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A Guide to Securing a Rental Property in Australia for 2025

Renting property in Australia can feel like auditioning for a reality TV show—only the drama is real, and the prize is a house that might come with ‘quirky’ plumbing. Don’t worry though! With this guide, you’ll be ready to navigate landlords, conquer paperwork and hopefully secure your dream rental.

The Rental Market in Australia for 2025

Metropolitan Markets—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart

If you’re looking to live in Sydney, expect a little more competition than you might find elsewhere. As the most populous city in Australia, the rental market here remains ultra-competitive. Expect to pay anywhere between $700–$900 per week for a decent two-bedroom apartment. Melbourne can feel merciless too, but the average rent prices are significantly cheaper, averaging around $550-$800.

Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are slightly friendlier to your wallet, with rents averaging $450–$650 per week.

Median weekly rent by capital city: 

Sydney: $745

Canberra: $651

Perth: $630

Brisbane: $627

Darwin: $611

Melbourne: $565

Adelaide: $565

Regional Centres

Regional towns like Ballarat or Newcastle offer charm and affordability. Weekly rents are lower, typically between $300–$500, though even regional areas are getting snatched up faster than in previous years. 

Types of Rentals 

Apartments and Units: Perfect for city dwellers. They’re easy to maintain (no garden!) and offer good security. 

Houses: There’s often more space and they’re a great place to set up communal living with like-minded friends. 

Townhouses: A good middle ground—space like a house, but no mowing lawns the size of a footy field. A higher price point than an apartment/unit. 

Student Accommodation: Great for saving money and less responsibility than a house.

Rights and Responsibilities of a Renter

Rights 

Privacy: You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your dwelling. Landlords and property managers must give you at least seven days’ notice before entering your home.

Repairs: You have the right to a healthy and safe living environment. All requests for repairs must be actioned by your landlord or property manager with priority. 

Right to Dispute/Leave: You have the right to end your tenancy at any time or dispute any unreasonable requests.

Responsibilities

Property Maintenance: You must keep the property in a reasonable condition and flag maintenance issues with your landlord or property manager.

Paying Rent: You must pay your rent on time, as outlined in your lease agreement.

Check out Study Australia for an in-depth look your rights and responsibilities as a renter. 

Top Tips for a Rental Application

Get Your Paperwork Sorted: Make sure you have ID, a proof of income and glowing references (bonus points if your references don’t include your mum).

Follow Application Instructions: If you’re asked to apply online through a specific web application, do so. Follow the links on the listing! 

Attend Inspections: You will need to attend an in-person inspection to be considered as a rental candidate. 

Dress to Impress: You needn’t show up in a ballgown but looking tidy will leave an impression on a property manager at an inspection. 

Communicate: Get your application in early and respond to any emails/phone calls promptly!

Key Resources

Help in Your State:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Union of NSW 

Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority

Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria 

Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA 

Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory 

South Australia: Consumer and Business Services and Tenants Information and Advisory Service 

Tasmania:  The Tenants Union of Tasmania 

ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra

Searching For Rentals

realestate.com.au 

domain.com.au

Student Housing Australia

UniLodge 

Renting in 2025 might feel like competing in a nationwide treasure hunt, but with preparation and persistence, we have no doubt you’ll find your dream place.