Life in Australia
Renting and your rights, bills, transport, councils and the words of everyday Australian life.
What do I do now?
You need a place to live — here are your first 5 steps
- 1
Decide your area and budget: rent should leave room for bills, food and transport.
- 2
Gather your rental application kit: ID, references, payslips or proof of income, and past rental history if any.
- 3
Inspect homes in person and apply quickly — good rentals move fast.
- 4
Before signing, read the lease and know your bond and rights.
- 5
Move in, photograph everything, and connect your utilities.
Understand it first
1Renting terminology
A lease (tenancy agreement) is the contract between you and the landlord ("lessor"), usually arranged through an agent. It sets the rent, length, and the rules.
"Rent in advance" is your first payment, and the "bond" is a separate security deposit. "Inspections" are routine agent visits to check the property — normal, with notice.
What this means: Everything important must be in writing. Verbal promises about renting are worth remembering — and nothing more.
2Rental applications
Applications typically ask for identification (often a "100 points" checklist), references, and proof of income. Prepare this kit once and apply in minutes.
Landlords read applications like job applications: steady income, good references, clean history. A cover note introducing your family helps. If you have no rental history, personal or employer references count.
3Bonds
The bond is a deposit, commonly set around four weeks’ rent under your state’s rules. It is held by your state’s official bond authority — not by the landlord or agent personally.
At the end of the lease, the bond comes back to you if the property is left in good condition. Always get a receipt, and photograph the property when you move in and out.
What this means: Never pay bond in cash to a person. Money goes to the official bond authority — that is what makes it safe.
4Leases
A fixed-term lease runs a set period (commonly 6 or 12 months); after that it usually continues month-to-month (periodic). Ending early may involve a break fee or notice — read that section before signing.
Both sides have obligations: you pay rent on time and care for the place; the landlord keeps it safe and repairs what breaks. Repairs: report in writing immediately.
5Utilities
Utilities are electricity, gas, water usage and internet. You usually connect these yourself when you move in — compare providers first, as plans and prices vary.
If money is tight, ask providers about concessions and hardship programs — every state has electricity and gas concessions for eligible people.
6Public transport
Each state runs its own transport system with its own ticketing card or app (e.g. tap-on cards on trains, trams and buses). Seniors, students and concession holders travel cheaper.
Transit apps show live times and routes — Google Maps works well in most Australian cities too.
7Driver licensing basics
If you hold an overseas licence, you can usually drive on it for a limited period (rules differ by state and visa) before needing to convert to a state licence — often without a full test if your country has an agreement.
Learner and provisional stages apply for new drivers. Austroads publishes the official overseas licence rules.
8Local councils
Every area belongs to a local council — the government layer that handles rubbish and recycling ("bin night"), parks, libraries, community centres and local events.
Your council’s website is one of the most useful local resources: search your suburb name plus "council" to find it.
9Libraries
Public libraries are free: books, internet and computers, printing, kids’ programs, and often English conversation groups and job-help sessions.
Joining takes minutes with proof of address — and it is one of the best free memberships in Australia.
10Finding community services
Ask Izzy lists thousands of services by postcode: food relief, emergency housing, material aid, counselling and more.
Community centres and neighbourhood houses offer cheap courses, playgroups and connection — check your council site.
11Banking basics
You will want an everyday account with a debit card for daily spending, and a separate savings account for money you do not touch. Opening an account takes your passport and visa, and many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee.
Debit cards spend your own money; credit cards borrow it. Starting with debit keeps life simple — see Walaal’s Money Basics guide for tax, budgeting and free financial help.
What this means: Debit = your money. Credit = borrowed money. Starting with debit keeps life simple.
12Settling in — your first weeks
Settling in takes months, not days — that is normal, not failure. Everyone who came before you moved at this pace too.
Follow Walaal’s Start Here pathway for the essentials in order: documents, Medicare and TFN, banking, housing, English, work, and community.
What this means: Tick one thing a week, not everything at once.
13Everyday terminology
Words you will meet: "rego" (car registration), "rates" (council charges on property), "green slip"/CTP (compulsory third-party car insurance), "BYO" (bring your own — common at restaurants), "servo" (service station).
When any letter or word is unclear, upload it to Walaal’s document explainer for a plain-language translation.
Quick start checklist
0/5 doneWalaal tools that can help
Common questions
Walaal is not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact your state tenancy authority or a free community legal service.