Landlord Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does your service assist Landlords?
A: The Houseme data base allows landlords to advertise their properties to students at Deakin University across all campuses. It is a free, direct way for landlords to advertise their property to thousands of potential tenants. We are always available to assist landlords with listing their property, providing lease agreements and bond lodgement forms. The Off-Campus Housing Service runs a number of Landlord Information forums each year to provide assistance with understanding the more complex laws and relevant legislations.
Q: Who can advertise on the site?
A: Any landlord is welcome to use our site to advertise their property, including private landlords, Estate Agents and other housing services. This does not mean the listing will automatically be uploaded onto the site. It will be reviewed by the Off-Campus Housing Team prior to advertisement, and you will be sent an email once your listing has been approved.
Q: How do I list my property?
A: Click the link Upload Your Property Details. The first time you use the site you will be required to complete a registration form. Once registered, go to your dashboard and from there you will be able to edit your details and upload or edit your listing.
Following the prompts to upload a new property is simple to do, and asks you for all the information required to upload your property. If you require assistance with this process, a step by step guide has been included on the site for your convenience.
Please note: We do not provide landlords with advice on current rental market rates. If you would like some guidance with what to charge, please visit the Houseme site or other real estate web pages for comparable property prices.
Q: How long will my property be available for students to view?
A: Your property will remain on the Houseme site for 6 weeks. You can edit, or close it at any time during this period. If you have not leased your property at the end of the 6 weeks period, you will be sent an email and given the option to re-list your property for another 6 weeks.
Q: What are students looking for?
A: Students have varying needs and wants when it comes to their living arrangements. However, most students are looking for safe, clean, furnished accommodation that suits their individual budget and is relatively close to campus, or good access to public transport.
Q: What should I write in my ad?
A: The advertisement that the students see on our site is the first impression they will have of your property. It is important to provide as much information and detail as possible. Including anything you feel will make your property more appealing to students seeking accommodation will work in your favour. Keeping it simple, but informative is best, and clear dot point work very well, as international students will also be viewing your property on the site. A great way to get ideas is to look at other advertisements on Houseme.
Getting started
- Check out the current rental market. (What is everyone else charging?)
- Include photos, this is always more appealing and will give students a preview of the property.
- Students prefer utilities included in the rent. (It helps many of them to know they have a set cost per week)
- Use a contact number that will be answered or has a message bank.
Describing your property
In the description section of your listing
- Add detailed information showing how to get to Campus (e.g. Bus 736 stops at the corner and goes straight to Deakin)
- Outline the culture of the house
- Is it a quiet or noisy house?
- Are there young people, students, a family or older people currently living in the house?
- Are there any pets currently living at the property?
- If there is something special or unique about the property that the potential tenant will want, like a private bathroom or fast internet, highlight it here.
- Keep the property listing up to date.
- Things that will best motivate potential tenants
- The rent amount
- The size
- The location
- Special features.
Prior to uploading your listing
- Make a list of all the basic items we've discussed above. When you have completed the list, it will read something like this
- Location
- Total number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Total occupants
- Weekly rent
- Bond amount
- Utilities included Yes or No.
- Then make a list of all the features that are not basic but might set your property apart from the rest:
- Outdoor area
- Undercover parking
- Quiet location
- Close to shops
- Close to University
- Gardening included
- Private bathroom
- Fast internet
- Fully furnished
- Freshly painted throughout
- Central heating or air-conditioning.
You are now ready to upload your listing
- Click Upload Your Property Details and follow the prompts.
Q: Should I include photos?
A: There is an option for you to upload photos with your advertisement. We would strongly recommend including photos, preferable showing the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living areas. Including photos allows the student get a better idea of the accommodation you are providing.
Q: How does the tagging system work for my property and how do I benefit from it?
A: To assist students with their search we have now included a tagging system for all property listings. This will allow you to target specific students and allow them to find you more efficiently. Various tags have facilities to move your listing closer to the top of the search field. Once your listing has been approved you will be sent an approval email asking you to comment on the tags below. Our staff will then set about tagging your listing accordingly.
- CAMPUS - Property is located within 3kms of the closest Deakin Campus
- SHOPPING - The property is located within 3kms of a local shopping centre.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORT - Property is located within 1 km of public transport access point.
- STUDENT TENANTED - Landlord has specified that only students are residing in the property.
- MEAL PROVIDED - The landlord has stated that at least 1 meal per week will be included in the rent charge.
- LEASE AGREEMENT - Landlord has specified that they provide all tenants with an official Residential Tenancy Lease Agreement.
- BOND LODGED - Landlord has specified that 'bond' monies paid by the tenant will be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority.
- COUNCIL REGISTERED - The Rooming House is registered under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act.
Q: Do you screen students for me and match them to my property?
A: We do not screen or match students to any listing or accommodation provider. Our service assists the student by allowing them to search for suitable listings based on their individual needs. It is then up to the landlord to screen the student and decide if they are a suitable tenant for the property.
Q: Will my property automatically be removed when I have found a suitable tenant?
A: The Houseme site allows each landlord to maintain their own listings. Once your property has been leased you are able to login to the Houseme site and close your listing. The listing will stay on your dashboard, allowing you to re-list the property again in the future.
