Bond (4 weeks)
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Two things trip up newcomers: rent is quoted per week, and you usually can't even apply without attending an open home in person. Here's the playbook and your real move-in cost.
For rent under A$900/week the bond is capped at 4 weeks. The agent must lodge it with the RTBA within 10 business days — it's held by the government, not the landlord.
You'll need ID/documents totalling 100 points (visa letters and bridging-visa details count). And agents generally require someone to physically attend the open home before processing an application — line up an inspection or a representative.
Vacancy is ~2.5% (still landlord-favoured) and well-priced listings move in ~20 days. Median is around A$580/week for houses, A$575 for units.
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