What should I check when viewing a room in Melbourne?

Question

Accepted Answer

Melbourne has a diverse housing stock — from Victorian-era terrace houses in Fitzroy to 1970s brick veneer homes in the suburbs. What to check varies by building type, but these fundamentals apply everywhere.

Heating — the most important check in Melbourne: Melbourne winters are cold and damp. Victorian minimum standards require a fixed heater in the main living area, but your bedroom may not have one.

Check whether your room has its own heating source
If not, ask how warm the house gets in winter and what the average heating bill is
Poorly insulated older Melbourne houses can be very cold — this significantly affects liveability from June to August

Structural and moisture checks:

Look for watermarks on ceilings and walls — Melbourne's rainfall and older housing stock make damp a common problem
Check cornices and window frames for mould — it is often painted over before a new tenant moves in
Smell the room — persistent musty odour indicates moisture problems

Practical checks:

Test all light switches and power outlets
Check mobile signal and ask about the internet provider and typical speeds
Ask whether there is a dedicated spot for your belongings in the kitchen and bathroom
Find out how many people share the bathroom and what peak morning times look like

Transport and neighbourhood:

Walk to the nearest tram or train stop before deciding — Google Maps commute times do not always reflect the full picture
Check street parking if you have a car — permit zones vary significantly by suburb
Visit the supermarket and understand what daily errands look like from the address

Housemate check:

Meet all current housemates before signing if possible — incompatible personalities create lasting misery in a small share house
Ask about work schedules, social habits and house rules around cleaning, noise and guests