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Student Accommodation FAQ

La Trobe University - Villas
Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about living at our La Trobe residences? Find out everything you need to know about our accommodation by checking out our most frequently asked questions. Whether you want to know more on moving, living costs, leases, or anything in between, these questions will cover all you’ll need to know before making your move. If you have a question still unanswered, you can contract us directly. 

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

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

How much is the Bond?

The Bond is $1000.00 deposit.

Who do I contact in an emergency or after hours?

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

Paying the Bond?

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

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

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.

How do I reserve a room?

Complete an online application through our Living at La Trobe Portal: https://ltu.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX. To accept this offer, you will be required to pay the current bond deposit as per the Rules of Residence. Need more information? You can contact our team to help out!

Do you have car parking facilities?

On campus permit parking is available through La Trobe University.  You can purchase parking via Car parking permits.

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

You will need to provide your bedding linen and any basic crockery, such as plates, utensils and cooking items. Living at La Trobe provides appliances such as toasters, kettles and microwaves.

Can I move out at any time?

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.

Is wireless internet available?

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

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

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.

What kind of contracts does Living at La Trobe offer?

22-week and 44-week contracts are available, commencing in February and July.

When do I pay my rent?

Rent is charged per fortnight – you will receive a charge on the first business day of each fortnight. If you would prefer to pay for a whole semester, or a year in advance, please visit the Living at La Trobe office to discuss.

How close is the nearest supermarket?

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. 

Is there extra storage outside my apartment?

Beds are designed a little higher so you can put luggage under them, however 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.

What is a Bond?

A bond is a payment that acts as security against the resident meeting the terms of their rental agreement and Rules of Residence. The bond is accepted online during the offer acceptance process. This deposit is held until the end of the resident’s residential agreement.

Following final inspection, the bond is: 

  • Refunded entirely to the tenant/resident, or  
  • Claimed in part or in full by the landlord/owner. 

What happens when I vacate?

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. 

What does my rent include?

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

How does my mail get to me?

Mail at our Bendigo campus can be collected from the Living at La Trobe office during office hours.  Your mail can be directed to you as follows:

Name, College, Room Number 
Living at La Trobe, Sharon Street
PO Box 199, Flora Hill, VIC 3550 

You will be sent an SMS notification whenever we receive your mail.

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

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 $85.00 transfer fee for cleaning and administration costs.)

How do I connect the internet/phone?

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.

How do I receive my Bond back?

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’s bond and the remaining amount refunded back to the nominated bank account. 

What is a Condition Report?

Upon arrival we must prepare a ‘Condition Report’, which records the property’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 ‘Condition Report’.  You must return the report to UniLodge within three business days of moving in and you should keep a copy of the ‘Condition Report’ until the end of the tenancy. 

The ‘Condition Report’ 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 ‘Condition Report’ 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.

Further Resident Information