Renting in Australia as an international student for the first time can feel unfamiliar, but renters’ rights are protected by law in every state and territory. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can help you make informed decisions and avoid common challenges.

How to Avoid Rental Scams When Renting From Overseas

International students may start searching for accommodations before arriving in Australia. However, searching from overseas makes it harder to check a listing is genuine. Be cautious if:    

• There is pressure to make a payment immediately   
•  The property or advertiser cannot be properly verified   
•  The advertised price seems unusually low   
•  An inspection or virtual tour is refused   
•  Money is being requested before the arrangement is clearly explained   

Stick to trusted platforms and your university’s recommended housing resources.

What You’ll Need to Apply for Student Accommodations in Australia

Your choice of accommodation affects your daily routine, living costs and travel time, so consider what suits your budget, lifestyle and location needs before applying.

Providers may request the following documents during application:   

•  Official identification (such as a passport)   
•  Student visa documentation
•  Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)   
•  Proof of income, savings, financial support, or recent bank statements. 
• Employment details (when applicable). 
• Reference or Guarantor details, if required.  

Start early as rentals move fast when new semester approaches. Apply early, because rentals go fast before semester starts. Some landlords require a rental history, but purpose-built student accommodation such as Dwell accepts students without one, which are great for first time renters.

Know Your Rights as a Renter in Australia

Rules vary by state, but they’re set by law, not by your landlord.

Routine inspection notice

• Victoria: 7 days
• South Australia: 7–14 days

Entry for non-urgent repairs

• Victoria: 24 hours’ notice
• South Australia: 48 hours’ notice

Entry for urgent repairs

• No notice needed in either state

Rent increases

• Victoria: once every 12 months, with 90 days’ written notice
• South Australia: once every 12 months, with 60 days’ written notice

Maximum bond

• Victoria: 1 month’s rent
• South Australia: 4 weeks’ rent

Sources: Consumer Affairs Victoria, Consumer and Business Services SA. Last reviewed October 2026.

The property has to be liveable. Working locks, functioning plumbing, safe electrical work. If something urgent breaks, your landlord is required to sort it out promptly, not whenever it suits them.

You can ask for repairs at any point. If your request gets ignored, your state tenancy authority can tell you what to do next.

Your rent can't jump without warning. In both Victoria and South Australia, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and you must be given written notice first. It’s 90 days in Victoria, 60 days in South Australia.

Your bond isn't your landlord's money. A government authority holds it your bond, not your landlord, and there's a free process if you disagree about getting it back.

If something feels off and you're not sure whether it's allowed, your state's tenancy authority is the place to check — Consumer Affairs Victoria, Consumer and Business Services in South Australia, or the equivalent where you live. [DY1] As rental laws and regulations frequently change, check these sites for the most updated information.

Signing your tenancy agreement 

Once your application is approved, you'll be asked to sign a tenancy agreement or a lease. This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of both you and your landlord. Take the time to read the agreement carefully and check:

·       The key terms. How much rent you pay and when it’s due, which bills you cover, and what happens if you renew or leave early.

• The type of lease. A fixed-term lease runs for a set period, commonly six or twelve months, while a periodic lease continues month-to-month. This affects notice requirements and flexibility to renew or end your lease early.    
• Your responsibilities as a tenant. These typically include paying rent on time, taking reasonable care of the property.

If anything in the agreement is unclear, ask before signing. You can also contact your state tenancy authority or your university's student support service for free advice.

Your Rental Bond, Explained

The bond is usually your biggest upfront payment, and your landlord doesn’t keep it. It must be lodged with a government authority, and you should get written confirmation. If you don’t, follow up. You get it back when you move out unless there’s unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you disagree with a deduction, your state tenancy authority handles disputes for free.

How to Protect Yourself During the Tenancy

Once you've moved in, maintaining a positive tenancy involves understanding your responsibilities, communicating effectively, and keeping accurate records, such as:  

• Keep records of your tenancy 
  Save important documents such as your tenancy agreement, rental condition report, photos, maintenance requests and written correspondence. These records are valuable if questions or disputes arise during your tenancy, particularly if there's a disagreement about damage to the property or the return of your bond. 
• Report maintenance issues early 
  If something needs repairing, contact your accommodation provider as soon as possible. Tenants have the right to request repairs and maintenance, and urgent issues such as serious leaks or loss of hot water should be addressed promptly. If an issue is not resolved, your state or territory's tenancy authority can provide information about the options available.
• Know what to expect from inspections 
  Routine inspections are a normal part of renting, but landlords and property managers must follow rules regarding notice periods and property access.
• Set house rules with housemates.
  If you're sharing accommodation, discuss expectations around cleaning, guests, noise, study schedules and shared expenses. It's also important to understand whose names are on the lease and how rent and bond payments are being managed.  

Final Thoughts 

Renting in Australia may feel unfamiliar at first, but understanding the process can help students make informed decisions and a positive rental experience. If you’d prefer a fuss-free rental experience, consider purpose built student accommodations that will help with some of the work involved.