7 Things Students Should Ask Before Signing a Lease in Australia
So you’ve just landed in Australia — Welcome! Before you rush to sign your first rental contract, take a few minutes to understand what you’re agreeing to. Leases in Australia can be quite different from those in any other country, and asking the right questions now can save you a lot of stress (and money!) later on.
What’s actually included in the rent?
Each rental comes with its own terms, and not everything you see is automatically included. Before signing, clarify what’s part of the lease — from appliances to bills — so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Does the rent include electricity, water, or internet?
If not, how do I set up and pay for these bills?
Are there any extra fees (cleaning, maintenance, strata, etc.)?
Always get the agent’s answers in writing—whether by email or text—to avoid any misunderstandings later. Verbal promises can be forgotten, but written confirmation keeps everything clear and secure.
Who’s responsible for repairs?
If the heater breaks or the shower leaks, who foots the bill? In Australia, landlords must fix major problems, while tenants usually take care of minor tasks like changing lightbulbs or mowing the lawn. It’s best to ask about this upfront to avoid awkward messages down the line.
How much is the bond — and where does the money go?
Typically, you’ll pay a bond equal to four weeks’ rent. This bond isn’t held by your landlord — it’s kept securely by a government agency. You’ll receive an email receipt when you pay the bond, so make sure to keep it safe.
Important: Never transfer your bond money to a personal bank account!
What happens if I move out early?
Life changes — new university, new city, new friends. Before you sign, make sure to ask about break lease fees and how much notice you need to give. In some states, you’re required to provide 2 to 4 weeks’ notice, and leaving early might mean losing part of your bond.
How often are inspections?
Rental inspections are a normal part of renting in Australia, typically happening every 3 to 4 months. You’ll always receive at least 7 days’ notice before an inspection. To make the process easy, just keep your place tidy and ensure everything is in good working order when they visit.
What’s the neighbourhood really like?
Some places look great online but might be noisy, unsafe, or far from campus. Before you sign, it’s important to check how close the property is to university or public transport, whether the neighbourhood is quiet and safe at night, and if there are grocery stores nearby. If you can’t visit in person, Real Inspect can do it for you — we’ll visit the property, take photos and videos, and give you the honest truth, not just what’s shown in the ad.
Who do I contact when something goes wrong?
If something goes wrong during your rental, who’s the right person to contact — the agent or the landlord or the house manager? It’s important to clarify this early on, and make sure you have the best contact details, like a phone number or email, so you can reach them quickly when needed and keeps your record clean for future rentals.
Final Tip
Once you’ve secured the place, make sure to complete a detailed condition report — both written and with photos. Keep a copy for yourself and provide one to your landlord or agent to add to your lease agreement. This helps protect you when it’s time to move out.
Take your time reading the lease — every detail matters. If you’re unsure about anything before you rent, reach out to Real Inspect for advice and support.
We’ve been in your shoes, moving to a new country and looking for a safe, honest place to call home.
Let us be your eyes on the ground — so you can focus on building your new life here.
#RealInspect #VietnameseStudents #StudyInAustralia #RentalTips #HonestAndReal
