Choosing a rental property
If you're thinking about renting, learn about the tips and support available to help you find the right home for you.
What sort of home do you need?
When choosing a rental property there are many things to consider, including:
- How much rent can you afford?
- What kind of home do you want to live in—a house, unit, townhouse, room with shared facilities or caravan?
- How many bedrooms do you need?
- Do you need a fenced yard for a pet?
- Is the property suitable for your pet?
- Do you want to look after a yard and/or mow a lawn?
- Do you prefer to park your car on the street or in a garage?
- Do you want a property with gas, electricity or either?
- Will you have to pay for water use?
- Where do you want to live—close to family, friends, work, school or public transport?
- Would you consider a moveable dwelling (caravan) park? If so, can you afford extra site costs?
- Would traffic or other surrounding noise be an issue for you?
- What types of locks and security do you need for your safety and contents insurance?
- Does the property have internet connection?
Services and facilities nearby
The National Health Services Directory helps you find services in and around Queensland communities.
Check what facilities and services are available in areas where you may like to rent, including:
- local council information on facilities and services
- education, cultural and health facilities
- transport services.
Searching for a place to rent
There are many ways to find a place to rent in the private market, including:
- searching websites online
- contacting local real estate offices.
When you start looking, make a list of properties you’re interested in and the landlord or agent’s contact details. Use this list to keep track of the properties you've asked about, inspected or applied for.
Internet searches
There are many websites that allow you to search for rental properties, including:
When you're searching, look for:
- properties in a specific suburb or area
- different property types, including units/apartments, houses and shared accommodation
- the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and car spaces
- properties in your price range.
Real estate agents
- Look for 'for rent' displays in the office windows of real estate agencies.
- Look for 'for rent' signs outside properties in areas where you want to live.
- Speak to your local real estate agent—leave your contact details with them so they can contact you if a suitable place becomes available.
- Look on the noticeboards at TAFE colleges, universities, shopping centres, supermarkets, local shops and cafés for shared accommodation. (University websites may be useful for shared accommodation.)
You can also ask friends and family to tell you if they hear of something that might be suitable.
Cost of renting
Check the median (or average) rental price and suburb profiles for the areas you want to rent in.
Financial and housing assistance
You can get help to find a place to rent in Queensland using RentConnect.
You may be eligible for:
- Rent Assistance through Services Australia (Centrelink)
- a Bond Loan and/or Rental Grant
- free financial advice and support.
More information
Helpful resources
- Legal and dispute support
- Real Estate Institute of Queensland
- Your rights and responsibilities when renting
- Queensland Human Rights Commission
- Queensland Retirement Village and Park Advice Service.