Alojamiento: conoce tus derechos

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

In Australia, there are laws in place to protect you as a tenant (the person renting the property) as well as the landlord (property owner).

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as every other tenant when it comes to renting a property. These rights are designed to support a safe and comfortable living environment. Let’s explore them.

Your rights when securing accommodation

When you rent a property through a registered real estate agent, they will follow all the necessary steps to make sure you are protected legally.

If you join an existing share house or rent directly from the landlord (private rental), knowing your legal rights as a tenant will result in a more positive experience.

Listings

When searching for private rental accommodation, double check the address and attend an advertised ‘open for inspection’, or arrange a time to visit the property, to check the accommodation and local area in-person.

When applying for a private rental or joining an existing share house, confirm the identity of the landlord (owner) and check that the person listing the vacancy has the legal right to rent out the room or the property, before you pay any money.

Bond

A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your bond money should be held by your state or territory’s rental authority, arranged by using the official forms. This will legally protect you and your bond money.

The bond will then be paid back to you when you leave the property, unless you still owe rental payments or if there is some damage that you are responsible for.

Please note: The only fees you need to pay are the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance after you sign the lease (contract). You do not need to pay an upfront fee for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee” before you move in.

Tips!

If you join an existing share house and one of the tenants (housemate) asks you to pay them the bond directly, this will not protect your money legally – use the proper forms instead. You should also make sure that your housemate contacts the real estate agent or landlord to put your name on the lease agreement.
If you are renting directly from a landlord in a private rental arrangement, the landlord should ask you to fill out an official bond form. They must lodge the form with the local rental bond authority within 10 days of you moving in to the property and give you a receipt to show this has been done. It is a legal offence not to do so, so ask to see it if it is not provided.

Entry condition report

Your landlord or real estate agent responsible for the property (property manager) must fill out a condition report before you move in. They will then give you a copy so you can check that the report is accurate.

You can make any changes to the condition report and add any notes on noticeable damage to the house, fittings or fixtures, including marks and scratches, and anything that is dirty - inside and outside of the property.

Carefully check the condition of the property as soon as possible after signing the lease and receiving the keys. Checking the condition closely before you move your furniture in will give you a clearer view of any existing damage, or ‘wear and tear’.

When you are satisfied that the report is accurate and complete, you must sign, date and return the report promptly, usually within five business days of moving in. Please allow time for delivery if returning the form by post.

Once received, the agent or landlord must give you two paper or electronic copies of the signed condition report. Both the tenant and the landlord must each keep a copy each of the report until the end of the rental agreement period.

Tips!

Take a date-stamped photo of any existing damage. You can attach photos to your condition report, or email digital copies, and keep them for the end of your rental period. This will prove that you have not caused any pre-existing damage during your tenancy and make it easier to have your bond money returned in full.
If your condition report notes anything needing repair, the report provides written notice of this, so your landlord or agent must arrange repairs in a reasonable time.

Your rights as a tenant

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of once you move in.

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as mold (caused by a structural problem such a a water leak), asbestos and pests, and that all appliances and fixtures are working.

Right to privacy

The real estate agent or landlord will arrange to inspect the property every 3-6 months. Legally, they must give you at least seven days' notice before entering your home. You can decide whether you are there at the inspection or not.

Right to end the tenancy

You have the right to end your tenancy at any time. There might be two reasons for this:

Your landlord has violated one of the terms in the lease agreement: If this is the case, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory as listed below to help you either resolve the issue or to leave the property without fees being incurred.
For a personal reason: If this is the case, you will need to pay fees for breaking a lease early. The amount of fees for breaking a lease will depend on the terms of your rental agreement, so please read it carefully before signing. You may have signed an agreement for a set period (for example, one year), but your agreement may also have options for renewal or move you to a month-by-month agreement at a set date.

Your landlord may also have the right to end your tenancy early. For example, they might want to sell or renovate the home. Check your rental agreement documents to see what the terms are.

When your agreement period comes to an end, the landlord needs to give you 30 days' notice if they do not want to renew the lease.

Right to protection from discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your landlord, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice or one of the legal bodies listed below.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As well as rights, you also have some legal responsibilities as a tenant. These include keeping the property in a reasonable condition, paying your rent on time and following the terms of your lease agreement.

