Renting in a new country comes with a whole new set of rules, and it's not always obvious what your landlord or property manager can and can't do.
If it’s your first time renting, don’t stress! We’ve got you covered. Here are answers to some of the most common questions international students ask about renting.
Can my landlord enter my house whenever they want?
Simple answer: no. Your landlord or property manager can't just show up unannounced. In most states, they need to give you written notice before entering (most commonly 7 days' notice; check your state’s government body below to see the exact notice period for your property). There also needs to be a valid reason for them to enter, like an inspection, repairs or showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers.
However, if there is a genuine emergency, like a burst pipe, gas leak or fire, your landlord is able to enter straight away in order to protect the property and you.
If someone turns up without notice and it's not an emergency, you're well within your rights to ask them to come back at an agreed time.
Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they like?
Not whenever they like, but they can raise the rent at certain times, depending on your lease. If you're on a fixed-term lease, your landlord shouldn’t be able to increase the rent during that time unless your agreement specifically allows it. If you’re on a month-to-month lease, they can raise the rent, but they still need to give you written notice (60 days in most states). There are limits on how often the rent can be raised, and usually this is only once every 12 months.
In most states, there is no limit to how much rent can be increased (there is no set percentage or dollar amount), but if you believe the proposed increase feels unreasonable, you can apply for a review or get advice from your state’s tenancy tribunal.
Can my landlord keep my bond for no reason?
No. Your bond is meant to cover things like unpaid rent or serious damage, not general cleaning or normal wear and tear. At the end of your lease, your landlord needs to provide clear evidence if they want to make any deductions from your bond.
Bonds must be lodged with a government body, and shouldn’t be held by the landlord directly. Your landlord will also only be able to hold your bond for a certain amount of time after your tenancy ends. If you disagree with a deduction on your bond, you don’t have to accept it straight away. Get in touch with your state’s tenancy authority to ask about disputing the claim.
Can I be kicked out of my house with no warning?
Generally, no. Evictions in Australia have to follow a formal process, and your landlord needs a valid reason and proper written notice, even if you've not paid the rent or otherwise breached your lease agreement. You must also be given the opportunity to fix the problem before the landlord can end the tenancy.
The notice period for evictions depends on the reason, and can be anywhere from a few days for something like unpaid rent to several months if the property is being sold. A landlord can't just change the locks or tell you to leave immediately without going through the correct process.
If you ever feel you're being pressured to leave without proper notice, get in touch with your state's tenancy service before agreeing to anything.
Each state has different specific laws on evictions and ending tenancies, so make sure you’re across the rules for your state.
Where to get help - state government bodies
Because tenancy laws differ across Australia, each state has their own dedicated government agency that covers tenancy rights, and a civil tribunal to handle formal disputes:
NSW - NSW Fair Trading
VIC - Consumer Affairs Victoria
QLD - Residential Tenancies Authority
SA - Consumer and Business Services
TAS - Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
ACT - Legal Aid ACT
NT - Consumer Affairs NT
These services are free, so don’t be afraid to get in touch if you ever need help understanding your rights.
Know your rights
Just remember, you have the same legal protections as any other tenant in Australia. If something feels off, whether it's an unannounced visit or pressure to move out, don’t ignore that feeling and assume there’s nothing you can do. It’s always worth checking with your state’s tenancy authority first, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
