CAN I AFFORD IT

One of the immediate questions about whether you can move out will end up being how much does it cost.

But to work out how much it costs you will need to work out how much you can actually afford.

Students that are studying are sometimes entitled to assistance from the Australian Government to help them gain an education. 

Here are Just Some of the entitlements/assistance available for students:

You may be eligible for other assistance depending upon your individual circumstances.  

 Go to the Centrelink Website for more information.

Rental Costs

Costs for a rental property is usually fairly easy to work out:

Here is a typical advertisement for a rental property from http:www.realestate.com.au 

If you are interested in this you would click for more details and get this:

So I guess you wonder what does this all mean:

• Basically this unit would cost you $350.00 per week to rent but before you move in you have to give the agent a Bond of $1,400.00 (4 weeks rent). 
• Rent is usually payable in advance. 
• A bond basically means that if you stuff up, damage the premises, leave a mess or leave and don't pay the rent the agent/property owner has something to fall back on.

If you are living in the property with another person you might ask that they front up for some of the rent and Bond. 

Therefore to move into this property you would need:

4 weeks rent ($1400.00) + 2 weeks rent (in advance - this week and next week) ($700.00)

You will need $2,100.00 up front to rent this property.

AHH YOU SAY WHERE CAN I GET THAT MUCH MONEY!!

 Well if you are renting this property with say another person then your share would only be 50% or half ($1,050.00) and you would only need to find $175.00 a week for the rent.

BET THAT SOUNDS BETTER?

FEAR NOT there is additional assistance available from most State Governments such as Bond Loans from the QLD DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING check out what is available to you. You might also be eligible for rent assistance and other forms of government assistance on the QLD GOVERNMENT RENT ASSISTANCE page.

BUT remember that you will have other costs like electricity, phone and excess water that you will be responsible for. 

Now Go to the Rental Example 1, Rental Example 2 and Rental Example 3 and complete 

1. An Application form for each one;
2. How much money you will need for the Bond;
3. How many Flatmates/Housemates you can have;
4. How much would be your share of the Bond/Rent.