Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about listing, staying, and how MidiStays works.
Everything you need to know
Whether you're looking for a place to stay or listing your property, we've covered the essentials below. Browse by Guest or Host to find the answers that matter most to you. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and we'll help.
FAQ - MidiStays for Hosts
How is MidiStays different from other rental platforms?
MidiStays focuses exclusively on fully furnished rentals for stays of 30 days to 6 months, catering to professionals, students, and travellers’ seeking mid-term accommodation.
MidiStays is the smart alternative for Hosts who want to rent their property for less than a permanent long-term lease, but don’t want the stress of Short-Term Rentals — the weekend-only bookings, off-season vacancies, constant turnover, and high fees.
With MidiStays, you can secure reliable mid-term tenants, reduce operational headaches, and still enjoy access to your property when you need it — all while keeping more of the income in your pocket.
No fees are currently charged to Hosts by MidiStays.
MidiStays provides easy‑to‑use tools for listings and calendar visibility. All enquiries and arrangements are handled privately between Guests and Hosts’
What does it cost to list my property?
Free to List – Currently no fees to create a Host profile or upload listings.
Listing Support – MidiStays are available to offer support via email.
How much do I charge?
MidiStays recommends setting a rental price that sits between a typical Short-Term Rental weekly rate and a standard Long-Term lease amount. Remember that utilities are included in the price paid by the Guest, so Hosts should factor in the ongoing costs of air conditioning, heating, water usage, and other household expenses when setting their rate.
How do I list my property? Can I list a room?
MidiStays allows Hosts to rent out individual rooms or entire properties.
Steps to list: Please see our complete guide to listing your property on our website.
How can I make my listing stand out?
Use professional photos (under $250).
Ensure cleanliness before photos and Guest arrivals.
Consider décor and amenities that appeal to Guests looking for a mid-term stay. Eg. Coffee machine, desk, throw rug, heater, fan.
Should I charge a security deposit? How much?
Bonds are regulated by state law in Australia. When the lease is created, a bond will be paid to the government authority in that state. The Host or Real Estate Agent lodges the bond with the relevant state authority.
A typical bond is equal to 4 weeks rent.
At the end of the tenancy, the bond is paid back to the Guest, minus legitimate deductions such as cleaning, damages or unpaid rent.
Do all listings need to be fully furnished?
Yes. Listings must include furniture, kitchenware, linens, and utilities.
Is 30 days the minimum stay?
Yes. All bookings require a minimum stays of 30 days.
Is location important?
Properties near CBDs, hospitals, or universities are valuable.
Regional and coastal properties can attract seasonal travellers’.
Can Guests request a property showing?
Most Hosts do not offer inspections in order to protect the privacy of current tenants.
How do I request a Guest background check?
If you choose to have an Agent manage your property they may arrange a background check on the Guest
When is a booking confirmed?
A booking is confirmed once the Guest pays the deposit and the lease is signed by both the Guest and the Host.
Can a Guest book on behalf of others?
Yes. A Guest can book on behalf of someone else, but they must let the Host know before booking. The person who will be staying must have their name included on the lease’
What’s the best way to contact Guests?
When a booking is confirmed the Host and Guest typically exchange details to facilitate easy communication. If a Real Estate Agent is facilitating the lease the Guest will liaise directly with the Agent.
Do I need to include utilities in the rent?
Yes. Electricity, gas, water, and internet are typically included.
Do I need to include lawn and pool care?
Lawn and Pool care are negotiable and should be clearly agreed upon in advance.
Should I allow pets?
This is a personal decision and will often depend on the type of property you own.
When and how do I get paid?
If the Host manages the lease directly, payments are made by the Guest directly to the Host. MidiStays recommends PayPal. Payment schedules may be monthly or by agreement between the parties.
If a Real Estate Agent facilitates the lease, the Guest pays rent to the Agent. The Agent holds funds in their trust account, deducts any agreed commission, and releases the remaining balance to the Host.
Any commission charged by a Real Estate Agent is negotiated directly between the Agent and the Host.
Move-out expectations
Guests are required to remove all personal belongings and leave the property in its original condition, ready for final inspection
Australian Legal Notes for Hosts
Licensing & Compliance: Check local council requirements.
