Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and is known for its sunny weather, outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great place to live if you’re looking for work, as the job market has plenty of opportunities in various industries. Not only that, but with many reputable universities, locals and foreigners compete for the best places to nest while thriving in this bustling metropolis.
Now, for property owners, this is excellent news. It means that you can almost be sure that with few remaining Brisbane real estate for rent, you will always be at a 90% to 100% occupancy for your property. You still need to target multiple demographics to fill your vacancies, however, so you might need to learn how to rent rooms to overseas students.
What Does It Mean to Rent a Room?
When we say “renting a room,” this usually refers to renting out a furnished space in your house or apartment to another person. This can be done through informal agreements, such as with friends or family members, or more formally through organisations or letting agents.
In most cases, the tenant will have their own bedroom and share communal areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with the other occupants. It’s important to note that when someone rents out a room in your house, they are still responsible for maintaining the property and paying the bills—the tenant is simply paying to live there.
Tips for Renting Out Rooms to Overseas Students
Check With Your Landlord Before Subletting
If you’ve ever considered renting out a room in your house to an international student, there’s one thing you need to remember—always check with your landlord first. Of course, if you own the property you’re living in, you can sublet a room without any worries, but if you’re not the owner, it’s always best to get permission before you start collecting rent from your new tenant. Failure to do so may be a breach of your bond, and no one wants to get on the wrong side of their landlord.
It’s not worth risking your tenancy agreement over a little extra income, so if you’re considering renting a room, make sure you have your landlord’s blessing first. Good landlord-tenant relationships are helpful for many reasons, including making asking for a rent decrease in Brisbane possible.
Advertise in the Right Places
Renting to travelling students requires slightly different advice from general tips for renting a property in Brisbane. Consider where international students arriving in Brisbane come from. Websites and forums focusing on study abroad experiences are great places to start, and you can reach out to alumni boards of universities in your area.
For international students already in Brisbane, think about posting in local pubs, school boards, and cafes. These are all great places to find students already familiar with the area. Finally, don’t forget to post your listing in a few different places like Soho—the more exposure you can get, the better your chances of finding your tenant.
Be Flexible With Move-In and Inspection Dates
Overseas students often have different start and end dates for their semester, so it’s essential to be flexible with when they can move in and out of your property. This will give you a greater chance of attracting students, as they won’t have to worry about finding somewhere else to live if their semester dates change.
Have a Contract in Place
It’s always a good idea to have a contract, regardless of who you rent to. This outlines both parties’ expectations and helps avoid any misunderstandings down the road. Include the length of stay, rent amount, and bond details in the contract.
Respect Cultural Differences
Learning about other languages, cultures, and customs is a great way to expand our horizons. With a bit of openness and proper communication, you’ll be able to set appropriate boundaries with your tenant and get along just fine.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to renting rooms to overseas students in Brisbane through Soho. Just remember to do your research and be prepared to be flexible, and you’ll have no problem finding tenants for your property.
