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When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

When renting a home in Australia, you can either rent a property through a registered real estate agent or rent directly from the property owner (landlord).

Renting a property using a real estate agency means that a registered agent will act as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They'll help you with the rental process, including showing you the property, processing your application, and managing your bond money.

Renting directly from the landlord is called a private lease (or private rental). This means that the landlord will handle the rental process themselves. This can be riskier for you as a tenant, because the landlord may or may not follow correct procedures. It also means that you would not be able to use the support services offered by real estate agencies.

Here are some of the most common questions international students have about their rights as a tenant in Australia, and what their landlords can and cannot do.

Can my landlord rent me the home if I haven't seen it?

By law, yes, they can. However, it is very important that you see the property before you sign a lease so that you can:

see for yourself that it is a real listing
check that the home is clean and secure, without mould or mildew, and that the appliances work
ensure that the property is in a safe and convenient location, e.g. with transport and to campus nearby, and not too much noise from construction or major roadways, and
meet the landlord of a private rental property and make sure they are a respectable, kind person.

Can my landlord ask for bond money before I sign a lease?

No. Landlords cannot ask for bond money (‘the bond’) before you sign a lease. It is important to have the contract signed first to protect your rights as a tenant under the law.

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

The bond money must be held by your state or territory government's bond authority. It will be held with that authority until the end of the tenancy.

You can usually lodge this directly with the bond authority. However, if your landlord lodges the bond money for you, make sure they give you an official bond lodgment form to complete. After lodgment, they then must provide you with a receipt.

If there's any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, the landlord can make a claim to use some or all of the bond money to cover the cost of repairs. If the property is left in good condition, the bond will be refunded to you after your ‘end of lease’ or ‘final’ inspection.

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

Yes. Your landlord must give you a condition report that outlines the details of any existing damage, such as marks on the walls or stains on the carpet. You'll then need to:

check that the landlord’s condition report is accurate and if they have missed anything, add it to the report (it's a good idea to also take photos)
return the condition report to the landlord within seven days of signing the lease
make sure the report is signed by both you and the landlord, and
keep a copy for your records.

The report can be used as evidence if there's a dispute about damage to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent without giving you proper notice in writing.

Most states and territories prohibit rent rises during a fixed-term lease. However, you need to check that your lease agreement, as it may have a clause that says rental increases are allowed.

If you think a planned rent increase is unreasonable, you can dispute it with your landlord or get help from the relevant state or territory rental authority (listed below).

Can my landlord enter my house or apartment without my permission?

No. Your landlord cannot enter your house or apartment without your permission. However, landlords are allowed to carry out routine inspections after giving you proper notice.

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

the amount of notice they need to give, and
how often your property can be inspected.

Can my landlord keep my bond money if I move out early?

It depends on the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a fixed-term lease and you break it by moving out early, your landlord may be entitled to keep some or all of your bond money. You may also need to pay for the advertising for them to find a new tenant.

However, if your lease is month-to-month and you give proper (agreed length of time) notice before moving out, your landlord must return your bond to you, minus any unpaid rent or damages.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason. However, you can be evicted if you do not pay your rent, or you breach the lease agreement.

If your landlord wants to evict you, they must give you written notice and follow the legal process for eviction in your state or territory.

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

It depends on the nature of the repairs and who caused the damage. Repairs that are the landlord's responsibility include:

plumbing issues
electrical faults
malfunctioning appliances such as your oven or fans, and
issues with the structure of the house, such as a leaking roof or crack in the ceiling.

However, if the damage was caused by you or your guests, this is your responsibility to get it repaired. For example, if you caused a hole in the wall, you would need to pay for the repairs yourself.

If your landlord fails to repair something in your home, please contact your local tenant rights organisation.

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

If you have any questions or concerns about your landlord's behavior, consult your local student centre or tenant rights organisation, or seek legal advice.

You are entitled to a safe and comfortable rental experience in Australia and there is always someone who can help. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your education provider for advice. All states and territories also have a local student service, hub or support centre to help you, and you can also ask the tenants’ service 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: 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 and Consumer Affairs

Saat menyewa rumah di Australia, Anda dapat menyewa properti melalui agen real estat terdaftar atau menyewa langsung dari pemilik properti (pemilik rumah sewa).