Insurance: MidiStays recommends Hosts have Landlord rental insurance.
Tax: Report rental income to ATO.
Lease Agreements: Use professionally drafted agreements to avoid confusion with tenancy laws.
FAQ - MidiStays for Guests
How does MidiStays work for Guests, and how do I reserve a property?
MidiStays connects Guests with Hosts offering fully furnished properties for stays of 30 days to 6 months. To book a stay:
Browse the MidiStays website.
Subscribe to MidiStays by registering and paying your $120 annual fee to access Host contact details.
Enquire and book: When you find a property you’re interested in, submit an enquiry to the Host or, for Agent-managed properties, the Real Estate Agent to obtain further details.
When is a property reserved and the booking confirmed
A property is officially reserved once the Host issues you a lease, you sign it, and return it to them. The booking is confirmed after you pay the required upfront amount — typically the first four weeks’ rent plus a bond equal to four weeks’ rent.
Once payment is received and both parties have completed the lease process, you’ll receive a Booking Confirmation email with all relevant details. From there, you can coordinate your move-in directly with the Host.
What are my responsibilities as a Guest?
As a MidiStays Guest, you are expected to:
Treat the property with care: Look after the property as if it were your own home.
Respect the community: Be considerate of neighbours and comply with any strata or building rules.
Use furniture appropriately: Keep indoor furniture inside and in good condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.
Report damages: Immediately report any damage to the property or furniture to the Host or Real Estate Agent. You may be liable for unreported damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Missing items: You are responsible for the cost of replacing any missing items identified after you move out.
Is MidiStays Safe?
MidiStays is designed to support safe, transparent connections between Guests and Hosts. We encourage clear communication and practical steps that help both sides feel confident.
Payments
Guests and Hosts can choose the payment method that suits them. MidiStays recommends using PayPal for direct bookings, or following the payment process set by the Real Estate Agent for Agent‑managed properties.
Clear expectations
Discussing house rules, stay requirements, and any documents the Host or their Agent may request helps ensure everyone is on the same page before confirming a booking.
Open communication
Direct messaging allows Guests and Hosts to ask questions, clarify details, and build confidence before moving forward.
Community standards
MidiStays is built on respect, transparency, and fairness. We encourage all users to communicate honestly and uphold these values throughout the booking process.
What does it cost to use MidiStays?
Free to Browse the MidiStays website and all property listings.
$120 annual membership fee to contact Hosts.
Are utilities included in the monthly rate?
Yes. MidiStays requires that all properties include basic utilities (such as electricity, gas, water, internet, rubbish collection, etc.) in the monthly rate for your comfort and convenience.
How much is the bond, and is it refundable?
The bond is typically equal to four weeks’ rent. It is refundable after a final inspection has been completed and the property is confirmed to have been left in good condition.
Is 30 days the minimum stay? Can I book for less than 30 days?
All properties on MidiStays require a minimum stay of 30 days, with a maximum stay of 6 months.
Can I request a property inspection
Most Hosts do not offer inspections in order to protect the privacy of current tenants. Listing photos accurately depict the specific property.
Can I report a property?
Yes. If you experience any issues—such as misleading information or a property that does not match the photos on the website—please report it to us as soon as possible. Visit the Contact Us section on our website, include the property link, and provide details of your concern. Your feedback helps keep the MidiStays community safe and reliable.
Can I book on behalf of others (family, employees, clients, etc.)?
Yes, you may book and/or pay on behalf of another person. Please inform the Host before booking to avoid confusion and ensure the lease is completed using the correct Guest details.
What am I expected to do before moving out?
Coordinate your move-out with the Host and ensure all personal belongings are removed. Leave the property in its original condition and ready for the final inspection.
Rental Resources
Queensland
Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
General Tenancy Agreement – Form 18a
New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
Residential Tenancy Agreement
Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Residential Rental Agreement (Form 1)
Western Australia
WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1AA)
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/publications/rent-agreement-form-1aa
South Australia
CBS – Consumer and Business Services
Residential Tenancy Agreement
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Government – Justice & Community Safety
Residential Tenancy Agreement
Northern Territory
NT Consumer Affairs
Residential Tenancy Agreement
