How do you choose the perfect rental accommodation?

Is there such a thing? In my experience with renting it's not usually a case of choosing the perfect rental accomodation but rather the least crappy option available. I find it very frustrating that many people don't seem to understand this. It's bad enough having to settle for somewhere that isn't quite right for you without people saying "but surely there was somewhere cheaper/bigger/nicer available." Sure, there was but I decided to leave it for somebody else and rent somewhere not as good instead. Usually that kind of comment comes from people who haven't rented, or not in a long time, who have no idea what the rental market is actually like.

Usually places in a really good location (eg. a nice suburb or closer to the city centre) are more expensive, but living further out will cost more in transport so that might even out. It's handy to be near public transport if possible. Good neighbours make or break a home but it's hard to tell what they're like until after you move in. You can try asking around.

It depends a bit on your lifestyle too. If you like going out clubbing and partying a lot you might like living closer to the pubs and clubs. If you prefer a quieter life or have to be at work early in the mornings you probably won't appreciate being woken at two am by a couple of drunk women singing at the top of their lungs while trying to get the key in the lock of the flat next door.

Sharehouses have their pluses and minuses. It's cheaper, and a good option if you're starting out and don't own much furniture. However you need to be able to get on with the people you live with and you need to all be on the same page when it comes to the distribution of chores like cooking and cleaning. It also helps if you all have a similar diet (eg. you're not the only non vegan or something).

by Jennifer Muirhead

You should think of it as somewhere perfect for you among others, not something you can't find a fault with. I doubt anyone of us can be totally happy with a house, even if it's a place you bought, and not rented.

That is exactly what I look for. It is other people who give me a hard time about my home not being perfect in their eyes. It's just one of those things. I can't change it so I'd best learn to ignore it.

Personally, I would choose a place with convenient transport, close to the city or my workplace. Security is also an issue. I would like somewhere quiet and safe, probably in a good neighbourhood. I rather like my current place in Clifton Hill, it is a beautiful suburb with gardens around.

Sharing is an option if you want to save money, but finding a good housemate is not always easy. You have to consider their personalities, life style, cleanliness, etc.

by annep

Rental accommodation really comes down to budget. While I would love to live right by the ocean my bank balance won't allow it. However having 2 bathrooms is important. And the house needs to be central and in a fairly okay location.

by chipp

In terms of the asking rent, and just a basic gut feel. Could I live in this house? If termite infested, then no. A good location is also helpful, depending on whether or not you have a car.

by Justine Crowley

I easily get sinus so unfortunately I do need to check on whether the neighbours smoke.

by Amelia

What is important varies from person to person. It has to suit your lifestyle and your budget. Also, if you're saving to buy your own place, which some renters are, then possibly a cheaper option of a crappier place temporarily, or in a not so perfect (but still safe) area can be worth looking at. After all, a hundred dollars or so a week can add up to a downpayment on a place of your own in a couple of years, so can be worth the sacrifice.

by Sarah Bell

For me, being close to my childrens' school takes top priority. Then of course, close to public transport, highways, shopping areas, etc.

by Happy Mom

There is no such thing as a perfect accommodation at an affordable price when you are renting?
You need to start with trying to find an estate agent thats not going to rip you off, Lie to you and steal your bond. Personally I would always rent privately.
I have just watched as a very nice and considerate neighbour, single mother of 3 has been evicted by force just before christmas for refusing to pay for the marks on the carpet to be cleaned and a dog chewed A/C remote that was done by the tenants before her. It was shameful behavior and defiantly not a one off case.
The house is back up for rent and according to the estate agent only 5 mins to the train station. OH yes if you can fly that is. try 17 to 20 min walk.
House share or rent privately

by butterfly lady

Location and by views and what they offer - we stayed in a brilliant beach house in McLarenVale, and one of the reasons we picked it was because we were flying to Adelaide and they provided sheets etc - if you're flying, you can't bring all that stuff.

by Lydia C. Lee