no more than one-third of your income to housing costs. While you can be somewhat flexible with your budget, try to maintain this guideline to ensure financial stability.
Keep in mind that in addition to weekly rent, you’ll need to prepare for:
- Bond payment (4 weeks rent)
- Initial rent payment (2 weeks in advance)
- Utility connection fees
- Basic furniture and household items
Choosing Your Location
Location selection is critical and should be based on several factors:
Commute Time
Prioritise areas that allow for reasonable commute times to your workplace or study location. Aim for a maximum door-to-door travel time of one hour, including walking and waiting for public transport.
Amenities
Consider proximity to:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Public transport options
- Medical facilities
- Parks and recreational areas
- Shopping centers
Property Search Process
Where to Look
Start your search on major real estate websites:
These platforms allow you to filter properties based on your criteria and schedule property inspections.
Property Inspection Tips
When inspecting properties, pay special attention to:
Sun Direction
The orientation of the property significantly impacts your comfort:
- North and East facing properties are ideal
- North-facing properties receive good natural light
- South-facing properties can be cold in winter and may require additional heating
Hot Water System
Test the hot water system during inspection:
- Hot water should arrive within 4-5 seconds
- Check water pressure in all taps
- Ask about the age of the hot water system
General Condition
Document the property’s condition thoroughly:
- Take 200-300 detailed photos of every room
- Include pictures of ceilings, walls, and floors
- Document any existing damage or wear
- Keep these photos safely stored in cloud storage
Application Process
Required Documentation
Prepare the following for your rental application:
- Proof of income (payslips or bank statements)
- Employment details
- Reference contacts
- Identification documents
- Rental history (if applicable)
Financial Requirements
Be prepared for:
- One week’s rent as a holding deposit (non-refundable but counts toward bond)
- Four weeks’ rent as bond
- Two weeks’ rent in advance
Moving In and Maintaining the Property
Initial Property Review
Within the first week:
- Document any issues or damages
- Report problems to the real estate agent in writing
- Request necessary repairs or maintenance
- Keep copies of all correspondence
Ongoing Responsibilities
- Pay rent on time (monthly payment is calculated as: weekly rent ÷ 7 × 365 ÷ 12)
- Maintain the property in good condition
- Report any maintenance issues promptly
- Keep records of all communications with the agent/landlord
End of Tenancy
Professional Cleaning
Budget approximately:
- $400 for general cleaning (2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property)
- $200-400 for carpet steam cleaning
Consider using the real estate agent’s recommended cleaners to avoid disputes about cleaning quality.
Bond Return
To ensure full bond return:
- Return the property in the same condition as when you moved in
- Complete professional cleaning
- Compare final condition with your initial documentation
- Address any maintenance issues before moving out
Additional Resources
For detailed information about renting in NSW and the regulation that protects you as a tenant, visit:
- NSW Fair Trading website
- Rental Bonds Online
- NSW Government Housing portal
Remember, finding the right property takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process, and ensure you’re completely satisfied with your choice before committing to a lease.
