Choosing a residential service

It’s important to understand what you need before you start looking.

The services offered by a residential service can vary. A residential service may provide:

• accommodation only
• accommodation and food
• accommodation and personal care
• accommodation, food and personal care services, such as help showering, cleaning, or shopping.

Other things to think about:

• the area or suburb you want to live in
• if you want to be close to family and friends
• distance to your doctors, public transport, or the shops
• if you need meals provided
• your budget and how much rent you want to pay.

Residential services are usually shared accommodation

It’s a good idea to ask yourself if you could share facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen, or common room. Some residential services have self-contained units with services such as meals included.

If you have any questions about shared facilities, you can ask the accommodation manager when inspecting the property.

If this is not the type of accommodation you’re after, you can get help to find something more suitable.

Check the Find registered accommodation website for residential services in your area. The website includes contact details so you can contact the manager or caretaker.

If you need help, staff at a Housing Service Centre can help and arrange a visit on your behalf.

It’s important that the residential service is registered and accredited. This is to ensure the accommodation meets standards, including for safety, security and cleanliness.

Learn more about accreditation requirements for residential services.

Once you’ve found somewhere that interests you, call to find out whether there are any rooms available.

Asking these questions may help you decide if you want to see the property in person.

General

• Can I have visitors?
• Can people stay the night?
• Can I lock my room
• What furniture is included?
• Do I need my own fridge?
• Is electricity included in my rent?
• Do I have to pay a bond?
• Is there a live-in caretaker or on-site manager?
• Are there any organised social activities?
• Is the accommodation registered or accredited with the government?
• What is the easiest way to get there for an inspection?

Meals

• If you have special dietary needs (e.g. for diabetes or food allergies), ask whether these are catered for.
• Are all meals included or are some optional?
• Do I have to eat in the dining area, or can I eat in my room?
• Can my visitors order meals to eat with me?

Personal care

• Can I choose my own care provider?
• Can my support worker or care provider visit me at the property?

If you want to see the property, you’ll need to arrange an appointment with the manager or caretaker.

Make sure you know the day and time to meet them at the property, and how to get there.

When inspecting the property

To ensure the property meets your needs, there are a few things you can do. This includes:

View the certificate of registration and accreditation

You can find this in or near the entrance (this should always be displayed). If you can’t see a certificate, ask the manager to show it to you.

If in doubt, you can check the Find registered accommodation website.

Find out your rights and responsibilities

Tenants living in rooming accommodation have certain rights and responsibilities.

During your visit, the manager or caretaker may give you a copy of the house rules and a Residential Tenancy Rooming Accommodation Agreement. These documents provide you with information about your responsibilities as a tenant.

House rules could include things such as:

• keeping the common areas clean
• where any designated smoking areas are
• when visitors need to leave the house
• how to pay rent
• who to contact if you have a problem or question.

Make sure you’re ok with the house rules and any special conditions before applying for a room.

If you decide to apply for the room

You’ll be asked for some personal details and an emergency contact. To make filling out your application easier, you may want to gather this information in advance.

If your application is approved, you’ll be asked to sign a rental agreement.

Moving in usually means you’ll need to pay some upfront costs. This could include a bond, a rental payment, or a moving van to transport your belongings.

To help with the cost of moving, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Financial assistance can include:

Bond loan

A Bond Loan is an interest-free and fee-free loan to cover the rental bond when you move into a rental home. The loan amount is up to 4 weeks’ rent and must be repaid.

Check your eligibility

Bond Loans are automatically approved for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence who have provided information about their circumstances.

Rental Grant

A Rental Grant is a one-off grant of 2 weeks’ rent to support people in housing crisis move into private rental accommodation. You can’t use a rental grant as the first 2 weeks’ rent for your new tenancy.

Check your eligibility

If you need assistance applying, your nearest Housing Service Centre can help.

More information about financial help

Before you move in, you’ll be given a rental agreement. You should read this carefully before signing, so you understand what you’re committing to.

It’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to read the rental agreement too. They may be able to help you understand anything that you’re unsure of.

A rental agreement should include:

• the length of the lease
• your rights and responsibilities
• rent payment and bank details
• any other special clauses.

More information about rooming accommodation agreements and advice on starting your tenancy can be found on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website.

If you pay a bond, you will need to complete an entry condition report to record the condition of your room when you move in. Record any existing damage in the entry condition report. Make a copy for yourself and return it to your accommodation manager.

Read more general advice about moving in.