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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord hold my bond money?

No. The landlord cannot hold your bond money.

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

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

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

Does my landlord need to give me a condition report?

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

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

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

Can my landlord increase my rent whenever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

There are different state and territory laws regarding:

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

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

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

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

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

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

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

Can my landlord charge me for repairs to the property?

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

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

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

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

State and Territory tenant rights organisations

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

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

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

호주에서는 등록된 부동산 중개인을 통하거나 부동산 소유자(임대인)로부터 직접 집을 임대할 수 있습니다.

부동산 중개인을 통해 부동산을 임대한다는 것은 등록된 중개인이 귀하와 임대인 사이의 중개자 역할을 한다는 것을 의미합니다. 중개인은 부동산을 보여주고, 신청서를 처리하고, 보증금을 관리하는 등 임대 절차를 도와드릴 것입니다.

임대인으로부터 직접 임대하는 것을 개인 임대(또는 개인 리스)라고 합니다. 이는 임대인이 직접 임대 절차를 처리한다는 의미입니다. 임대인이 올바른 절차를 따를 수도 있고 그렇지 않을 수도 있기 때문에 임차인에게는 더 위험할 수 있습니다. 이는 또한 부동산 중개인이 제공하는 지원 서비스를 이용할 수 없다는 것을 의미합니다.

다음은 호주에서 임차인으로서의 권리와 임대인이 할 수 있는 일과 할 수 없는 일에 대해 유학생들이 가장 자주 묻는 일반적인 질문입니다.

내가 집을 보지 못했는데도 임대인이 집을 임대해 줄 수 있나요?

법적으로는 가능합니다. 하지만 임대 계약을 하기 전에 부동산을 직접 보는 것이 매우 중요합니다. 그래야 다음과 같은 사항을 확인할 수 있습니다.

실제 등록 물건임을 직접 확인합니다.
집이 깨끗하고 안전하며 곰팡이가 없고 가전제품이 제대로 작동하는지 확인합니다.
집이 안전하고 편리한 위치에 있는지 확인합니다. 예를 들어, 교통 수단과 캠퍼스가 근처에 있고 공사나 주요 도로로 인한 소음이 너무 심하지 않은지 확인합니다.
개인 임대 부동산의 임대인을 만나 그들이 존중할 수 있고 친절한 사람인지 확인합니다.

임대 계약을 하기 전에 임대인이 보증금을 요청할 수 있습니까?

아니요. 임대인은 귀하가 임대 계약서에 서명하기 전에는 임대 보증금('보증금')을 요구할 수 없습니다. 임차인으로서의 권리를 법적으로 보호받으려면 먼저 계약서에 서명하는 것이 중요합니다.

임대인이 내 보증금을 보관할 수 있습니까?

아니요. 임대인은 보증금을 보관할 수 없습니다.

보증금은 주 또는 특별구의 정부 보증금 관리 기관이 보관해야 합니다. 보증금은 임대 기간이 끝날 때까지 해당 기관이 보관합니다.

일반적으로 이 보증금을 직접 보증금 관리 기관에 맡길 수 있습니다. 그러나 임대인이 귀하를 대신하여 보증금을 맡기는 경우에는 공식 보증금 입금 양식을 받아서 작성하십시오. 보증금을 맡았으면, 반드시 영수증을 발부해야 합니다.

임대가 종료될 때 부동산에 손상이 있으면, 임대인은 수리 비용을 충당하기 위해 보증금의 일부 또는 전부를 청구할 수 있습니다. 부동산이 양호한 상태로 남아 있는 경우에는 '임대 종료' 또는 '최종' 검사 후 보증금이 귀하에게 환불될 것입니다.

임대인이 나에게 상태 보고서를 주어야 합니까?

예. 임대인은 벽의 자국이나 카펫의 얼룩과 같은 기존 손상의 세부 사항을 설명하는 상태 보고서를 제공해야 합니다 그러면 귀하는 다음과 같이 해야 합니다.

임대인의 상태 보고서가 정확한지 확인하고, 누락된 내용이 있으면 보고서에 추가합니다(사진을 찍는 것도 좋습니다).
임대 계약서에 서명한 날로부터 7일 이내에 임대인에게 상태 보고서를 반환합니다.
귀하와 임대인 모두 보고서에 서명했는지 확인합니다.
사본을 보관해 둡니다.

