I want to get down to Brisbane ahead of applying for a position. That being the case how difficult would it be to rent a fully / partly furnished house? What am I likely to need other than cash and a bank account?

You'll need a reference from a previous landlord or a mortgage statement that shows you're a good payer.

Are mortgage statements from overseas acceptable?

Yes.

You may have to offer to pay, say, 6 months up front as well.

Buzzy

Ouch

I think the cash a bank account and evidence of credit (any) in the UK should be sufficient. Putting up 6 months in advance is more a last resort. Certainly did not have to do anything of the sort ourselves and our area was very competitive and still is for rental.

Sure mate, but bear in mind the OP is talking about renting before he gets a job. 6 months rent would show willing in a competitive market for renters.

Buzzy

Six months advance sounds excessive when rental agreements are usually six months themselves. I am used to paying a month's rent in advance with a two month rental deposit. Is that the norm. in Oz?

1 month bond which you might get back, then two weeks in advance. With the state of the market you may well need to stump up 3 months in advance, and they will try to get a 12 month lease out of you too.

Remember you've got no oz history, and most rentals are cautious private owners

http://www.reiq.com.au/BuySellRent/tenant.asp

I just took in my passport and a copy of my bank balance, i had no problems. One thing i will say is that we were looking at first for furnished/part furnished and only found one place which was a hole, but we're on the gold coast.

Chris.

I think I will be OK with the advance rent and bond even if they turn out to be many multiples. Would previous Oz rental history from ten years back count?

I realised that Simon but having a job is only part of the selection process - some people with jobs are higher risk. We had no jobs but still got a place without offering 6 months up front.

My point is look at your own circumstances - if you have the funds to pay 6 months in advance then you have security more than say someone with a job but no money or rather an overdraft behind them.

There was some literature from our managing agent in Victoria that specified it was illegal to ask for rent in advance for rents more than $350 per week.

if you are going for fully furnished short term you will not need anything as it is short term, why dont you go on the net and look up flatmates wanted, or share accom. That way if you are a single at least the cost will be less.

Share won't work for me as my family will be joining me at a later date.