숙소: 자신의 권리 파악

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

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

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

Your rights when securing accommodation

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

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

Listings

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

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

Bond

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Entry condition report

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

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

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

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

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

Tips!

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

Your rights as a tenant

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

Right to a safe and healthy living environment

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

Right to privacy

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

Right to end the tenancy

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

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

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

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

Right to protection from discrimination

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

Your responsibilities as a tenant

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

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

Who to contact if you need support

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

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

Get more tips on accommodation

Happy house hunting!

호주에는 임차인(부동산을 임대하는 사람)과 임대인(부동산 소유자)을 보호하기 위한 법률이 있습니다.

호주의 유학생으로서 귀하는 부동산 임대와 관련하여 다른 모든 세입자와 동일한 권리를 가집니다. 이러한 권리는 안전하고 편안한 생활 환경을 지원하도록 설계되었습니다. 함께 살펴봅시다.

숙소 확보 시 귀하의 권리

등록된 부동산 중개인을 통해 부동산을 임대하는 경우, 중개인은 귀하가 법적으로 보호받을 수 있도록 필요한 모든 단계를 따를 것입니다.

기존의 셰어하우스에 합류하거나 임대인으로부터 직접 임대하는 경우(개인 임대), 임차인으로서의 법적 권리를 알면 보다 긍정적인 경험을 할 수 있습니다.

숙소 목록

개인 임대 숙소를 검색할 때는 주소를 재확인하고 광고된 '오픈 하우스'에 참석하거나 방문 시간을 예약하고 직접 숙소와 주변 지역을 확인하십시오.

개인 임대를 신청하거나 기존 셰어하우스에 합류할 때는 돈을 지불하기 전에 임대인(소유자)의 신원을 확인하고 공실을 등록한 사람이 방 또는 부동산을 임대할 법적 권리가 있는지 확인하십시오.

보증금

임대 보증금은 임대가 시작될 때 지불하는 보증금입니다. 보증금은 주나 특별구의 임대 기관에 의해 보관되어야 하며, 공식 양식을 사용하여 처리해야 합니다. 이렇게 하면 귀하와 귀하의 보증금을 합법적으로 보호할 수 있습니다.

보증금은 귀하가 집을 비울 때 반환됩니다. 단, 귀하가 임대료를 지불하지 않았거나 귀하의 책임으로 인한 피해가 있는 경우에는 반환되지 않습니다.

주의 사항: 임대 계약서에 서명한 후 지불해야 하는 유일한 비용은 보증금과 4주치 임대료 선불입니다. 이사하기 전에 "신원 조사"나 "검사 수수료"와 같은 선불 수수료를 지불할 필요가 없습니다.

팁!

기존 셰어하우스에 합류했는데 세입자 중 한 명(하우스메이트)이 보증금을 직접 지불해 달라고 요청하는 경우, 이 보증금은 법적으로 보호되지 않습니다. 대신 적절한 양식을 사용하십시오. 또한 집에 같이 사는 사람이 부동산 중개인이나 임대인에게 연락하여 임대 계약서에 귀하의 이름을 적어 두도록 해야 합니다.
개인 임대 계약으로 임대인으로부터 직접 임대하는 경우, 임대인은 귀하에게 공식 보증금 양식을 작성하도록 요청할 것입니다. 임대인은 귀하가 숙소에 이사한 날로부터 10일 이내에 해당 지역의 임대 보증금 관리 기관에 양식을 제출하고, 이를 증명하는 영수증을 귀하에게 제공해야 합니다. 그렇게 하지 않으면 위법 행위가 되므로 제공하지 않을 경우 직접 보여 달라고 요청하십시오.

입주 상태 보고서

임대인 또는 해당 부동산 중개인(부동산 관리자)은 귀하가 입주하기 전에 상태 보고서를 작성해야 합니다. 그런 다음 보고서가 정확한지 확인할 수 있도록 귀하에게 사본을 제공합니다.

상태 보고서를 자유롭게 변경할 수 있으며 숙소나 설비품에 눈에 띄는 손상, 흔적 및 긁힘을 포함한 모든 사항과 건물 내부 및 외부의 더러운 부분 등을 주석으로 추가할 수 있습니다.

임대 계약서에 서명하고 열쇠를 받은 후 최대한 빨리 부동산 상태를 주의 깊게 확인하십시오. 가구를 옮기기 전에 상태를 면밀히 점검하면 기존의 손상 또는 '마모 및 파손'을 보다 명확하게 파악할 수 있습니다.

보고서가 정확하고 완전하다고 판단되면 보고서에 서명하고 날짜를 기입한 후 신속히(보통 입주한 날로부터 5일 이내) 제출해야 합니다. 우편으로 양식을 보내면 배송에 시간이 걸릴 수 있습니다.

