You probably know that we help women to find private housing – sometimes for the very first time. It can be hard to find somewhere to rent in Sydney, so we thought we’d share our top tips.

Some things to consider when you are inspecting a house:

• Do you need to be close to public transport?
• Do you need to be on the ground floor/ no stairs?
• Do you need a garage?
• Would you like a house or an apartment? If a house, you will be required to maintain the lawns and garden.
• If possible, go without children so that you can inspect the property without any distractions.
• Check for any damage caused by water or pests.

When you apply for a property, you will have to give the real estate your application form and copies of your ID.

What kind of ID?

Different real estates can ask for different forms of ID, but usually it will be:

• Drivers licence or birth certificate
• Medicare card
• Bank card
• Income statement/ proof of income
• Phone or electricity bill

It’s a good idea to have photocopies of your ID documents on you when you inspect a property. That way, you can hand in the application straight away! The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of getting the property.

For more information, check out NSW Fair Trading.

Or Tenants NSW  for advice.

By Bianca.