住まい：自身の権利を知る

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

オーストラリアには、賃借人（不動産を借りる人）また大家（物件所有者）を守るための法律があります。

オーストラリアの留学生として、物件を借りるにあたっては、他のすべての賃借人と同じ権利があります。この権利は、安全で快適な生活環境を確保できるようにするためです。詳しく見ていきましょう。

住まいを確保する際のあなたの権利

登録不動産業者を通じて物件を借りる際、その業者は必要なすべての手順に則ってあなたが法的な保護を受けられるようにします。

既存のシェアハウスに入居するか大家から直接借りる場合（個人貸借）、賃借人としての法的な権利を知っておくことで、物事はよりスムーズに進みます。

不動産仲介

個人貸借の住宅を探す場合は、住所をよく確認し、見学日が広告されている物件を訪れるか、時間を調整して物件を見学して、住宅や地域環境を自身で確かめるようにしましょう。

個人貸借を申し込むか既存のシェアハウスに入居する場合は、いかなる支払いを行う前にも、大家（所有者）の身元を確かめ、入居者を募集する人がその部屋や物件を貸す法的な権利を有していることを確認します。

ボンド（敷金）

貸借ボンド（敷金）とは、借用期間開始時に支払う保証金です。ボンドは、正式な書面を用いて、該当の州または準州の住宅賃貸当局に保有されるべきものです。それによりあなたとあなたのボンドが法的に守られます。

ボンドは、あなたが物件を退去する際に返金されます。ただし未払いの賃貸料が残っている場合や、あなたが有責の損害がある場合はその限りではありません。

注意：賃貸借契約書に署名した後に支払う必要があるのは、ボンドと4週間分の前払いの賃貸料のみです。入居前に「身元調査」や「検査手数料」といった手数料を前払いで支払う必要はありません。

ヒント！

既存のシャアハウスに入居し、賃借人（同居人）の1人が直接ボンドの支払いを求めた場合、あなたのお金は法的な保護が受けられません。供託金の支払いは正式な手順に従って行ってください。また、同居人から不動産業者または大家に連絡してもらい、賃貸借契約書にあなたの氏名を記載してもらう必要があります。
個人貸借で大家から直接借りる場合、大家はあなたにボンドに関する正式な書面への記入を求めるはずです。大家はあなたが物件に入居してから10日以内に地元の住宅賃貸当局に書面を提出し、これが完了したことを示す証書をあなたに渡さなくてはなりません。これを怠ると法令違反となりますので、提供されない場合は確認してください。

入居状態報告書

大家または物件担当の不動産業者（不動産管理者）は、あなたが入居する前に状態報告書を作成しなければなりません。文書のコピーが手渡されますので、その報告書が正確であることを確認します。

その報告書に変更を加えることが可能です。物件の内外を問わず家屋や家具や装備に損傷があれば付記することができます。例えば、跡や傷、何らかの汚れなどです。

賃貸借契約を締結し、鍵を受け取ったら、できる限り速やかに物件の状態を注意深く確認しましょう。家具を搬入する前に注意して状態を確認することで、既存の損傷、摩耗や傷がより明確にわかります。

報告書が正確かつ完全であると確認できたら、報告書に署名と日付を記入し、速やかに（通常は入居から5営業日以内）に返送する必要があります。郵送で書面を返送すると配達に時間がかかるため余裕をもって送りましょう。

受領後、不動産業者または大家は、署名済みの状態報告書を紙または電子ファイルであなたに2部提出しなければなりません。賃借人と大家の両者は、賃貸借期間終了まで各報告書の写しを保管しなければなりません。

ヒント！

既存の損傷については日付入りで写真を撮影しましょう。写真は状態報告書に添付、または電子メールで送信するなどして、貸借期間終了まで保存します。これにより、既存の損傷が、賃貸期間中についたものではないことが証明され、ボンドの全額返還が受けやすくなります。
状態報告書に修理が必要な内容が記されている場合、報告書はその旨の書面通知となるため、大家または不動産業者は合理的な期間内に修理を手配する必要があります。

あなたの賃借人としての権利

入居後に知っておくべき、特に重要な権利についてご紹介します。

安全かつ健全な生活環境の権利

賃借人として、あなたには安全で手入れの行き届いた物件に住む権利があります。大家は、物件に（水漏れなど構造的な問題で生じる）カビ、アスベスト、害虫などの危険がなく、すべての家電製品や備品が機能している状態にする責任があります。

プライバシーを守る権利

不動産業者または大家は、3～6ヵ月ごとに物件を検査する手配をします。法により、少なくともあなたの住居に入る7日前までに通知しなければなりません。検査に立ち会うかどうかは任意です。

借用契約を終了する権利

あなたにはいつでも借用契約を終了する権利があります。これには2つの理由があります。

大家が賃貸借契約のいずれかの条項に違反した場合。この場合、以下に記載する該当の州または準州の住宅貸借権利機関に連絡して、問題を解決するか、費用負担なしに物件を退去するための支援を受けることができます。
個人的な理由：この場合、期間前に賃貸借契約を解除するための費用を支払う必要があります。賃貸借契約解除に対する費用は賃貸借契約の条件によって異なりますので、署名する前によく読んでおきましょう。一定期間（例えば1年間）の契約を締結している場合でも、契約更新についての選択肢や、設定された日付で月ごとの契約に移行する取り決めもあるかもしれません。

大家には契約期間を早期に終了する権利がある場合もあります。例えば、大家が家の売却や改装を望むことも考えられます。賃貸借契約書類を見て、条項を確認してください。

契約期間の終了が近づき、大家が貸借契約の更新を希望しない場合は、30日前に通知する必要があります。

差別から守られる権利

大家から差別を受けたと思われる場合は、オーストラリア人権委員会か、以下に記載する法的機関のいずれかに助言を求めることができます。

あなたの賃借人としての責任

権利とともに、賃借人としての法的な責任もあります。これには、物件を合理的な状態に保ち、賃貸料を期日までに支払い、賃貸借契約の条件に従うことなどが挙げられます。

あなたが契約上の責任を果たさなかった場合、大家または不動産業者は14日間の解除通知を告知することができ、あなたはその14日間のうちに退去が必要になります。

サポートが必要な場合の連絡先

権利が侵害されたと思われる場合は、該当の州または準州の賃貸借権利機関に連絡してください。

ニューサウスウェールズ州： NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW /ニューサウスウェールズ州公正取引局およびテナント助言・擁護サービス
クイーンズランド州： Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority /テナント・クイーンズランドおよび住宅賃貸権局
ビクトリア州：Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria /テナント・ビクトリアおよびビクトリア消費者局
オーストラリア首都特別地域： Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra/テナント・アドバイスサービスおよびアクセス・キャンベラ
西オーストラリア州： WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA 西オーストラリア州商務省およびテナンシーWA
ノーザンテリトリー： Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory /テナント・アドバイスサービスおよび北部準州消費者局
南オーストラリア州： Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service /消費者・ビジネスサービス局（CBS）およびテナント情報・助言サービス
タスマニア州： The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania/タスマニア・テナント組合

住まいに関するヒントをさらに詳しく見てみましょう

素敵な住まいが見つかりますように！