임대 종료 시, 부동산 피해에 대한 분쟁이 있을 경우에 이 보고서를 증거로 사용할 수 있습니다.

임대인이 원할 때마다 임대료를 인상할 수 있습니까?

아니요. 임대인은 서면으로 적절한 통지를 하지 않고는 임대료를 인상할 수 없습니다.

대부분의 주 및 특별구는 고정 임대 기간 동안 임대료 인상을 금지합니다. 그러나 임대 인상이 허용된다는 조항이 있을 수 있으므로 임대 계약서를 확인해야 합니다.

예정된 임대료 인상이 불합리하다고 생각되면 임대인에게 이의를 제기하거나 관련 주 또는 특별구 임대 기관(아래에 열거됨)의 도움을 받을 수 있습니다.

임대인이 내 허락 없이 집이나 아파트에 들어올 수 있습니까?

아니요. 임대인은 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 집이나 아파트에 들어갈 수 없습니다. 그러나 임대인은 귀하에게 적절한 통지를 한 후 일상적인 검사를 수행할 수 있습니다.

다음과 관련하여 주 및 특별구 법률이 다릅니다.

사전에 통지해야 하는 기간
집에 대한 검사 빈도

임대 기간이 끝나기 전에 이사를 나가면 임대인이 보증금을 보관할 수 있습니까?

임대 계약 조건에 따라 다릅니다. 고정 기간 임대 계약을 체결한 상태에서 조기에 이사를 나가게 되면, 임대인은 보증금의 일부 또는 전부를 보관할 권리가 있을 수 있습니다. 또한 새 임차인을 찾기 위한 광고 비용을 지불해야 할 수도 있습니다.

하지만, 임대 계약이 월 단위이고 이사 전에 적절한 통지 기간(합의된 기간)을 제공하면, 임대인은 미납된 임대료나 손해를 제외한 보증금을 반환해야 합니다.

임대인이 이유 없이 나를 퇴거시킬 수 있습니까?

아니요. 임대인은 정당한 이유 없이 귀하를 퇴거시킬 수 없습니다. 하지만 임대료를 내지 않거나, 임대 계약을 위반하면 퇴거당할 수 있습니다.

임대인이 귀하를 퇴거시키고자 하는 경우, 임대인은 귀하에게 서면으로 통지하고 해당 주 또는 특별구의 합법적인 퇴거 절차를 따라야 합니다.

임대인이 부동산 수리 비용을 청구할 수 있습니까?

수리의 성격과 누가 손상을 입혔는지에 따라 다릅니다. 임대인이 책임져야 하는 수리는 다음과 같습니다.

배관 문제
전기 결함
오븐 또는 팬 등 오작동하는 가전제품
지붕 누수나 천장 균열 등 집의 구조에 문제가 있는 경우

하지만 귀하 또는 귀하의 손님에 의해 손상이 발생한 경우, 이를 수리하는 것은 귀하의 책임입니다. 예를 들어, 벽에 구멍을 낸 경우 수리 비용을 직접 지불해야 합니다.

임대인이 집 수리를 하지 않는 경우, 지역 임차인 권리 단체에 연락하십시오.

주 및 특별구의 임차인 권리 단체

임대인의 행동에 대해 궁금한 점이나 우려 사항이 있으면 지역 학생 센터 또는 임차인 권리 단체에 문의하거나 법률 자문을 구하십시오.

귀하는 호주에서 안전하고 편안한 임대 생활을 누릴 권리가 있으며, 언제나 도움을 줄 수 있는 사람이 있습니다. 어디서부터 시작해야 할지 잘 모르겠다면 교육 제공자에게 조언을 구하십시오. 또한 모든 주와 특별구에는 귀하를 도울 수 있는 지역 학생 서비스, 허브 또는 지원 센터가 있으며, 해당 주 또는 특별구의 임차인 서비스에 문의할 수도 있습니다.

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 소비자 보호청(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: 태즈매니아 임차인 유니온 및 소비자 보호청(The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs)