Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, inspections can be arranged with our Accommodation Managers. Just submit an enquiry using the form at the bottom of this page to get started. Make sure you select the property you are interested in, and let us know that you'd like to arrange a tour!

You can make an application by completing the Application Form on our website. Just click the "Apply" menu at the top of this page to get started by selecting the property would like to apply for.

You can apply for a room up to 6 months in advance of your intended arrival date. If you are considering applying for a room don't hesitate to reach out to our Accommodation Managers using the enquiry form beforehand to ask any questions!

Once approved to live at a Birch Ridge property, you will be sent a welcome pack which will contain all the information you need, including emergency procedures and all contacts needed.

Yes, all of our properties are close to public transportation. Bus, taxi, train and tram pick-up points are all within walking distance. For assistance with Public Transport, check out https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey or ask a fellow tenant.

Yes, all our properties are located within easy walking distance of shopping centers, markets, convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants! Use the "Locations" menu above to select the property you are interested in, and scroll down to find information about the local area.

Use the "Locations" menu above to select the property you are interested in, and scroll down to find information about the location of schools, including distance and suggested Public Transport details.

We have single, double and twin occupancy rooms available. For more details, just select the property you are interested in from the "Locations" menu above, and scroll down to view the types of rooms available at that property.

Yes, a deposit is required to secure your room when your application is accepted. The deposit is equal to one month's rental & will be transferred as a security bond to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) for safekeeping after the you’ve successfully checked-in to your reserved room.

The deposit is strictly non-refundable. This applies if the room reservation is cancelled or if the tenant does not show up on the check-in date. Once a tenant has successfully checked-in to their reserved room, the full one month's deposit will be transferred to Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) as a security bond.

When you’re ready to leave your room at the end of your lease, you’ll need to give us your keys/cards and we will check the condition of your room to make sure it looks as good as the day you moved in. If it’s all ok, we’ll approve the release of the bond from the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) directly back to you.

You may collect the keys by appointment from the Accommodation Manager, who will meet with you at your scheduled time of arrival at the residence. Once your application has been accepted our Accommodation Manager will make these arrangements directly with you.

All our properties have a strict 'No smoking' policy.

Our properties are fully equipped to cook your own meals. Additionally, there are local markets, supermarkets, cafes & restaurants nearby to help. Once checked in to your accommodation, you’ll be shown your kitchen fridge, freezer and storage spaces to store your food, utensils & cookware.

Some sites have on-site parking available for an additional fee. Please note this when applying for your room.

Our lease start dates are set according to the date you select as your projected move in date when you lodge an application to stay with us.

At both Hawthorn House and O'Connell Residence, for long-term (12 months) or short term (minimum of 5.5 months) leases, your official lease will begin on either the 1st or 15th of your move-in month, depending on what your projected move in date is. For example, if you selected to move in on the 10th of February, your lease would start on the 1st of February. If you selected the 18th of February, your lease would start on the 15th of February. For temporary stays (minimum of 4 weeks), your lease will start on your projected move in date.

At Riversdale Residence, no matter what lease period you select, your official lease starts on your projected move in date.

The "projected move in date" you select when applying to stay with us is the date you intend to arrive at your chosen property, ready to move in with us.

We understand that when moving long distances this date may need to change, so please don't hesitate to contact our property managers through their our online enquiry form or by replying to the emails you will have received when you first applied to stay with us and let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your change.