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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
ในการเช่าบ้านในออสเตรเลีย คุณสามารถเช่าทรัพย์สินผ่านนายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์ที่จดทะเบียน หรือเช่ากับเจ้าของทรัพย์สิน (เจ้าของบ้าน) ได้โดยตรง
หากเช่าทรัพย์สินกับนายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์ นายหน้าที่จดทะเบียนจะทําหน้าที่เป็นตัวกลางระหว่างคุณและเจ้าของบ้าน พวกเขาจะช่วยคุณในขั้นตอนการเช่า รวมถึงการนำเสนอทรัพย์สิน ประมวลผลคำร้องของคุณ และจัดการเงินมัดจำของคุณ
การเช่ารถจากเจ้าของบ้านโดยตรงจะเรียกว่าสัญญาเช่าส่วนบุคคล (หรือการเช่าอยู่ส่วนบุคคล) ซึ่งหมายความว่าเจ้าของบ้านจะเป็นผู้จัดการขั้นตอนการเช่าด้วยตนเอง โดยกรณีอาจมีความเสี่ยงกับคุณมากกว่าในฐานะผู้เช่า เนื่องจากเจ้าของบ้านอาจจะปฏิบัติตามขั้นตอนที่ถูกต้องหรือไม่ก็ได้ นอกจากนี้ยังหมายความว่าคุณจะไม่สามารถใช้บริการสนับสนุนช่วยเหลือที่นายหน้าอสังหาริมทรัพย์เสนอได้
คําถามที่พบบ่อยของนักศึกษาต่างชาติเกี่ยวกับสิทธิ์ของตนในฐานะผู้เช่าในออสเตรเลีย และอะไรบ้างที่เจ้าของบ้านสามารถทำได้และทำไม่ได้มีดังนี้
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถให้ฉันเช่าบ้านได้หรือไม่ หากฉันยังไม่เคยมาดูบ้านมาก่อน
ตามกฎหมายแล้ว พวกเขาสามารถทำได้ อย่างไรก็ตาม คุณควรต้องมาดูทรัพย์สินก่อนที่จะลงนามในสัญญาเช่า เพื่อที่คุณสามารถดําเนินการดังต่อไปนี้:
- เห็นด้วยตัวเองว่าเป็นรายการแสดงจริง
- ตรวจสอบว่าบ้านสะอาดและปลอดภัย โดยไม่มีเชื้อราหรือเห็ดรา และเครื่องใช้ใช้งานได้
- ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าทรัพย์สินอยู่ในสถานที่ที่ปลอดภัยและสะดวกสบาย เช่น มีบริการขนส่งใกล้เคียงและไปยังแคมปัสได้ และไม่มีเสียงรบกวนจากงานก่อสร้างหรือถนนสายหลักมากเกินไป และ
- พบกับเจ้าของบ้านให้เช่าอยู่ส่วนบุคคลและแน่ใจว่าเจ้าของบ้านดูน่าเชื่อถือและมีจิตใจดี
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถขอเงินมัดจำก่อนที่จะลงนามในสัญญาเช่าได้หรือไม่
ไม่ได้ เจ้าของบ้านไม่สามารถขอเงินมัดจำ (‘มัดจำ’) ได้ก่อนที่คุณจะลงนามในสัญญาเช่า คุณจะต้องมีสัญญาที่ลงนามแล้วเรียบร้อยก่อนเพื่อปกป้องสิทธิ์ของคุณในฐานะผู้เช่าภายใต้กฎหมาย
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถเก็บเงินมัดจำของฉันได้หรือไม่
ไม่ได้ เจ้าของบ้านไม่สามารถเก็บเงินมัดจำของคุณได้
เงินประกันจะต้องเก็บไว้กับหน่วยงานดูแลเงินมัดจำของภาครัฐในรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองของคุณ โดยจะเก็บไว้กับหน่วยงานดังกล่าวจนกว่าจะสิ้นสุดสัญญาเช่า
โดยปกติแล้ว คุณสามารถยื่นคำร้องนี้ต่อหน่วยงานดูแลเงินมัดจำได้โดยตรง อย่างไรก็ตาม หากเจ้าของบ้านของคุณเป็นผู้ยื่นเงินมัดจำแทนคุณ โปรดตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าพวกเขาได้มอบแบบฟอร์มขอยื่นเงินมัดจำทางการแก่คุณเพื่อกรอกข้อมูล หลังจากที่ยื่นคำร้องแล้ว เจ้าของบ้านจะต้องมอบใบเสร็จแก่คุณ
ในกรณีที่มีความเสียหายใด ๆ ต่อทรัพย์สินเมื่อสิ้นสุดสัญญาเช่า เจ้าของบ้านสามารถเรียกร้องให้ใช้เงินมัดจำบางส่วนหรือทั้งหมดเพื่อชดเชยค่าซ่อมได้ หากทรัพย์สินยังอยู่ในสภาพที่ดีเมื่อย้ายออก คุณจะได้รับเงินมัดจำคืนหลังจากการตรวจสอบเมื่อ ‘สิ้นสุดสัญญาเช่า’ หรือ ‘ขั้นสุดท้าย’
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันต้องมอบรายงานสภาพที่พักให้ฉันหรือไม่
ใช่ เจ้าของบ้านของคุณต้องมอบรายงานสภาพที่พักที่ระบุรายละเอียดเกี่ยวกับความเสียหายที่มีอยู่ก่อน เช่น รอยตำหนิบนผนังหรือรอยเปื้อนบนพรม จากนั้นคุณจะต้องดำเนินการดังนี้:
- ตรวจสอบว่ารายงานสภาพที่พักของเจ้าของบ้านนั้นถูกต้องหรือไม่ และหากมีจุดใดที่ไม่ได้ระบุ ให้เพิ่มลงในรายงาน (ควรถ่ายภาพประกอบไว้ด้วย)
- ส่งรายงานสภาพที่พักคืนเจ้าของบ้านภายในเจ็ดวันหลังจากที่ลงนามในสัญญาเช่า
- ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าทั้งคุณและเจ้าของบ้านได้ลงนามในรายงานแล้ว และ
- เก็บสําเนาไว้เป็นหลักฐาน
รายงานสามารถใช้เป็นหลักฐานได้หากมีข้อพิพาทเกี่ยวกับความเสียหายต่อทรัพย์สินเมื่อสิ้นสุดสัญญาเช่า
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถเพิ่มค่าเช่าได้ทุกเมื่อที่ต้องการหรือไม่
ไม่ได้ เจ้าของบ้านของคุณไม่สามารถเพิ่มค่าเช่าโดยไม่แจ้งให้คุณทราบเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษรอย่างเหมาะสมได้
รัฐและเขตการปกครองส่วนใหญ่ห้ามมิให้มีการเพิ่มค่าเช่าในสัญญาเช่าแบบมีระยะเวลากําหนด อย่างไรก็ตาม คุณต้องตรวจสอบว่าสัญญาเช่าของคุณ เนื่องจากอาจมีข้อกําหนดที่ระบุว่าอนุญาตให้มีการขึ้นค่าเช่าได้
หากคุณคิดว่าแผนการขึ้นค่าเช่านั้นไม่สมเหตุสมผล คุณสามารถโต้แย้งกับเจ้าของบ้านหรือขอความช่วยเหลือจากหน่วยงานดูแลการเช่าที่พักประจำรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองที่เกี่ยวข้องได้ (ระบุไว้ด้านล่าง)
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถเข้ามาในบ้านหรืออพาร์ตเมนต์ที่ฉันอาศัยอยู่โดยไม่ขออนุญาตจากฉันก่อนได้หรือไม่
ไม่ได้ เจ้าของบ้านไม่สามารถเข้าไปในบ้านหรืออพาร์ตเมนต์ที่คุณอาศัยอยู่โดยไม่ได้รับอนุญาตจากคุณก่อนได้ อย่างไรก็ตาม เจ้าของบ้านได้รับอนุญาตให้ทําการตรวจสอบตามปกติหลังจากแจ้งให้คุณทราบอย่างเหมาะสมแล้ว
รัฐและเขตการปกครองมีกฎหมายที่แตกต่างกันเกี่ยวกับ:
- จํานวนวันที่ต้องส่งหนังสือแจ้งเตือน และ
- ความถี่ในการตรวจสอบทรัพย์สินที่คุณอาศัย
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถยึดเงินมัดจำของฉันได้หรือไม่ หากฉันย้ายออกก่อนกำหนด
กรณีนี้ขึ้นอยู่กับเงื่อนไขของสัญญาเช่าของคุณ หากคุณมีสัญญาเช่าแบบมีระยะเวลากําหนดและคุณทําผิดสัญญาโดยการย้ายออกก่อนกำหนด เจ้าของบ้านของคุณอาจมีสิทธิ์ยึดเงินมัดจำไว้บางส่วนหรือทั้งหมดได้ นอกจากนี้ คุณยังอาจต้องจ่ายค่าโฆษณาให้เจ้าของบ้านเพื่อหาผู้เช่ารายใหม่ด้วย
แต่หากสัญญาเช่าของคุณเป็นแบบเดือนต่อเดือนและคุณได้แจ้งอย่างเหมาะสม (ตามระยะเวลาที่ตกลงกันไว้) ก่อนที่จะย้ายออก เจ้าของบ้านของคุณจะต้องคืนเงินมัดจำให้คุณ โดยหักค่าเช่าที่ยังไม่ได้ชําระหรือค่าเสียหายใด ๆ
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถไล่ฉันออกโดยไม่มีเหตุผลได้หรือไม่
ไม่ได้ เจ้าของบ้านของคุณไม่สามารถไล่คุณออกโดยไม่มีเหตุผลอันสมควรได้ อย่างไรก็ตาม คุณออกถูกไล่ออกได้หากคุณไม่ชําระค่าเช่าบ้าน หรือละเมิดสัญญาเช่า
หากเจ้าของบ้านของคุณต้องการไล่คุณออก พวกเขาจะต้องแจ้งคุณทราบเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษรและปฏิบัติตามกระบวนการฟ้องขับไล่ผู้เช่าทางกฎหมายในรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองของคุณ
เจ้าของบ้านของฉันสามารถเรียกเก็บเงินค่าซ่อมทรัพย์สินกับฉันได้หรือไม่
กรณีนี้ขึ้นอยู่กับลักษณะการซ่อมแซมและใครเป็นผู้ทําให้เกิดความเสียหาย ความรับผิดชอบในการซ่อมแซมที่เป็นของเจ้าของบ้าน ได้แก่:
- ปัญหาระบบประปา
- ไฟฟ้าขัดข้อง
- เครื่องใช้ทํางานผิดปกติ เช่น เตาอบหรือพัดลม และ
- ปัญหาเกี่ยวกับโครงสร้างของบ้าน เช่น หลังคารั่วหรือรอยแตกที่เพดาน
อย่างไรก็ตาม หากความเสียหายนั้นเกิดจากคุณหรือแขกของคุณ คุณมีหน้าที่ต้องรับผิดชอบในการซ่อมแซมความเสียหายดังกล่าว ตัวอย่างเช่น หากคุณทําผนังเป็นรู คุณจะต้องจ่ายค่าซ่อมเอง
หากเจ้าของบ้านของคุณไม่สามารถซ่อมบางอย่างในบ้านได้ โปรดติดต่อองค์กรดูแลสิทธิ์ของผู้เช่าในพื้นที่ของคุณ
องค์กรดูแลสิทธิ์ของผู้เช่าประจำรัฐและเขตการปกครอง
หากคุณมีคําถามหรือข้อกังวลใด ๆ เกี่ยวกับพฤติกรรมของเจ้าของบ้านของคุณ โปรดปรึกษาศูนย์ดูแลนักศึกษาหรือองค์กรดูแลสิทธิ์ของผู้เช่าในพื้นที่ หรือขอคําแนะนําทางกฎหมายได้
คุณมีสิทธิ์ได้รับประสบการณ์การเช่าที่พักที่ปลอดภัยและสะดวกสบายในออสเตรเลียและจะมีเจ้าหน้าที่คอยดูแลช่วยเหลือเสมอ หากคุณไม่แน่ใจว่าจะเริ่มต้นจากจุดใดก่อน ให้ขอคําแนะนําจากสถาบันการศึกษาของคุณ ทุกรัฐและเขตการปกครองยังมีบริการ ศูนย์กลาง หรือศูนย์สนับสนุนนักศึกษาในพื้นที่เพื่อให้ความช่วยเหลือคุณ และคุณยังสามารถขอบริการสำหรับผู้เช่าในรัฐหรือเขตการปกครองที่คุณอาศัยได้
- นิวเซาท์เวลส์: NSW Fair Trading และ Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- ควีนส์แลนด์: Tenants Queensland และ Residential Tenancies Authority
- วิกตอเรีย: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Tenants’ Advice Service และ Access Canberra
- เวสเทิร์นออสเตรเลีย: WA Department of Commerce และ Tenancy WA
- นอร์เทิร์นเทร์ริทอรี: Tenants’ Advice Service และ Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- เซาท์ออสเตรเลีย: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) และ Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- แทสเมเนีย: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania และ Consumer Affairs
