So, you’re thinking about moving out—here’s how to handle renting your first place with mates, strangers or family—from inspections and applications to making it through share house living and the cutthroat rental market.
Step 1: Know Your Renting Basics
In Queensland, most rentals are covered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), and it’s super important to know your rights and responsibilities before signing anything.
Here’s what to expect:
- Bond: Usually 4 weeks’ rent. It goes to the RTA, not the landlord, and you’ll get it back at the end if you’ve looked after the place.
- Rent in advance: Most places ask for 2 weeks upfront.
- Lease types: Fixed-term (e.g. 6 or 12 months) or periodic (ongoing month-to-month). If you’re joining a share house, make sure your name’s either on the lease or you’ve got a written agreement.
Heads up: Never hand over cash or sign anything you don’t understand. Always get receipts and keep a paper trail.
Check out: rta.qld.gov.au
Step 2: Inspections – The Real Estate Reality Check
Always attend an inspection if you can, an inspection is like a first date – you’re making sure you’re not getting catfished and the real-estate agent is sussing you out too. Online photos can be misleading, that “sunny beachfront room” might be a shoebox with mould, and you want to prove that you’re the best choice for the place.
Don’t get catfished, check for:
- Mould, water stains or dodgy windows (common in humid coastal QLD)
- Working fans or aircon – lifesavers know how hot QLD summers get
- Noise – if it’s near a busy road or nightclub, think twice
- Proper locks and security screens
- Power points and Wi-Fi setup (especially if you study or WFH)
Make a good impression:
When inspections get busy with lots of interested tenants, it really helps to make a great first impression. Show up clean and tidy—looking put together shows you’re responsible. Have all your paperwork ready so you can fill out and submit your application on the spot.
Being organised and confident when chatting with the agent could be the difference between landing your dream place or missing out. Remember: first impressions count!
Step 3: Nailing the Application
The rental market can be super competitive, especially in popular areas. Sometimes a lack of rental history or just being a young adult can be a red flag for landlords and real estate agents. Nailing the basics and being organised are the first steps to being accepted to your ideal place.
What you’ll need:
- 100 points of ID (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, Medicare)
- Proof of income (payslips, Centrelink, or a letter from your boss)
- Rental references (past landlords or even your patrol captain)
- A short cover note saying who you are, what you do, and why you’ll be a great tenant
Don’t have rental history? Offer a character reference from a club committee member, teacher, or employer.
Real estate agents use the information in your application to compare all applicants and decide if you’re a good fit for the property. They want to know:
- Who will be living in the place
- Whether you can afford the rent
- If you’ve paid rent on time before, looked after your previous home, and got along with neighbours
The application form asks for lots of details, including your employment and income, rental history, credit information, and references from landlords, employers, or others. It also requires ID documents.
Having all these documents ready when you go to an inspection or apply online shows you’re serious—and it might just help you be one of the first to register interest and increase your chances of getting the place.
HINT: A number of Real Estates use “1Form,” it helps to set up an account before you start searching for rentals. This lets you save your details in one place and use the same application for multiple properties—saving you time and hassle from filling everything out repeatedly.
How do I know what rent I can afford?
Before approving your application, real estate agents will check if you and your housemates can realistically afford the rent. As a guide, most agents expect rent to be no more than 30–40% of your combined weekly income.
So, if your whole household earns $1,500 a week, aim for a place where the rent is around $450–$600 per week.
Your household includes everyone who will be paying rent—not just you.
Step 4: Share House Survival
Living with mates (or strangers) can be a blast—but only if everyone pulls their weight.
Share House Survival Guide:
- Sort out bills early. Decide how you’ll split electricity, water, and internet. Use apps like Splitwise or Beem It and make sure the person who’s paying the bulk of the rent or bills is getting reimbursed on time.
- Make a cleaning roster. Otherwise, dishes will pile up until the next cyclone hits.
- Respect people’s routines. Some work early shifts, while others may be night owls. Ensure everyone is catering to everyone’s needs.
- Share the space. Be chill about guests, noise, and the occasional sandy towel.
Renting your first place is a huge step, but with the right prep, it’s 100% doable. Whether you’re setting up house in Townsville, Noosa, or your aunties investment property, these tips will put you on the right track to renting right.
Some helpful resources:
Home | Residential Tenancies Authority
First Time Renter – Queensland Youth Housing Coalition