If you do not meet your responsibilities under the agreement, the landlord or real estate agent can give you a 14-day termination notice and you will need to move out within those 14 days.

Who to contact if you need support

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:

New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria
ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra
Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

En Australia, existen leyes vigentes que te protegen tanto a ti como inquilino (la persona que alquila la vivienda) como al arrendador (propietario de la vivienda).

Como estudiante internacional en Australia, tienes los mismos derechos que cualquier otro inquilino a la hora de alquilar una vivienda. Estos derechos están diseñados para favorecer un entorno de vida seguro y cómodo. Vamos a explorarlos.

Tus derechos al conseguir alojamiento

Cuando alquiles una propiedad a través de un agente de bienes raíces registrado, este seguirá todos los pasos necesarios para asegurarse de que cuentas con protección legal.

Si te unes a una casa compartida ya existente o alquilas directamente al arrendador (alquiler privado), conocer tus derechos legales como inquilino te permitirá disfrutar de una experiencia más positiva.

Anuncios de viviendas

Cuando busques alojamiento de alquiler privado, vuelve a verificar la dirección y acude a una “jornada de puertas abiertas” anunciada, o coordina un horario para visitar la propiedad, a fin de verificar el alojamiento y la zona en persona.

Al solicitar un alquiler privado o unirte a una casa compartida ya existente, confirma la identidad del arrendador (propietario) y verifica que la persona que publica el anuncio tenga el derecho legal de alquilar la habitación o la propiedad, antes de pagar cualquier suma de dinero.

Depósito en garantía

Un depósito en garantía de alquiler es un depósito que se paga al inicio del alquiler. La autoridad en materia de alquiler de tu estado o territorio debe conservar el dinero de tu depósito en garantía, dispuesto mediante el uso de los formularios oficiales. Esto te protegerá legalmente a ti y al dinero de tu depósito en garantía.

Te devolverán el depósito en garantía cuando abandones la propiedad, a menos que aún adeudes pagos de alquiler o si se ha producido algún daño del que seas responsable.

Nota importante: Los únicos cargos que debes pagar son el depósito en garantía y cuatro semanas de alquiler por adelantado después de firmar el contrato de alquiler (contrato). No tienes que pagar ningún cargo por adelantado por cosas como una “verificación de antecedentes” o un “cargo por inspección” antes de mudarte.

¡Consejos!

Si te unes a una casa compartida ya existente y uno de los inquilinos (compañero de vivienda) te pide que le pagues el depósito en garantía directamente, tu dinero no tendrá protección legal; en lugar de ello, usa los formularios adecuados. También debes asegurarte de que tu compañero de vivienda se comunique con el agente de bienes raíces o el arrendador para que incluyan tu nombre en el contrato de alquiler.
Si alquilas directamente a un arrendador mediante un contrato de alquiler privado, este debe pedirte que completes un formulario oficial para el depósito en garantía. Debe presentar el formulario ante la autoridad local en materia de depósitos en garantía de alquiler dentro del plazo de 10 días a partir de la fecha en que te mudas a la vivienda y debe entregarte un recibo que demuestre que esto se ha hecho. Es un delito legal no hacerlo, así que pide verlo si no te lo entregan.

Informe sobre el estado de la vivienda en el momento de tu mudanza

Tu arrendador o agente de bienes raíces responsable de la propiedad (administrador de la propiedad) debe completar un informe sobre el estado de la vivienda antes de que te mudes. Luego te entregará una copia para que puedas verificar que el informe sea preciso.

Puedes hacer cualquier cambio en el informe sobre el estado y agregar cualquier nota sobre daños apreciables en la casa, accesorios o instalaciones, como marcas y rayones, y cualquier cosa que esté sucia, dentro y fuera de la propiedad.

Verifica cuidadosamente el estado de la propiedad lo antes posible después de firmar el contrato de alquiler y recibir las llaves. Controlar detenidamente el estado de los muebles antes de mudarte te permitirá ver con más claridad cualquier daño o “desgaste” existente.

Cuando estés conforme y consideres que el informe es preciso y completo, debes firmarlo, fecharlo y devolverlo de inmediato, por lo general, en el plazo de cinco días hábiles a partir de la mudanza. Si devuelves el formulario por correo, prevé el tiempo necesario para la entrega.

