Student accommodation can be in high demand, so start looking early and compare options carefully.

What to compare

Total cost – rent plus extras such as the bond, electricity, gas, water and internet.
Location and transport – how long the trip to your campus takes and what regular travel costs.
What is included – furniture, meals, cleaning, utilities or internet.
Nearby services – supermarkets, healthcare and other essentials.

Types of accommodation

Options include rooms on or near campus, purpose-built student accommodation, share houses and private rentals. Your college may also be able to advise you on places near the campus.

Your rights as a tenant

As an international student you have the same rights as every other tenant.
Bond: a security deposit paid at the start. It should be held by the state rental bond authority using the official forms – in NSW through NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online). If a housemate asks you to pay the bond directly to them, your money is not protected.
Upfront payments: after signing the lease you only need to pay the bond and four weeks’ rent in advance – not fees for things like a “background check” or “inspection fee”.
Condition report: the landlord or agent must complete a condition report before you move in and give you a copy to check.

Avoid scams

Inspect the property in person (or arrange a visit), confirm who the landlord is and check that the person advertising has the right to rent it out – before you pay any money.