WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS ASK WHEN LOOKING FOR ROOM STYLE ACCOMMODATION?

Question : Where do I start when looking for a room in Queensland?

Answer : Go to the Residential Tenancy Authorities web page and click on the following link

http://www.rta.qld.gov.au/rooming_accommodation.cfm

Question : There seems to be two parts to the Residential Tenancy Web page...What's the difference?

Answer : There are TWO types of accommodation on this website

1. Renting the entire property (normally unfurnished and does not include utilities)

2. Rent a room (normally furnished including utilities)

These two areas are important, each have different rules and guidelines. It is important you know this difference to obtain the right kind of information and advise.

Question : What do I ask when I'm on the phone?

1. Do you have a lease? If no lease, why?

2. Do you require a bond, how much (2weeks - 4weeks) and do you lodge this with RTA?

3. Do you have any house rules?

4. Can friends come over to visit? Are friends allowed to sleep over?

5. How many people live in the house? THEN ask how many bedrooms are there.... 

6. NOTE...In Brisbane City Council 5 or more individuals in the SAME household need to have a Fire Safety Management Plan.

What is a Fire Safety Management Plan?

This includes back to base smoke detectors, emergency lighting, fire evacuation plan, extinguishers, fire blankets etc..... the amount of equipment required depends on the size of the house. These should be serviced by a professional every SIX months, and the owner should ask you to check (or they will issue a entry notice) once a month to ensure the smoke detectors are operational.

Question : Why are these points important?

1. A lease is a protection for the tenant - In this document it stipulates the duration of your term, the amount of rent and if it can be increased, the rules involved with your renting your room or unit.It is a protection in the fact that there is more of a chance the owner/landlord or manager will be using the RTA's guidelines, which is good for you as a tenant.

2. A Bond is LEGALLY required to be lodged with the RTA - no exceptions

3. House rules are important, these ensure that everyone in the house understand what is expected of them. It also reassures you that there are procedures to be followed when problems occur.

4. Important - gives you an idea of how comfortable or uncomfortable you might feel about living there.

5. Good to know for many reasons....cleanliness (more people = more mess), noise levels, sleeping arrangements and security concerns.

6. If there are 5+ people with no FSMP, what else is the management, owner, landlord not abiding by?

Question : RTA site is confusing....where do I find what I'm looking for?

Terms with renting and their meanings can be found here http://www.rta.qld.gov.au/terms.cfm

Fact Sheets - From Bond to Renting Rules http://www.rta.qld.gov.au/res_services_fact_sheets.cfm

Booklet on Room Style Accommodation in Queensland http://www.rta.qld.gov.au/rooming_accommodation_qld.cfm

I'm hoping these links prove informative for you.

In any case, if you would like to email me about any concerns or questions you have feel welcome to do so at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

I'm also on twitter @sharehouse_4me