Menyewa properti menggunakan agen real estat berarti agen terdaftar akan bertindak sebagai perantara antara Anda dan pemilik rumah sewa. Mereka akan membantu Anda dalam proses penyewaan, termasuk menunjukkan properti, memproses permohonan, dan mengelola uang jaminan Anda.

Menyewa langsung dari pemilik rumah sewa disebut sewa pribadi (atau penyewaan pribadi). Ini berarti pemilik rumah sewa akan menangani proses penyewaan sendiri. Ini dapat lebih berisiko bagi Anda sebagai penyewa karena pemilik rumah sewa mungkin mengikuti prosedur yang benar dan mungkin juga tidak. Ini juga berarti Anda tidak akan dapat menggunakan layanan dukungan yang ditawarkan oleh agen real estat.

Inilah beberapa pertanyaan paling umum yang diajukan mahasiswa internasional tentang hak-hak mereka sebagai penyewa di Australia, serta hal yang dapat dan tidak dapat dilakukan oleh pemilik rumah sewa mereka.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya menyewakan rumah kepada saya jika saya belum melihatnya?

Berdasarkan hukum, ya, mereka dapat melakukannya. Namun demikian, Anda harus melihat properti tersebut sebelum Anda menandatangani perjanjian sewa agar Anda dapat:

melihat sendiri bahwa ini adalah properti nyata
memeriksa, apakah rumah bersih dan aman, tanpa jamur atau lumut, dan apakah peralatannya berfungsi
memastikan bahwa properti berada di lokasi yang aman dan nyaman, misalnya dengan transportasi, dan ke kampus terdekat, serta tidak terlalu banyak kebisingan dari konstruksi atau jalan raya besar, dan
menemui pemilik rumah sewa properti penyewaan pribadi serta memastikan mereka adalah orang yang tepercaya dan baik hati.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya meminta uang jaminan sebelum saya menandatangani sewa?

Tidak. Pemilik Rumah Sewa tidak dapat meminta uang jaminan (‘jaminan’) sebelum Anda menandatangani sewa. Anda harus menandatangani kontrak terlebih dahulu guna melindungi hak Anda sebagai penyewa berdasarkan hukum.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya menyimpan uang jaminan saya?

Tidak. Pemilik Rumah Sewa tidak dapat menyimpan uang jaminan Anda.

Uang jaminan harus dipegang oleh otoritas jaminan pemerintah negara bagian atau wilayah Anda. Uang ini akan dipegang oleh otoritas tersebut hingga akhir penyewaan.

Anda biasanya dapat menyetorkannya langsung ke otoritas jaminan. Namun demikian, jika pemilik rumah sewa Anda menyerahkan uang jaminan untuk Anda, pastikan mereka memberikan formulir penyerahan jaminan resmi kepada Anda untuk diisi. Setelah penyerahan, mereka harus memberikan tanda terima kepada Anda.

Jika terdapat kerusakan pada properti pada akhir penyewaan Anda, pemilik rumah sewa dapat mengajukan klaim untuk menggunakan sebagian atau semua uang jaminan untuk menutupi biaya perbaikan. Jika properti ditinggalkan dalam kondisi baik, jaminan akan dikembalikan kepada Anda setelah pemeriksaan 'akhir sewa' atau 'final'.

Apakah pemilik rumah sewa saya harus memberikan laporan kondisi?

Ya. Pemilik rumah sewa Anda harus memberi Anda laporan kondisi yang menguraikan perincian kerusakan yang ada, seperti coretan pada dinding atau noda pada karpet. Anda kemudian harus:

memastikan bahwa laporan kondisi pemilik rumah sewa akurat dan jika mereka melewatkan sesuatu, tambahkan ke dalam laporan (sebaiknya Anda juga mengambil foto)
mengembalikan laporan kondisi kepada pemilik rumah sewa dalam waktu tujuh hari sejak penandatanganan sewa
memastikan laporan ditandatangani oleh Anda dan pemilik rumah sewa, dan
menyimpan salinan untuk arsip Anda.

Laporan tersebut dapat digunakan sebagai bukti jika timbul sengketa tentang kerusakan properti pada akhir penyewaan.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya menaikkan harga sewa saya kapan pun mereka mau?

