Northern Migrant Resource Centre

If you are a newly arrived migrant or refugee who requires assistance to access either private or public accommodation, then the MRC can help . Our staff can help to advise you in your dealings with Public Housing agencies, as well as to assist newly arrived refugees, arriving under the Humanitarian Program, who are seeking private rental accommodation through the MRC's Rental Guarantee Scheme.

Finding Accommodation

The MRC provides bilingual workers who can assist newly arrived migrants and refugees with finding accommodation in Melbourne . The MRC can assist you with:

• Privately owned rental accommodation
• Public housing which is owned and managed by the Victorian Department of Human Services
• Emergency and short term accommodation

The MRC can:

• Explain different housing options
• Provide information and advice for your situation
• Assist with filling in forms for both public and private accommodation
• Provide interpreters

Provide Advocacy services for clients including:

• references
• speaking to Real Estate agents
• support letters and submissions for public housing
• manage and support clients whilst in short term
  accommodation
• assist newly arrived refugees seeking private rental accommodation
• assist older people having difficulties with their current
  housing to find alternative accommodation through the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program

Should you wish to pursue different housing options by yourself, here are some steps to follow when looking for accommodation

1. Private rental

• Find the house, flat or unit you want to rent. Look in newspapers under “To Let” and “Share Accommodation” and ask at Real Estate offices
• Make an appointment with the Real Estate agent to go and look at it
• If you like it, fill out a tenancy application form.
• If your application is approved, fill out a residential tenancy agreement.
• Pay your bond (usually one month's rent) and the first rent in advance. You may be eligible for financial assistance with these from Centrelink.
• You will then be ready to move in .

2. Public Housing
These flats and houses are available to low income earners and there is usually a long waiting list. Ask at the MRC for assistance in accessing Public Housing
Below is a list of housing agencies in the surrounding area that you can contact for advice and assistance: