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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!  

ในออสเตรเลีย มีกฎหมายที่คุ้มครองคุณในฐานะผู้เช่า (บุคคลที่เช่าทรัพย์สิน) รวมทั้งเจ้าของบ้าน (เจ้าของทรัพย์สิน)  

ในฐานะนักศึกษาต่างชาติในออสเตรเลีย คุณมีสิทธิ์เช่นเดียวกับผู้เช่ารายอื่น ๆ ในแง่ของการเช่าทรัพย์สิน โดยสิทธิ์เหล่านี้มีจุดประสงค์เพื่อสนับสนุนสภาพแวดล้อมการอยู่อาศัยที่ปลอดภัยและสะดวกสบาย ลองมาศึกษาพร้อมกัน  

สิทธิ์ของคุณในการหาที่พัก  

เมื่อคุณเช่าที่พักผ่านตัวแทนอสังหาริมทรัพย์ที่จดทะเบียน พวกเขาจะทําตามขั้นตอนที่จําเป็นทั้งหมดเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าคุณได้รับการคุ้มครองตามกฎหมาย  

หากคุณร่วมเข้าพักอาศัยในบ้านกับผู้อื่นหรือเช่าจากเจ้าของบ้านโดยตรง (การเช่าอยู่ส่วนบุคคล) คุณจะประสบการณ์การพักอาศัยที่ดีมากขึ้นหากคุณทราบถึงสิทธิ์ตามกฎหมายของคุณในฐานะผู้เช่า 

รายการแสดง 

เมื่อค้นหาที่พักให้เช่าส่วนบุคคล ให้ตรวจสอบที่อยู่อีกครั้ง และเข้าชมที่พักที่ 'เปิดให้เยี่ยมชมสถานที่' ตามที่โฆษณาไว้ หรือนัดเวลาเพื่อเยี่ยมชมสถานที่เพื่อตรวจสอบที่พักและพื้นที่บริเวณนั้นด้วยตนเอง  

เมื่อยื่นคำร้องขอเช่าอยู่ส่วนบุคคลหรือร่วมเข้าพักอาศัยในบ้านกับผู้อื่น ให้ยืนยันตัวตนของเจ้าของบ้าน (เจ้าของ) และตรวจสอบว่าบุคคลที่ลงรายการแสดงที่พักว่างให้เช่านั้นมีสิทธิ์ตามกฎหมายในการให้เช่าห้องหรือทรัพย์สินก่อนที่คุณจะทำการชำระเงินใด ๆ 

เงินมัดจำ  

เงินมัดจำสำหรับการเช่าที่พักคือเงินมัดจําที่ชําระเมื่อเริ่มสัญญาเช่า เงินมัดจำของคุณจะได้รับการดูแลโดยหน่วยงานดูแลการเช่าที่พักของรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองของคุณ ซึ่งจัดการโดยใช้แบบฟอร์มทางการ วิธีจะช่วยปกป้องคุณและเงินมัดจำของคุณตามกฎหมาย  

จากนั้น จะมีจ่ายเงินมัดจำคืนให้คุณเมื่อคุณย้ายออกจากที่พัก เว้นแต่คุณยังคงต้องชําระเงินค่าเช่าหรือหากมีความเสียหายบางประการที่คุณต้องรับผิดชอบ 

หมายเหตุ: ค่าธรรมเนียมเดียวที่คุณต้องชําระคือเงินมัดจำและค่าเช่าล่วงหน้าสี่สัปดาห์หลังจากที่คุณลงนามในสัญญาเช่า (สัญญา) คุณไม่จําเป็นต้องจ่ายค่าธรรมเนียมล่วงหน้าสําหรับรายการต่าง ๆ เช่น “การตรวจสอบประวัติ” หรือ “ค่าธรรมเนียมการตรวจสอบ” ก่อนที่คุณจะย้ายเข้า 

เคล็ดลับ!
  • หากคุณร่วมเข้าพักอาศัยในบ้านกับผู้อื่น และหนึ่งในผู้เช่า (เพื่อนร่วมบ้าน) ขอให้คุณจ่ายเงินมัดจำกับพวกเขาโดยตรง กรณีนี้จะไม่ช่วยปกป้องเงินของคุณตามกฎหมาย โปรดใช้แบบฟอร์มที่เหมาะสมแทน นอกจากนี้ คุณควรตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าเพื่อนร่วมบ้านติดต่อนายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์หรือเจ้าของบ้านเพื่อใส่ชื่อของคุณลงในสัญญาเช่า  
  • หากคุณจะเช่าที่พักกับเจ้าของบ้านโดยตรงในลักษณะสัญญาเช่าส่วนบุคคล เจ้าของบ้านจะขอให้คุณกรอกแบบฟอร์มการวางเงินมัดจำแบบทางการ พวกเขาจะต้องยื่นแบบฟอร์มกับหน่วยงานดูแลเงินมัดจำสำหรับการเช่าที่พักในพื้นที่ภายใน 10 วันนับจากวันที่คุณย้ายเข้ามายังที่พัก และมอบใบเสร็จแก่คุณเพื่อแสดงว่าได้ดําเนินการขั้นตอนนี้เสร็จสิ้นแล้ว หากไม่ดำเนินการนี้จะถือเป็นความผิดตามกฎหมาย คุณจึงควรขอดูหลักฐานในกรณีที่คุณไม่ได้รับใบเสร็จ 

รายงานสภาพที่พักเมื่อเข้าพักอาศัย 

เจ้าของบ้านหรือนายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์ของคุณที่รับผิดชอบในทรัพย์สิน (ผู้จัดการทรัพย์สิน) ต้องกรอกข้อมูลในรายงานสภาพที่พักก่อนที่คุณจะย้ายเข้า จากนั้นพวกเขาจะส่งสําเนาให้คุณ เพื่อให้คุณตรวจสอบว่ารายงานนั้นถูกต้องหรือไม่  

คุณสามารถทําการเปลี่ยนแปลงรายงานสภาพที่พัก และเพิ่มหมายเหตุเกี่ยวกับความเสียหายที่สังเกตเห็นที่ตัวบ้าน เครื่องมือเครื่องใช้ในบ้าน หรืออุปกรณ์ติดตั้งในบ้าน ซึ่งรวมถึงรอยตำหนิและรอยขีดข่วน และสิ่งใด ๆ ก็ตามที่ดูสกปรกทั้งภายในและภายนอกอาคาร 

ตรวจสอบสภาพของทรัพย์สินอย่างละเอียดโดยเร็วที่สุดหลังจากที่ลงนามในสัญญาเช่าและรับกุญแจ การตรวจสอบสภาพที่พักอย่างละเอียดก่อนที่คุณจะเคลื่อนย้ายเฟอร์นิเจอร์ของคุณ จะช่วยให้คุณมองเห็นความเสียหายที่มีอยู่ หรือ ‘การสึกหรอ’ ได้อย่างชัดเจนยิ่งขึ้น  

เมื่อคุณตรวจสอบว่ารายงานมีความถูกต้องและสมบูรณ์อย่างเป็นที่พอใจแล้ว คุณต้องลงนาม ลงวันที่ และส่งคืนรายงานทันที โดยปกติแล้วควรอยู่ภายในระยะห้าวันทําการหลังจากที่ย้ายเข้า โปรดรอเวลาการส่งมอบ ในกรณีที่ส่งคืนแบบฟอร์มทางไปรษณีย์  

เมื่อได้รับแบบฟอร์มแล้ว นายหน้าหรือเจ้าของบ้านจะต้องมอบสําเนารายงานสภาพที่พักพร้อมลงนามให้คุณสองฉบับในรูปแบบเอกสารหรืออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ ทั้งผู้เช่าและเจ้าของบ้านจะต้องเก็บสําเนารายงานแต่ละฉบับไว้จนกระทั่งสิ้นสุดระยะเวลาสัญญาเช่า  

เคล็ดลับ! 
  • ถ่ายภาพความเสียหายใด ๆ ที่มีมาอยู่ก่อนแบบมีการประทับวันที่ คุณสามารถแนบภาพถ่ายกับรายงานสภาพที่พักของคุณ หรืออีเมลสําเนาดิจิทัล และเก็บไว้จนกว่าจะสิ้นสุดระยะเวลาการเช่าของคุณ วิธีนี้จะพิสูจน์ว่าคุณไม่ได้เป็นผู้ก่อความเสียหายใด ๆ ที่มีมาอยู่ก่อนระหว่างการเช่าของคุณ และทําให้สะดวกต่อการคืนเงินมัดจำของคุณเต็มจํานวน 
  • หากรายงานสภาพที่พักของคุณระบุว่าจําเป็นต้องมีการซ่อมแซม รายงานระบุการแจ้งเกี่ยวกับกรณีนี้เป็นลายลักษณ์อักษร เจ้าของบ้านหรือนายหน้าของคุณจะต้องจัดการซ่อมแซมให้ในเวลาที่เหมาะสม 

สิทธิ์ของคุณในฐานะผู้เช่า 

สิทธิ์ที่สำคัญที่สุดที่คุณควรทราบเมื่อคุณย้ายเข้ามีดังนี้  

สิทธิ์ในการอยู่ในสภาพแวดล้อมที่ปลอดภัยและดีต่อสุขภาพ  

ในฐานะผู้เช่า คุณมีสิทธิ์ที่จะได้พักอาศัยในสถานที่ที่ปลอดภัยและอยู่ในสภาพดี เจ้าของบ้านของคุณมีหน้าที่รับผิดชอบในการตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าที่พักปลอดอันตราย เช่น เชื้อรา (ที่เกิดจากปัญหาโครงสร้าง เช่น น้ำรั่ว) แร่ใยหินและสัตว์รังควาน และเครื่องใช้และอุปกรณ์ติดตั้งทั้งหมดใช้งานได้ 

สิทธิ์ในความเป็นส่วนตัว 

นายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์หรือเจ้าของบ้านจะจัดให้มีการตรวจสอบทรัพย์สินทุก ๆ 3-6 เดือน ตามกฎหมายแล้ว พวกเขาต้องแจ้งให้คุณทราบล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อยเจ็ดวันก่อนที่จะเข้าบ้านคุณ คุณสามารถตัดสินใจได้ว่าคุณจะอยู่ร่วมดูการตรวจสอบด้วยหรือไม่   

สิทธิ์ในการยุติการเช่า 

คุณมีสิทธิ์ที่จะยุติการเช่าของคุณได้ทุกเมื่อ อาจมี 2 เหตุผลสําหรับกรณีนี้:  

  1. เจ้าของบ้านของคุณได้ละเมิดข้อกําหนดข้อใดข้อหนึ่งในสัญญาเช่า: หากเป็นกรณีนี้ ให้ติดต่อหน่วยงานดูแลสิทธิ์การเช่าในรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองของคุณตามที่ระบุไว้ด้านล่าง เพื่อช่วยคุณแก้ไขปัญหาหรือย้ายออกจากที่พักโดยไม่ต้องชำระค่าธรรมเนียม  
  2. เหตุผลส่วนตัว: หากเป็นกรณีนี้ คุณจะต้องชําระค่าธรรมเนียมสําหรับการผิดสัญญาเช่าก่อนครบกําหนด จํานวนค่าธรรมเนียมในกรณีที่ผิดสัญญาเช่าจะเป็นไปตามข้อกำหนดของสัญญาเช่าของคุณ ดังนั้น โปรดอ่านสัญญาให้ละเอียดก่อนที่จะลงนาม คุณอาจได้ลงนามในสัญญาโดยมีระยะเวลากําหนด (ตัวอย่างเช่น หนึ่งปี) แต่สัญญาของคุณอาจเสนอตัวเลือกการต่ออายุหรือเปลี่ยนไปเป็นสัญญาแบบเดือนต่อเดือนในวันที่กําหนด  

เจ้าของบ้านของคุณยังอาจมีสิทธิ์ยุติการเช่าก่อนกําหนดได้ ตัวอย่างเช่น พวกเขาอาจต้องการขายหรือปรับปรุงบ้าน ตรวจสอบเอกสารสัญญาเช่าของคุณเพื่อดูว่ามีข้อกําหนดไว้อย่างไร 

เมื่อสัญญาของคุณสิ้นสุดลงตามระยะเวลา เจ้าของบ้านจะต้องแจ้งให้คุณทราบล่วงหน้า 30 วัน หากพวกเขาไม่ต้องการต่ออายุสัญญาเช่า  

สิทธิ์ในการได้รับความคุ้มครองจากการเลือกปฏิบัติ 

หากคุณเชื่อว่าคุณถูกเลือกปฏิบัติโดยเจ้าของบ้าน คุณสามารถติดต่อคณะกรรมการสิทธิมนุษยชนแห่งออสเตรเลีย (Australian Human Rights Commission) เพื่อขอคําแนะนําหรือหน่วยงานทางกฎหมายแห่งใดแห่งหนึ่งดังที่ระบุไว้ด้านล่าง 

ความรับผิดชอบของคุณในฐานะผู้เช่า

นอกจากสิทธิ์แล้ว คุณยังมีหน้าที่รับผิดชอบตามกฎหมายบางประการในฐานะผู้เช่า ซึ่งรวมถึงการรักษาทรัพย์สินให้อยู่ในสภาพที่เหมาะสม การชำระค่าเช่าตรงเวลา และการปฏิบัติตามข้อกําหนดของสัญญาเช่าของคุณ 

หากคุณไม่ปฏิบัติตามหน้าที่รับผิดชอบของคุณภายใต้สัญญา เจ้าของบ้านหรือนายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์สามารถส่งหนังสือแจ้งยุติการให้เช่าให้คุณทราบ 14 วันและคุณจะต้องย้ายออกภายใน 14 วันดังกล่าว  

บุคคลที่คุณสามารถติดต่อได้ ในกรณีที่คุณต้องการความช่วยเหลือ 

หากคุณเชื่อว่ามีการละเมิดสิทธิ์ของคุณ โปรดติดต่อหน่วยงานดูแลสิทธิ์การเช่าในรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองของคุณ:  

ดูเคล็ดลับเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับที่พัก  

ขอให้สนุกกับการหาบ้าน!  

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