Finding a good rental property in Melbourne is difficult because the city has stood its ground as the most liveable city in the world for seven straight years. It promises safety, good education, beautiful infrastructure, and a luxury lifestyle at affordable rates, which means everyone wants to live here.
This is exactly why the number of vacant rental properties in Melbourne is decreasing day by day, and any rental property that comes up on Australian real estate websites is snatched up within hours. For that reason, if you’re looking for Melbourne houses for rent, it is necessary to keep yourself prepared at all times, even if you’re renting a home through the owner in Melbourne. Because of this, we’ve listed everything you need to rent a house in Melbourne.
What Is the Process of Renting a House in Melbourne?
The process of renting a house in Melbourne begins with choosing a neighbourhood. Your options are:
- Beachside (Williamstown, St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, Beaumaris, and Frankston)
- Northside (Clifton Hill and Fairfield)
- Suburbs of the West (Yarraville, Moonee Ponds, and Footscray)
- Inner City (Southbank and Melbourne Central Area)
You can choose a neighbourhood based on in-person inspection, online analysis, or trusting the word of family and friends. Check out the general features of each region and determine which of the four appeals the most to you. Once you’ve decided on an area, start hunting for a suitable rental house using a reliable rental listing site. Compare vacant rental houses online through a reliable platform like Soho and visit only your shortlisted options in person.
After inspecting the property, you’ll fill out a rental application. Upon approval, you’ll sign a lease, marking the process’s end.
What Will You Need for Approval?
You’ll need a hundred points of ID check, supporting documents, photocopies of your original documents, and two to three trusted contacts to rent a house in Melbourne.
1. One Hundred Points of ID Check
In Australia, there’s a system of a hundred points of ID verification. According to this system, you’ll need relevant original documents to secure these hundred points and successfully verify your identity. You’ll also need a hundred points of ID check for things like opening a bank account, starting a job, and setting up a mobile account.
When it comes to rental applications, each real estate agency follows its own rules for defining these hundred points. Generally, these hundred points are divided into primary documents and secondary documents.
Each rental application usually asks for one primary document, which accounts for thirty-five to seventy points. As for the secondary documents, you may be asked to submit multiple documents. The first secondary document accounts for thirty to forty points out of a hundred; any secondary document after this is worth twenty-five points.
Here’s a list of primary and secondary documents with their corresponding point ranges:
Primary
- Proof of ID (either passport or Australian driver’s licence): you’ll get thirty to fifty points for this document.
Secondary
You’ll get a minimum of ten points for the documents listed below. The maximum count of points depends on the real estate agency; you may or may not have to provide them all:
- Photo ID, foreign driver’s licence, or NSW photo ID card
- Healthcare card
- Utility bills (gas, electric, phone, etc.)
- Bank or credit card statement
- Proof of rental history
- Proof of financial security (you might have to provide a bank statement with a rental application)
2. Supporting Documents
If you’re an expat, you’ll also need some additional documents. These include:
- Proof of visa
- Cover letter
The proof of visa ensures you’ll stay in Australia until the rental agreement lasts, and the cover letter increases your chances of winning the property owner’s confidence.
3. Photocopies of Documents
Real estate agents and property owners will inspect your original documents before approving your rental application, but they will not keep your original documents for their records. Hence, you’ll have to carry at least two to three photocopies of each document mentioned above.
4. Trusted, Approachable Contacts
You will need at least two to three personal or professional contacts who can vouch for you–you will be required to mention their names and contacts on your rental application, and you will be required to allow the real estate agent or property owner to contact these people.
With all this documentation ready, you’re set to apply and be approved for the best possible rental home in Melbourne. Begin your rental search on Soho–we have the best selection to ensure you find the perfect Melbourne rental home to suit your needs and budget.
