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
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.
