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Renting in Perth involves several cost components that international students should budget for carefully:
Perth in brief for international students: Five major universities, a highly competitive rental market, and median unit rents of AUD 600/week (REIWA, 2024). Shared rooms start from AUD 150/week in student suburbs like Crawley, Bentley, and Joondalup. WA law caps the bond at 4 weeks' rent and advance rent at 2 weeks. Prepare your documents (COE, passport, financial proof, references) and arrange temporary housing before you arrive.
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Perth as an international student requires early preparation and a strong application. Perth's rental market is among the most competitive in Australia, with vacancy rates remaining very low throughout 2024. Whether you are studying at UWA in Crawley, Curtin University in Bentley, ECU in Joondalup or Mount Lawley, Murdoch University, or Notre Dame in Fremantle, choosing a suburb close to your campus will reduce commuting time and costs. Shared housing is the most affordable entry point, with rooms available from approximately AUD 150 per week (AUD 650/month, per TIWA), while private studios start from around AUD 350 per week (AUD 1,515/month). Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) — including bond limits, advance rent rules, and prohibited fees — is essential before signing any lease.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a major destination for international students, home to five universities including the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University in Bentley, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Joondalup and Mount Lawley, Murdoch University, and the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle. The private rental market is highly competitive, with low vacancy rates and strong demand; the median unit rent in the Perth metro area was AUD 600 per week (approximately AUD 2,598 per month) as of 2024, according to REIWA. Shared housing in student suburbs such as Crawley, Bentley, and Joondalup starts from around AUD 150 per week (approximately AUD 650 per month), per TIWA. Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (WA), landlords may require a bond of up to 4 weeks' rent and up to 2 weeks' rent in advance at the start of a tenancy. International students are advised to arrange short-term accommodation before arriving in Perth and to prepare a thorough rental application including proof of identity, a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), proof of financial support, and references.
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Perth as an international student requires early preparation and a strong application. Perth's rental market is among the most competitive in Australia, with vacancy rates remaining very low throughout 2024. Whether you are studying at UWA in Crawley, Curtin University in Bentley, ECU in Joondalup or Mount Lawley, Murdoch University, or Notre Dame in Fremantle, choosing a suburb close to your campus will reduce commuting time and costs. Shared housing is the most affordable entry point, with rooms available from approximately AUD 150 per week (AUD 650/month, per TIWA), while private studios start from around AUD 350 per week (AUD 1,515/month). Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) — including bond limits, advance rent rules, and prohibited fees — is essential before signing any lease.
Perth's rental market is competitive, with low vacancy rates and strong demand from both local and international students. According to REIWA, the median weekly rent for units in the Perth metro area was AUD 600 per week (approximately AUD 2,598 per month) in 2024. Students sharing accommodation can significantly reduce costs, with shared rooms available from around AUD 150 per week (approximately AUD 650 per month) in suburbs close to major campuses such as Bentley, Crawley, and Joondalup (TIWA). It is advisable to secure short-term accommodation before arriving in Perth, as the private rental market moves quickly and strong applications are essential to securing a long-term lease.
International students renting in Perth frequently make the following mistakes:
Aim for Crawley and Nedlands for UWA, Bentley for Curtin, Joondalup or Mount Lawley for ECU, and the Murdoch area for Murdoch University. Crawley is in high demand, so start early.
Sharing a flat is the most affordable option there. From abroad, a Home Finder shortlists listings, views for you with photos or video and reviews the lease.
The Perth information does not describe a specific guarantor requirement, but it lists a guarantor letter among the possible proofs of funds. Gather your passport, student visa, confirmation of enrolment (COE), bank statements and references from previous landlords, foreign ones included.
You cannot be charged any fee in advance to process the application or to view. Refuse any such request.
Perth has a very low vacancy rate: start early and book temporary accommodation before you arrive, so you can attend viewings in person.
A complete application must be ready from day one, because applications come in quickly. In student areas such as Crawley, a search started too late narrows your choices considerably.
A room in a shared flat costs 650 to 866 AUD/month, or 150 to 200 AUD/week, and a studio or one-bedroom flat 1,515 to 2,165 AUD/month. Add water, about 50 to 100 AUD/month, plus electricity and gas.
At signing, the landlord can ask for up to four weeks' bond and two weeks' rent in advance, a large sum to pay all at once.
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