보고서를 받으면, 부동산 중개인이나 임대인은 서명된 상태 보고서의 종이 또는 전자 사본 2부를 귀하에게 제공해야 합니다. 임차인과 임대인은 임대 계약 기간이 끝날 때까지 보고서 사본을 각각 1부씩 보관해야 합니다.

팁!

기존에 손상된 부분에 대해 날짜가 적히도록 사진을 찍습니다. 상태 보고서에 사진을 첨부하거나 디지털 사본을 이메일로 전송하여 임대 기간이 끝날 때까지 보관합니다. 이렇게 하면 귀하가 임대 기간 동안 기존의 손상을 입히지 않았다는 것을 증명하고 보증금을 전액 돌려받는 것이 더 쉬워집니다.
상태 보고서에 수리가 필요한 사항이 기록되어 있는 경우, 이 보고서는 이에 대한 서면 통지를 제공하므로 임대인 또는 중개인은 합리적인 시간 내에 수리를 준비해야 합니다.

임차인으로서의 권리

입주를 한 후에 꼭 알아두어야 할 가장 중요한 권리들은 다음과 같습니다.

안전하고 건강한 생활 환경에 대한 권리

임차인으로서 귀하는 안전하고 양호한 상태의 집에 살 권리가 있습니다. 임대인은 건물 내에 곰팡이(누수와 같은 구조적 문제로 인해 발생), 석면 및 해충과 같은 위험이 없고 모든 가전제품과 설비가 제대로 작동하고 있는지 확인할 책임이 있습니다.

개인정보 보호권

부동산 중개인 또는 임대인은 3~6개월마다 부동산 검사를 실시합니다. 법적으로, 그들은 귀하의 집에 들어가기 최소 7일 전에 통지해야 합니다. 귀하는 검사에 참석할지 여부를 결정할 수 있습니다.

임차를 종료할 권리

귀하는 언제든지 임차를 종료할 권리가 있습니다. 여기에는 두 가지 이유가 있을 수 있습니다.

임대인이 임대 계약 조건 중 하나를 위반한 경우: 이 경우, 아래 나열된 주 또는 특별구의 임대권 기관에 연락하여 문제를 해결하거나, 비용이 발생하지 않고 임대 계약을 해지할 수 있도록 도움을 받으십시오.
개인적인 이유: 이 경우, 임대 계약을 조기 해지하는 데 필요한 수수료를 지불해야 합니다. 임대 계약 해지에 대한 수수료 금액은 임대 계약 조건에 따라 다르므로 서명하기 전에 주의 깊게 읽어보십시오. 귀하는 정해진 기간(예: 1년) 동안 계약을 맺었을 수 있지만, 계약서에는 갱신 옵션이 있거나 정해진 날짜에 월 단위 계약으로 전환할 수 있는 옵션이 있을 수도 있습니다.

또한 임대인도 임대 계약을 조기에 종료할 권리가 있을 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 집을 팔거나 리모델링하고 싶을 수 있습니다. 임대 계약서를 확인해서 조건을 확인하십시오.

계약 기간이 종료되면 임대인은 임대 계약 갱신을 원하지 않을 경우 30일 전에 귀하에게 통지해야 합니다.

차별로부터 보호받을 권리

임대인으로부터 차별을 받았다고 생각되면 호주 인권위원회 또는 아래 열거된 법적 기관 중 하나에 연락하여 조언을 구할 수 있습니다.

임차인으로서의 책임

권리뿐만 아니라 임차인으로서의 몇 가지 법적 책임도 있습니다. 여기에는 부동산을 적절한 상태로 유지하고, 임대료를 제때 지불하고, 임대 계약 조건을 따르는 것이 포함됩니다.

귀하가 계약에 따른 책임을 다하지 못할 경우, 집주인이나 부동산 중개인은 귀하에게 14일 해지 통지를 제공할 수 있으며 귀하는 이 14일 이내에 이주해야 합니다.

지원이 필요할 때 연락해야 할 사람

귀하의 권리가 침해되었다고 생각되면 귀하의 주 또는 특별구에 있는 임대권 기관에 연락하십시오.

뉴사우스웨일즈: 뉴사우스웨일즈 주 공정 거래 및 뉴사우스웨일즈 주 임차인 조언 및 보호 서비스(NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice Advocacy Services NSW)
퀸즐랜드: 퀸즐랜드 주 임차인 및 주거 임대 기관(Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority)
빅토리아: 빅토리아 주 임차 및 소비자 보호청(Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria)
호주수도특별구: 임차인 상담 서비스 및 액세스 캔버라(Tenants’ Advice Service and Access Canberra)
서호주: WA 상무부 및 임대 WA(WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA)
노던 테리토리: 임차인 상담 서비스 및 노던 테리토리 소비자 보호청(Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory)
남호주: 소비자 및 기업 서비스(CBS) 및 임차인 정보 및 상담 서비스(Consumer and Business Services(CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service)
태즈매니아: 태즈메이니아 주 임차인 연합

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