Houseme User Guide for Students

How to use the Houseme database

How does the Houseme database work?
When should I start looking for accommodation?
Who can advertise on the Houseme database?
Do you screen properties and providers for me?
How much rent should I pay?
Should bills be included in the rent or charged individually?
Where do I find out about my rights and responsibilities when renting in Victoria?
Who can help with a tenancy issue or complaint?
How to register on the Houseme database
What to do if you forget your password
How to search for suitable accommodation
Who to contact when you find a property

How does the Houseme database work?

The Houseme database is a free place for students to search for off campus accommodation near all the Deakin campuses. You can register on the database to view properties, contact accommodation providers, and create a short list of properties you are interested in. You are responsible for identifying suitable accommodation options, booking inspections and ultimately deciding where you are going to live.

In order to list their property on Houseme, providers agree to a list of requirements depending on their property type, such as the type of lease agreement that will be used, and we encourage you to look over these requirements for any properties you are interested in.  You can view these in the listing by clicking on the ‘View Agreement’ link under the property Classification.


Before you make any of decisions on a property or room, it worth reading:

When should I start looking for accommodation?

Accommodation is listed on the Houseme database a maximum of 6 weeks in advance of its availability date, so we recommend starting your accommodation search about 4-6 weeks before you are ready to move.

Who can advertise on the Houseme database?

Anyone can advertise accommodation on the Houseme database. This included private accommodation providers, real estate agencies, other students looking for housemates, or families wanting to rent a room in their home.

Do you screen properties and providers for me?

Students are responsible for deciding on the suitability of accommodation themselves. Deakin does not inspect properties prior to them being listed on the Houseme database, but does make sure they are registered with local council if they need to be. It is essential that you make your own enquiries, meet with providers and other tenants and inspect the accommodation prior to making any decision as to its suitability for your purpose. We strongly advise that students do not pay money or sign documents for properties that they have not personally viewed.

If a property is miss-represented on the Houseme database, we would like to know about it, so please contact our team if you are concerned about a property.

How much rent should I pay?

The weekly rent will vary depending on the property type and inclusions. Some will include all utilities, internet and in some cases pay TV, while others will just include the property rental. Accommodation providers set their own rental rates and it is important you select a property that fits in with your personal budget. If you choose an option that stretches your budget too tight, it can be difficult to end your lease early and find cheaper accommodation.

Should bills be included in the rent or charged individually?

The Residential Tenancies Act states that tenants can only be charge individually if there are separate meters installed for electricity and gas. Check on each Houseme property listing to see what utilities are included in the rent.

Where do I find out about my rights and responsibilities when renting in Victoria?

Consumer Affairs Victoria explain all your rights and responsibilities when renting in Victoria. Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities before you make any agreements, or pay any money.

Who can help with a tenancy issue or complaint?

If you have a tenancy issue or complaint and you need support or guidance, contact our team and we will help you through the process.

You can also contact the free on-campus legal service at Deakin. This service is powered by DUSA, in partnership with Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) and Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS). It's confidential and it's FREE.

To book an appointment:

Contact Eastern Community Legal Centre (for Burwood Campus) on 9285 4822 or email: deakin@eclc.org.au

or

Contact Barwon Community Legal Service (for Waterfront, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool Campuses) on 1300 430 599.

How to register on the Houseme database

Students can register and sign into the Houseme database using their Deakin email address and creating a password. This will then allow you to contact accommodation providers and create a property shortlist. Once registered, students can also advertise accommodation vacancies.

If you do not have a Deakin email address, please select the 'future student' option. (Please note that this includes Deakin College students, both current and future.) Here you can register using a different email address however before your access is granted you will recieve an email requesting you to send us a copy of your letter of enrollment before we can complete your registration. Please note that this is a temporary registration that will expire after 3 months. You can then re-register using your new Deakin email address.

What to do if you forget your password

If you have forgotten your password, simply click the ‘Forgot your Password’ link where you sign into the database.

Once you have registered and signed into the Houseme database, you can begin looking for suitable properties.
First, select either the ‘Rooms’ tab, or the ‘Properties’ tab, depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.


Then you can go ahead and select some of the search options to help refine your search results. When doing this, try not to select too many, or you may find you are not left with many accommodation choices!
All your search results will then be displayed, and you can choose how you would like to order them. Remember that properties that don’t included photos and/or badges will display towards the end of the search results regardless of how your order them.

Who to contact to arrange a property inspection

Once you have found some properties you are interested in inspecting, you will need to contact the accommodation provider directly to arrange this. If you cannot contact the accommodation provider through their listing it is because you haven’t registered and/or signed into the site.