As thousands of students across NSW have commenced the academic year this week at university, TAFE and other vocational education, NSW Fair Trading is reminding renters to keep their rental rights in mind before they sign on the dotted line.
With more than 431,000 students enrolled across NSW universities, and a further 218,465 enrolled in TAFE, many young people will be moving out of home for the first time. This monumental life change makes it crucial for students and other first-time renters to understand their protections and obligations before signing a lease.
Students entering into leases should understand their rights and responsibilities in NSW, including:
- Always have a written lease agreement: A written agreement outlines key terms, such as rent amounts, how often you pay rent, bond requirements, and other responsibilities. The landlord must give you a copy of the signed lease agreement – that includes their full contact details and, if there is agent, the contact details of the agent.
- Know how a rental bond works: A bond cannot be more than four weeks’ rent and is fully refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided there is no unpaid rent or damage. Landlords and agents must lodge all bonds with NSW Fair Trading.
- Understand landlord responsibilities: Landlords have several legal responsibilities they must meet under a tenancy agreement, including providing and maintaining the property in a safe, liveable condition and completing necessary repairs.
- Know your rights when it comes to evictions: Landlords and agents must have valid grounds to evict a renter and must follow the correct legal process. No-grounds evictions are now banned in NSW.
- Where to seek support: If students are unsure about their rights or responsibilities, they can contact NSW Fair Trading for information and guidance on rental matters, including bonds, rent, and repairs. NSW Fair Trading can also assist renters and their landlord or agent in resolving disputes about their tenancy agreement.
- Where to seek legal assistance: To find your nearest Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, visit www.tenants.org.au or call 1800 251 101.
Students should also be aware of the landmark rental reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government, which have created new protections for renters.
These changes include:
- Limiting rental increases to once a year.
- Giving renters security by banning no-grounds evictions.
- Saving renters money by mandating fee-free ways to pay their rent.
- Banning solicited rent bidding so renters can’t be coerced into offering higher rent to secure a place to live.
- Funding the NSW Rental Taskforce to protect renters by enforcing the new laws.
- Delivering the free Rent Check website so people can be sure what they’re asking to pay in rent is fair.
For more information on your rights as a renter, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.
For more information on sharing a rental property, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Students deserve stability and certainty when securing a home, and the Minns Labor Government’s landmark rental reforms help ensure they get exactly that.
“This Government has banned no-grounds evictions, funded crucial tools and delivered tangible policies to help renters save money – and we want everyone to know about it.
“Renters deserve to enjoy the full extent of these changes, especially if they’re entering into their first lease.
“That’s why we’re making it easier to understand your rights, manage costs, and feel secure in your living arrangements.”
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:
“Renting as a student has long been a rite of passage for young people, but understanding rental rights and obligations early helps prevent disputes and ensures a safe, fair living arrangement.
“Starting tertiary study is an exciting milestone, and for many students it’s the first time living out of home. We want young renters to feel confident, informed, and protected when securing accommodation.
“We encourage all students to take the time to read their rental agreements, ask questions, and never sign anything they don’t fully understand. Students are encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading to report breaches of rental laws.”