Una vez recibido, el agente o el casero debe entregarte dos copias impresas o electrónicas del informe sobre el estado firmado. Tanto el inquilino como el arrendador deben conservar una copia de cada informe hasta que finalice el plazo del contrato de alquiler.

¡Consejos!

Toma una foto con fecha de cualquier daño existente. Puedes adjuntar fotos a tu informe sobre el estado o enviar copias digitales por correo electrónico, y debes guardarlas hasta que finalice el período de tu alquiler. Esto demostrará que no has causado ningún daño preexistente durante tu alquiler y facilitará la devolución íntegra del dinero de tu depósito en garantía.
Si tu informe sobre el estado menciona que hay algo que necesita reparación, el informe constituye una notificación por escrito al respecto, por lo que tu arrendador o tu agente debe organizar las reparaciones en un plazo razonable.

Tus derechos como inquilino

Estos son algunos de los derechos más importantes que debes tener en cuenta una vez que te mudes.

Derecho a un entorno de vida seguro y saludable

Como inquilino, tienes derecho a vivir en una vivienda que sea segura y esté en buen estado. Tu arrendador es responsable de garantizar que la vivienda esté libre de peligros como moho (causado por un problema estructural como una fuga de agua), asbestos y plagas, y que todos los electrodomésticos e instalaciones funcionen.

Derecho a la privacidad

El agente de bienes raíces o el arrendador harán los arreglos necesarios para inspeccionar la propiedad cada 3 a 6 meses. Por ley, deben notificarte como mínimo siete días antes de ingresar a tu hogar. Puedes decidir si estás presente en la inspección o no.

Derecho a finalizar el alquiler

Tienes derecho a finalizar tu alquiler en cualquier momento. Puede haber dos razones para hacerlo:

Tu arrendador ha infringido alguno de los términos del contrato de alquiler: si este es el caso, comunícate con el organismo de defensa de los derechos de alquiler de tu estado o territorio, como se indica a continuación, para que te ayuden a resolver el problema o a dejar la vivienda sin incurrir en cargos.
Por un motivo personal: si este es el caso, deberás pagar cargos por rescindir un contrato de alquiler anticipadamente. El monto de los cargos por dicha rescisión dependerá de los términos de tu contrato de alquiler, así que léelo detenidamente antes de firmarlo. Es posible que hayas firmado un contrato por un período determinado (por ejemplo, un año), pero también puede que tu contrato tenga opciones de renovación o que pases a un contrato mensual en una fecha determinada.

Tu arrendador también puede tener derecho a finalizar tu alquiler anticipadamente. Por ejemplo, es posible que quiera vender o restaurar la vivienda. Consulta los documentos de tu contrato de alquiler para conocer cuáles son los términos.

Cuando el plazo de tu contrato llega a su fin, el arrendador debe notificarte con 30 días de anticipación si no desea renovar el alquiler.

Derecho a protección contra la discriminación

Si crees que tu arrendador te ha discriminado, puedes comunicarte con la Comisión Australiana de Derechos Humanos (Australian Human Rights Commission) para que te asesoren, o con uno de los organismos jurídicos que se indican a continuación.

Tus responsabilidades como inquilino

Además de los derechos, también tienes algunas responsabilidades legales como inquilino. Entre ellas, mantener la vivienda en condiciones razonables, pagar el alquiler a tiempo y cumplir con los términos de tu contrato de alquiler.

Si no cumples con tus responsabilidades en virtud del contrato, el arrendador o el agente de bienes raíces puede darte un aviso de rescisión con 14 días de anticipación y deberás marcharte dentro de ese plazo de 14 días.

Con quién debes comunicarte si necesitas ayuda

Si crees que vulneraron tus derechos, comunícate con el organismo de defensa de los derechos de alquiler de tu estado o territorio:

Nueva Gales del Sur: NSW Fair Trading y Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
Queensland: Tenants Queensland y Residential Tenancies Authority
Victoria: Tenants Victoria y Consumer Affairs Victoria
Territorio de la Capital Australiana: Tenants’ Advice Service y Access Canberra
Australia Occidental: WA Department of Commerce y Tenancy WA
Territorio del Norte: Tenants’ Advice Service y Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
Australia del Sur: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) y Tenants Information and Advisory Service
Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania

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¡Feliz búsqueda de vivienda!