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Accommodation: know your rights

Here are some of the most important rights that you should be aware of as a tenant in Australia.

1 February 2023

1 February 2023

1 February 2023

1 February 2023

1 February 2023

1 February 2023

A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.
A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.

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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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:  

Get more tips on accommodation  

Happy house hunting!  

A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.

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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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:  

Get more tips on accommodation  

Happy house hunting!  

A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.

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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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:  

Get more tips on accommodation  

Happy house hunting!  

A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.

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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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:  

Get more tips on accommodation  

Happy house hunting!  

A set of keys hang from the lock of an open front door.

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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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:  

Get more tips on accommodation  

Happy house hunting!  

Na Austrália, existem leis em vigor para proteger você como locatário (a pessoa que aluga a propriedade), bem como o proprietário (dono do imóvel).  

Como estudante internacional na Austrália, você tem os mesmos direitos que todos os outros locatários quando se trata de alugar um imóvel. Esses direitos foram criados para apoiar um ambiente de vida seguro e confortável. Vamos saber mais.  

Seus direitos ao assegurar uma acomodação  

Ao alugar um imóvel por meio de um corretor imobiliário registrado, ele seguirá todas as etapas necessárias para garantir que você esteja protegido legalmente.  

Se você se mudar para uma casa compartilhada ou alugar diretamente com o proprietário (aluguel particular), saber seus direitos legais como locatário resultará em uma experiência mais positiva. 

Anúncios 

Ao procurar por aluguel particular, verifique o endereço e vá à “visita” anunciada ou agende um horário para visitar o imóvel para verificar pessoalmente a acomodação e a área local.  

Ao buscar um aluguel particular ou se mudar para uma casa compartilhada, confirme a identidade do proprietário (locador) e, antes de pagar qualquer valor, verifique se a pessoa que anuncia a vaga tem o direito legal de alugar o quarto ou a propriedade. 

Depósito caução  

Depósito caução é um seguro-depósito pago no início da locação. O depósito caução deve ser retido pela autoridade responsável pelas locações do estado ou território onde você mora, realizado usando os formulários oficiais. Isso protegerá legalmente você e seu depósito caução.  

O depósito caução será então devolvido quando você deixar o imóvel, a menos que você ainda deva pagamentos de aluguel ou se houver algum dano pelo qual você seja responsável. 

Observação: as únicas taxas que você precisa pagar são o depósito caução e quatro semanas de aluguel com antecedência após assinar o contrato de aluguel. Você não precisa pagar uma taxa inicial para coisas como “antecedentes criminais” ou “taxa de vistoria” antes de se mudar. 

Dicas!
  • Se você se mudar para uma casa compartilhada e um dos locatários (colega de acomodação) pedir que você pague o depósito caução diretamente a ele, isso não protegerá seu caução legalmente; use os formulários adequados. Você também deve se certificar de que seu colega de acomodação entre em contato com o corretor imobiliário ou proprietário para colocar seu nome no contrato de aluguel.  
  • Se você estiver alugando diretamente com o proprietário em um contrato de aluguel particular, o proprietário deve pedir que você preencha um formulário oficial de depósito caução. Ele deve apresentar o formulário à autoridade local responsável pelo depósito caução dentro de 10 dias da sua mudança ao imóvel e fornecer a você um recibo para mostrar que foi feito. Deixar de fazer isso é um delito legal. Portanto, então peça para ver o recibo caso não tenha recebido um. 

Relatório de vistoria de entrada 

O proprietário ou corretor imobiliário responsável pelo imóvel (gerente imobiliário) deve preencher um  relatório de vistoria antes de você se mudar. Eles lhe darão uma cópia para que você possa verificar se o relatório está correto.  

Você pode fazer qualquer alteração no relatório de vistoria e anotações adicionais sobre danos perceptíveis ao imóvel, aos equipamentos ou instalações, incluindo marcas e arranhões e qualquer coisa que esteja suja, dentro e fora do imóvel. 

Verifique cuidadosamente o estado do imóvel assim que possível após assinar o contrato de aluguel e receber as chaves. Verificar bem o estado do imóvel antes de colocar os móveis lhe dará uma visão mais clara de qualquer dano existente ou “desgaste”.  

