Your questions, answered
Everything you need to know before you get started. Still unsure? Members can find issue-by-issue guidance in Help & troubleshooting.
What exactly is Nestbys?
Nestbys is a homestay marketplace and introduction service for the Gold Coast — we connect students and working-holiday makers with local hosts who have a spare room. We are an introduction and support service, not a real estate agent, and we are not a party to your arrangement. We help both sides get verified before they connect — verification is a point-in-time check, not a guarantee (see our Terms).
What does it cost — and are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees, ever. A one-off $99 connection fee per side once you and a host agree on a room, then weekly membership — hosts $39/week (or $29 prepaid), students $29/week (or $14.99 prepaid). It covers platform access, our support team and the homestay toolkit. We never take a percentage of your rent or bond. What you see is what you pay.
Does Nestbys hold my rent or bond?
No — never. Rent and any bond are always arranged and paid directly between host and guest. Nestbys is a marketplace, not a payment intermediary. If a bond is taken in Queensland it must be lodged with the RTA, not with us. See Renting resources for the official guidance.
Are meals included in a Nestbys homestay?
No. Nestbys homestays do not include meals as standard, and we are not responsible for meals. If you and your host would like to share meals or split groceries, that is entirely your call — just agree it between yourselves and be clear about any allergies or dietary needs.
Who is eligible to use Nestbys?
Gold Coast hosts with a spare room to share, and guests aged 18 or over — including international students, domestic students, and working-holiday makers. We do not facilitate introductions for anyone under 18.
How does verification work — and does it guarantee safety?
No verification system can guarantee safety, and we will never claim otherwise. What we do is reduce risk through a three-tier verification ladder. Tier 1 (Verified): the member has confirmed their email, agreed to our Code of Conduct, had their government ID checked and securely stored by our verification team (never shown to other members or sold), and supplied eligibility (a visa for guests, or a verified phone for hosts). Tier 2 (Trusted): we’ve met them in person — a video ID call for guests, or an in-person home inspection for hosts. Tier 3 (Priority): a police or background check with an accredited provider. Verification badges show what checks have been completed at a point in time, not a continuous guarantee. Homes can also earn a Nestbys-inspected badge after a passed inspection. Contact details stay on-platform until you’ve agreed and connected. Read more at Code of Conduct.
Can I message hosts or guests directly?
Yes. You can start a conversation about any listing straight away. Members at Tier 1 (Verified) and above can also send direct messages to other verified members — free, always. To protect everyone, we ask that you don't share contact or payment details until you've both agreed and the connection fee is paid.
What type of renting arrangement will I have?
That is for you and your host to work out together — Nestbys does not prescribe the arrangement. In Queensland a homestay is most commonly a boarder or lodger arrangement, though it may also be rooming accommodation or a general tenancy depending on the situation. We point you to the official sources so you can choose what fits — see Renting resources. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re after a room or you’ve got one spare, the next step only takes a minute.