Question 1

Who can apply to stay at a Living at La Trobe property?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility criteria: All Students aged 18 and over, who are enrolled in a La Trobe University (or La Trobe College Australia, RMIT University) course of study are eligible to apply to live at Living at La Trobe.

Question 2

If I wanted to break my lease, what are the costs associated with this?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to terminate your lease early, you must submit an early termination request. Approval of this request may include cancellation fees equivalent to four (4) weeks of rent, unless sufficient evidence is provided to waive the fee.

Question 3

What do I need to buy before I can move in?

Accepted Answer

Your room comes furnished with a king single bed, mattress, desk, and chair. You&rsquo;ll need to bring your own linen and personal items. 

In self-catered residences, bring your own cookware and utensils for the shared kitchen, where you&rsquo;ll have storage space. 

Kettles, toasters, and hot plates are only allowed in kitchen areas for safety reasons.

Question 4

I am vacating, can I use the Bond for my last month's rent?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot as your bond and rent are separate payments. You are required to pay rent in the specified way up to and including the date of your departure.

Question 5

How close is the nearest supermarket?

Accepted Answer

The closest supermarket is the Kennington Village Woolworths, located at 150-180 Condon Street. This is a short walk or car trip, or you can catch the local bus lines 61 or 70.

Question 6

What happens when I vacate?

Accepted Answer

You need to leave your apartment clean and tidy in the same condition as when you arrived, ensure all personal items have been removed and report any damage that may have been caused during your tenancy. This allows for a speedy bond resolution.

As a final step, you will need to complete a Bond Refund Form on the Living at La Trobe Portal and nominate the bank account you would like your bond deposit refunded back into.

Question 7

If I really want to move apartments/rooms after I move in - is that possible?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to move to another residence you will need to submit a transfer request. (Note: these transfer requests are subject to availability and once approved require an &#36;85.00 transfer fee for cleaning and administration costs.)

Question 8

How do I receive my Bond back?

Accepted Answer

Once the resident has vacated and completed a Bond Refund Form, UniLodge will conduct a final inspection of the residence for any damage incurred or cleaning that may be required. Any of these charges will be deducted from the resident&rsquo;s bond and the remaining amount refunded back to the nominated bank account.

Question 9

Who do I contact in an emergency or after hours?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Night Manager on duty on 0407 270 540.

Question 10

How do I reserve a room?

Accepted Answer

Complete an online application through our Living at La Trobe Portal: https://ltu.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX. Please note, in order to accept the offer, you will be required to pay the current bond deposit as per the Rules of Residence. Need more information? Contact our team!

Question 11

Can I move out at any time?

Accepted Answer

When considering the premature termination of your Residential Agreement, the following payments are required prior to vacating, as outlined by the Rules of Residence: 

A cancellation fee of 28 days rent
All outstanding debts and fees.

Question 12

What kind of contracts does Living at La Trobe offer?

Accepted Answer

20-week, 41-week and 52-week contracts are available, commencing in February and July.

Question 13

Is there extra storage outside my apartment?

Accepted Answer

There is no additional storage outside of your room. If you have items you wish to store you will need to contact a local storage service provider.

Question 14

What does my rent include?

Accepted Answer

A fully furnished apartment, all utilities are included, access to unlimited internet and WIFI and use of our common room facilities.

Question 15

How do I connect the internet/phone?

Accepted Answer

There is no phone in the room. For Internet, you can connect to the local Eduroam network using your La Trobe University login. If you have difficulty accessing the WIFI, you can contact La Trobe Ask ICT.

Question 16

How do I pay the bond?

Accepted Answer

You are required to pay the bond deposit when accepting your letter of offer. Need more information? Contact our team!

Question 17

Do you have car parking facilities?

Accepted Answer

La Trobe University offers parking across campus, including near accommodation. A parking permit is required Monday to Friday, 8am&ndash;5pm. Parking is free outside these hours.

Question 18

Is wireless internet available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have unlimited WIFI at this property and wireless internet through the building.

Question 19

When do I pay my rent?

Accepted Answer

Each resident has access to a residential portal where rent can be paid. Alternatively, payments can be made at reception using a debit or credit card. Rent is charged fortnightly on Mondays, according to the rental calendar.

Question 20

What is a Bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond is a security payment of &#36;1,000.00 that ensures residents fulfill the terms of their residence agreement. This is not equivalent to rent.

Question 21

Can I receive mail and packages whilst staying at the property?

Accepted Answer

Only letters can be collected from the reception office. Parcels must be collected from Australia Post in the Agora.

Question 22

What is a Condition Report?

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival we must prepare a &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo;, which records the property&rsquo;s general condition, including fittings and fixtures and present you with two copies when you complete your check-in process.  Review and, if necessary, add your comments to the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo;.  You must return the report to UniLodge within three business days of moving in and you should keep a copy of the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; until the end of the tenancy. 

The &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; is a very important document, as it can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items, particularly at the end of a tenancy. 

You may want to take photos of your apartment at the start of your tenancy to further show the condition. 

The owner may claim some or the entire bond for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items at the end of your tenancy. If the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; stated that the work was required at the start of the tenancy, or the items were not listed, it can help you prove the bond should be returned to you. 

Check out this handy guide - Resident guide condition reports.