Quando estiver de acordo com a precisão do relatório, você deve assiná-lo, datá-lo e devolvê-lo imediatamente, geralmente dentro de cinco dias úteis após se mudar para o imóvel. Se enviar o relatório por correio, lembre-se que há um tempo necessário para o envio postal.  

Uma vez recebido, o agente ou o proprietário deve fornecer duas cópias impressas ou eletrônicas do relatório de vistoria assinado. Tanto o locatário quanto o proprietário devem manter uma cópia de cada relatório até o final do período do contrato de aluguel.  

Dicas! 
  • Tire uma foto com data de qualquer dano existente. Você pode anexar as fotos ao relatório de vistoria ou enviar cópias digitais por e-mail e guardá-las até o fim do período de aluguel. Isso provará que qualquer dano pré-existente não foi causado por você durante a sua locação e facilitará a devolução integral do seu depósito caução. 
  • Se houver qualquer coisa que precise de reparo no relatório de vistoria, o relatório serve como uma notificação por escrito sobre isso, portanto, o proprietário ou agente deve providenciar os reparos em um tempo razoável. 

Seus direitos como locatário 

Aqui estão alguns dos direitos mais importantes que você deve conhecer depois de se mudar.  

Direito a um ambiente de vida seguro e saudável  

Como inquilino, você tem o direito de morar em um imóvel seguro e em bom estado de conservação. O proprietário é responsável por garantir que o imóvel esteja livre de riscos, como mofo (causado por um problema estrutural, como vazamento de água), amianto e pragas, e que todos os eletrodomésticos e instalações estejam funcionando. 

Direito à privacidade 

O corretor imobiliário ou o proprietário providenciará a vistoria da propriedade a cada 3 a 6 meses. Legalmente, eles devem avisar você com pelo menos sete dias de antecedência antes de entrar na sua casa. Você pode decidir se estará presente durante a vistoria ou não.   

Direito de encerrar a locação 

Você tem o direito de encerrar a locação a qualquer momento. Pode haver dois motivos para isso:  

  1. O proprietário violou um dos termos do contrato de aluguel: se esse for o caso, entre em contato com o órgão responsável pelos direitos de locação no estado ou território onde você mora conforme listado abaixo para ajudá-lo a resolver o problema ou a deixar a propriedade sem que sejam incorridas taxas.  
  2. Por um motivo pessoal: se esse for o caso, você precisará pagar taxas por quebrar o contrato de aluguel antecipadamente. O valor das taxas para quebra de contrato de aluguel dependerá dos termos do seu contrato de aluguel, portanto, leia-o cuidadosamente antes de assiná-lo. Você pode ter assinado um contrato por um período definido (por exemplo, um ano), mas seu contrato também pode ter opções de renovação ou mudar para um contrato mês a mês em uma data definida.  

O proprietário também pode ter o direito de encerrar a locação mais cedo. Por exemplo, eles podem querer vender ou reformar a casa. Veja quais são os termos no seu contrato de aluguel. 

Quando o período do contrato terminar, o proprietário precisa avisar com 30 dias de antecedência se não quiser renovar o contrato.  

Direito à proteção contra discriminação 

Se você acredita que foi discriminado pelo proprietário do imóvel onde mora, você pode entrar em contato com a Comissão Australiana de Direitos Humanos para obter orientação ou um dos órgãos legais listados abaixo. 

Suas responsabilidades como locatário

Além dos direitos, você também tem algumas responsabilidades legais como locatário. Isso inclui manter a propriedade em bom estado, pagar o aluguel em dia e seguir os termos do seu contrato de aluguel. 

Se você não cumprir suas responsabilidades segundo os termos do contrato, o proprietário ou corretor imobiliário poderá lhe dar um aviso de rescisão de 14 dias e você precisará se mudar dentro desses 14 dias.  

Com quem entrar em contato se precisar de suporte 

Se você acredita que seus direitos foram violados, entre em contato com o órgão responsável pelos direitos de locação no estado ou território em que você mora:  

Obtenha mais dicas sobre acomodação  

Boa sorte na busca por uma casa!  

conteúdo do rodapé