As you search for a Melbourne property for rent, there are certain realities that you must be aware of to help you make an informed choice. For instance, you need to understand that you are more likely to score a great rental deal in some Melbourne suburbs than in others, so be sure to thoroughly research the best places to rent a house in Melbourne before you begin your search.
You should also be aware of the average rent in Melbourne as well as the best time to rent a home in Melbourne–take time to learn the important tips on the best ways to rent a house in Melbourne so that you can make your final decision from a point of knowledge, not a hunch. This article provides important considerations that you should make when looking for the best possible rental house in Melbourne.
Types of Rental Houses in Melbourne
As one of the leading capital cities in Australia, Melbourne boasts a vast range of rental properties designed to suit everyone’s lifestyle. From the old Victorian-era and Edwardian-era homes to the deluxe contemporary homes, there’s something for everyone. The rental market in Melbourne has been on an upward trajectory for many years, with new rental houses and apartments being erected in every corner of the city daily.
Rental properties in Melbourne come in various styles and sizes to suit the needs of single tenants and families–this explains why the rent prices in the city vary greatly. The median prices for rental units are different from those of detached houses, and the style and age of the rental house also determine the rent price. Rental houses located in the more affluent suburbs in Melbourne are naturally more expensive than those located in inner-city areas with a higher population.
Who to Consult When Searching for a Melbourne Rental House
In Melbourne, houses and apartments are normally rented out by property owners and real estate agents. Most property owners prefer to work with real estate agents and property managers to minimise their interactions with tenants, so it’s important to find a reliable real estate agent for assistance. Of course, you can also contact the property owner directly if they’re available.
Most rental houses in Melbourne are listed on online real estate platforms, such as Soho, with clear pictures and contact details of their owners or agents. They also include rent prices and other applicable costs, which allows you to examine the properties and do a comparison to determine which one suits your needs.
Once you identify your ideal rental house, you can contact the person listed as the manager or owner to set up an appointment for viewing–you shouldn’t pay for the rental before you view it physically to ensure that it’s exactly what you need.
Some unscrupulous real estate agents post the wrong images of the properties they want to rent out hoping to lure unsuspecting tenants into making payments before they view the home. So, to avoid disappointments, choose a reliable real estate agent or use a reliable platform like Soho and refrain from making any payments before you’ve seen the property in person.
Important Aspects to Look for in a Rental House
Most rental houses in Melbourne don’t come with fittings such as furniture, kitchen utensils, curtains, carpets, and blinds, because renters typically end up replacing them with your preferred varieties.
However, rental properties should generally have heating systems, hot shower systems, electrical systems, kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes, stoves, and ovens. Others may include important home appliances like dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Most landlords in Melbourne don’t include utility costs like water, electricity, and gas in their standard rent prices, so it’s important to ask your landlord to give you a breakdown of their rent price before you make any payments or sign the lease agreement to ensure you have a clear picture of what’s included and what’s not.
Securing a Rental in Melbourne
Once you’ve identified a great rental house in Melbourne, you need to do an inspection. This includes visiting the property physically and reviewing every aspect of it. Sometimes it’s important to use the services of a professional home inspector because they know what to look for to determine if the house is in good condition.
If you’re satisfied with the results of the inspection, you’ll be required to submit an application detailing where you’ve lived before, your current occupation, income, and references within Australia. These details help the property owner or manager to determine if you’re the right tenant.
If they’re satisfied with your application, they’ll give you a lease agreement to read and sign–a lease agreement contains details about the tenancy period, terms and conditions, and rent price. Finally, you can make the necessary first payments and begin the move-in process.
Be sure to check out Soho’s available rental property listings to begin searching for the best possible Melbourne rental–we have a wide variety of rental units and houses listed that are sure to suit every lifestyle and budget.
