Published Wednesday, 30 July, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
UNI STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO RESEARCH THE RENTAL MARKET
University students looking for accommodation in the private rental market are encouraged to do their homework before they move anywhere.
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said there were a few things that students needed to know before setting out to secure a property.
“It is well-known that the private rental market is currently experiencing near-record low vacancy rates and it’s important that university students get an understanding of the market before entering it," Mr Schwarten said.
"Students should look at the type of accommodation they want to rent and then research similar properties in the nearby area, that way they will know how much they can expect to pay.
“If students intend to share the property with another person, they should make sure they have weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of being a co-tenant or taking on a sub-tenant.
“Once a property has been found, it’s important that the student makes sure the Entry Condition Report has been completed properly.
"While it may not be a major issue at the time of moving in, when it comes time to move out and collect the bond, it can be the difference between getting it back or not."
Mr Schwarten said potential renters should also read up on their rights and responsibilities as a tenant on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website, which provides information about what they can expect and also what is expected of them.
“If a dispute arises, stay calm and keep records of everything,” he said.
“Information can then be passed on to the RTA for conciliation or to the Small Claims Tribunal.
“It’s also important to keep an open and honest dialogue with the agent or lessor (landlord). If circumstances change, let them know.
“At the end of the tenancy, don’t forget to claim your bond back or your portion of it and let the RTA know of a current forwarding address.
“There is a wealth of information on the RTA internet site (www.rta.qld.gov.au) that is available as well as the RTA call centre on 1300 366 311.
“Like any university assignment, to get good results you have to do your research."
Media contact: Minister's office - (07) 3237 1832, RTA (07) 3361 3656
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said there were a few things that students needed to know before setting out to secure a property.
“It is well-known that the private rental market is currently experiencing near-record low vacancy rates and it’s important that university students get an understanding of the market before entering it," Mr Schwarten said.
"Students should look at the type of accommodation they want to rent and then research similar properties in the nearby area, that way they will know how much they can expect to pay.
“If students intend to share the property with another person, they should make sure they have weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of being a co-tenant or taking on a sub-tenant.
“Once a property has been found, it’s important that the student makes sure the Entry Condition Report has been completed properly.
"While it may not be a major issue at the time of moving in, when it comes time to move out and collect the bond, it can be the difference between getting it back or not."
Mr Schwarten said potential renters should also read up on their rights and responsibilities as a tenant on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website, which provides information about what they can expect and also what is expected of them.
“If a dispute arises, stay calm and keep records of everything,” he said.
“Information can then be passed on to the RTA for conciliation or to the Small Claims Tribunal.
“It’s also important to keep an open and honest dialogue with the agent or lessor (landlord). If circumstances change, let them know.
“At the end of the tenancy, don’t forget to claim your bond back or your portion of it and let the RTA know of a current forwarding address.
“There is a wealth of information on the RTA internet site (www.rta.qld.gov.au) that is available as well as the RTA call centre on 1300 366 311.
“Like any university assignment, to get good results you have to do your research."
Media contact: Minister's office - (07) 3237 1832, RTA (07) 3361 3656