There are lots of options for accommodation in Perth but you need to be organised.
There are lots of choices when it comes to accommodation, but you need to be organised as there is a lot of competition.
Living on campus, renting a property, boarding with a family, or sharing with friends are a few of the options.
You should register your interest and apply for as many different accommodation options as possible to increase your chance at success. Don’t wait for your preferred option, apply for others at the same time too.
To help get you started, watch this webinar on Renting Successfully in Perth, provided by Study Perth
If you need advice in relation to accommodation, please book a Student Success Housing Advice appointment
Edith Cowan University (ECU) Accommodation Listings platform connects students with housing providers and housemates to assist students to secure housing.
This platform has been established for the exclusive use of ECU students as tenants. You can search for housing opportunities or connect with other ECU students looking for housing.
If you are homeless or about to be homeless.
Call Entry Point 1800 124 684.
You can also access the ECU Crisis Line for out of hours support.
ECU offers on-campus accommodation at all three campuses, operated by Campus Living Villages.
There are Student villages at the Joondalup, Mount Lawley and South West campuses. The villages consist of single and multi-room units with shared self-catering facilities, and they provide a modern, friendly environment.
There is a wide range of apartment styles, including recently developed apartments, to suit a variety of budgets. Find out more.
There are dedicated student accommodation providers in Perth.
You can live in a private home with a Western Australian family through Homestay providers. This is a unique way for students, studying in Australian education institutions, to find safe and comfortable accommodation at very affordable rates.
One affordable approach to securing accommodation is to share with other people. Living in a share house can be a great way to save rent, make new friends, learn to cook and more.
Warning to students: We suggest you do not pay an accommodation provider before you have seen the accommodation in person. Be aware of scams and unethical behaviour. Ensure you sign an agreement or contract before moving into a share house.
You might also want to check out our Tip Sheet on Living in Shared Accommodation.
Renting accommodation in Perth can be very challenging. Here are some real estate rental websites to get you started.
Prepare a rental application before you start your search. Collect your ID, rental and employment history, references and prepare a cover letter introducing yourself. Most real estate agents use online applications. Register and prepare your profile with all the rental listing websites and the below.
Check out our tips in the "Downloads" section on the right-hand side of this page
When you have secured housing, always ensure there is an agreement between you (the tenant/lodger) and the landlord (the owner of the property). Review the agreement carefully and keep a signed copy.
In Western Australia, all tenants are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act (1987). Boarders and lodgers are not covered by this Act, however, still have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
To work out if you are a tenant or a boarder/lodger, review this page on the Consumer Protection website.
If you are asked to pay money up-front, it should not be more than:
Always ensure you receive a receipt for any payment made.
If you pay a bond, the landlord/real estate agent should pay this to the Bonds Administrator and you will receive an email asking for you to approve the lodgement. If you are a tenant under the Residential Tenancy Act, the landlord/real estate agent are legally obliged to lodge the bond with the Bonds Administrator. If you are a boarder/lodger, the landlord is not legally obliged to lodge the bond with the Bonds Administrator, but you can still ask them to do this.
For further information regarding your rights as a tenant and a boarder/lodger, review all of the information carefully on the Consumer Protection website – Renting a Home.
Make sure you exercise your rights and responsibilities when renting a property.
Tenancy information and legal resources
You may need to find some temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Perth. We don't recommend you stay in short-term accommodation for too long, as it can be expensive.
There are many hostels around Perth where you can stay for a short time.
Online disability housing resources
NDIS Housing information
Advocacy and Support resources
See the Access and Inclusion page for more information on supporting your participation and success in study at ECU.
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