So what is the first step?
The first step is to accept that you are in a transition. For now, you may have to compromise. Keep in mind that you have a right to a standard of living that is adequate for your health and wellbeing.
Types of Housing
Although your right to live in appropriate and affordable housing is protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Conventions of the Rights of the Child, finding a house in Australia can be challenging for anyone.
The reality.
• Private rental is the most common form of accommodation for a young person.
• The private rental market can be expensive and your time in the house is dependent on the landlord and the lease agreement.
• Real estate agents can be judgemental of young people.
• The National Youth Housing Strategy accepts the benchmark that young people should not pay more than 25 % of their income in rent, yet rentals often fall way beyond that.
Private Rentals
Private rentals are owned by property owners or landlords and leased to tenants. A private rental may be:
• Houses
• Flats
• Units
• Townhouses
• Granny flats
• Studio flats
Most share housing is in the private rental market where the houses are owned by individual property owners and leased to tenants.
Share Accomodation
Share accommodation is generally the most economical, flexible and popular form of housing for young people. It is a great way to develop some independent living skills whilst saving money on rent and bills.
Moving into an existing share household can be less costly at first, but you may prefer to organise a group to start up a new shared residence. Establishing a share house can be pretty expensive initially with the immediate costs being bond (usually 4 weeks rent), 2 weeks rent in advance, and possibly a share of the electricity, gas and phone connection.
Questions to ask?
Your first private rental is an opportunity to develop a strong rental record, which can make applying and securing accommodation easier in the future.
To do this, you need to be confident that:
1. You can afford to pay the rent on time;
2. You can keep the house in good condition; and
3. The type of house and the location of the house suits your lifestyle.
So, when you are considering renting a house, ask yourself these questions:
• Cost. How much is the rent and bond? Can I afford it?
• Transport. Is the accommodation easy to get to? Is it close to public transport, work, Uni/TAFE and shops?
• Location. Is the house in a noisy or polluted location, such as on a busy road, near a factory, or under a flight path? Can I live with that?
• Safety. How safe is the neighbourhood. Will I feel comfortable walking home at night? Will I feel safe in the house alone?
Boarding Houses
Boarding Houses can be a small home with only a few people living there or they can be huge houses, sometimes with many levels.
In a Boarding House generally everyone has their own fully furnished room and living areas are communal. Boarding arrangements can vary widely from one situation to another. Some boarding houses provide everything such as meals, washing, and bills, others may require residents to provide their own linen and household effects. Young people and hosts negotiate various rules and conditions, prices, access to facilities and number of meals that will be prepared.
Before you commit to staying, make sure you check out what is provided, the room and the cost. The landlord should give you a copy of any House Rules that may apply.
Check the Yellow Pages, University Student Accommodation, newspapers and notice boards for any boarding vacancies.
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