Tidak. Pemilik Rumah Sewa Anda tidak dapat menaikkan harga sewa Anda tanpa memberikan pemberitahuan yang sesuai secara tertulis.

Sebagian besar negara bagian dan wilayah melarang peningkatan harga sewa selama sewa waktu tertentu berlangsung. Namun demikian, Anda perlu memeriksa perjanjian sewa Anda karena perjanjian tersebut mungkin memiliki klausul yang menyatakan bahwa kenaikan harga sewa diperbolehkan.

Jika Anda merasa rencana kenaikan harga sewa tidak wajar, Anda dapat mempersengketakannya dengan pemilik rumah sewa Anda atau mendapatkan bantuan dari otoritas penyewaan negara bagian atau wilayah terkait (tercantum di bawah ini).

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya memasuki rumah atau apartemen saya tanpa izin?

Tidak. Pemilik Rumah Sewa Anda tidak dapat memasuki rumah atau apartemen Anda tanpa seizin Anda. Namun demikian, pemilik rumah sewa diizinkan untuk melakukan inspeksi rutin setelah mengirimkan pemberitahuan yang sesuai kepada Anda.

Ada berbagai undang-undang negara bagian dan wilayah mengenai:

jumlah pemberitahuan yang perlu mereka berikan, dan
seberapa sering properti Anda dapat diinspeksi.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya menyimpan uang jaminan saya jika saya pindah lebih awal?

Ini tergantung pada ketentuan perjanjian sewa Anda. Jika Anda memiliki sewa waktu tertentu dan Anda memutuskannya dengan pindah lebih awal, pemilik rumah sewa Anda mungkin berhak menyimpan sebagian atau seluruh uang jaminan Anda. Anda mungkin juga perlu membayar iklan yang mereka gunakan agar dapat menemukan penyewa baru.

Namun demikian, jika sewa Anda adalah sewa bulanan dan Anda memberikan pemberitahuan yang sesuai (lama waktu yang disepakati) sebelum pindah, pemilik rumah sewa harus mengembalikan jaminan Anda kepada Anda, dikurangi sewa atau kerusakan yang belum dibayarkan.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa saya mengusir saya tanpa alasan?

Tidak. Pemilik Rumah Sewa tidak dapat mengusir Anda tanpa alasan yang sah. Namun demikian, Anda dapat diusir jika tidak membayar sewa, atau melanggar perjanjian sewa.

Jika pemilik rumah sewa ingin mengusir Anda, mereka harus memberikan pemberitahuan tertulis dan mengikuti proses hukum untuk penggusuran di negara bagian atau wilayah Anda.

Dapatkah pemilik rumah sewa membebankan biaya perbaikan properti kepada saya?

Tergantung pada sifat perbaikan dan pihak yang menyebabkan kerusakan. Perbaikan yang menjadi tanggung jawab pemilik rumah sewa meliputi:

masalah perpipaan
gangguan listrik
peralatan yang tidak berfungsi seperti oven atau kipas angin, dan
masalah dengan struktur rumah, seperti atap bocor atau retak di langit-langit.

Namun demikian, jika kerusakan disebabkan oleh Anda atau tamu Anda, Anda bertanggung jawab untuk memperbaikinya. Misalnya, jika Anda menyebabkan lubang di dinding, Anda harus membayar sendiri perbaikannya.

Jika pemilik rumah sewa tidak memperbaiki sesuatu di rumah Anda, hubungi organisasi hak penyewa setempat.

Organisasi hak penyewa Negara Bagian dan Wilayah

Jika Anda memiliki pertanyaan atau kekhawatiran tentang perilaku pemilik rumah sewa Anda, berkonsultasilah dengan pusat mahasiswa atau organisasi hak penyewa setempat, atau mintalah saran hukum.

Anda berhak mendapatkan pengalaman sewa yang aman dan nyaman di Australia serta selalu ada orang yang dapat membantu. Jika Anda tidak yakin harus memulai dari mana, mintalah saran dari penyedia pendidikan Anda. Semua negara bagian dan wilayah juga memiliki sentra layanan, pusat, atau sentra dukungan mahasiswa setempat untuk membantu Anda, dan Anda juga dapat meminta layanan penyewa di negara bagian atau wilayah Anda.

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