As thousands of students across New South Wales begin university, TAFE and other vocational courses, authorities are urging young renters to understand their rights before signing a lease. With over 431,000 students at universities and more than 218,000 enrolled in TAFE, many are moving out of home for the first time, making awareness of rental protections especially important.
NSW Fair Trading emphasises that students should always have a written lease outlining rent, payment frequency, bond requirements, and other responsibilities. Landlords must provide a signed copy with full contact details, including those of any agent. Bonds cannot exceed four weeks’ rent and are refundable at the end of a tenancy, provided there is no unpaid rent or property damage, and must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading.
Landlords are legally required to maintain properties in a safe, liveable condition and to complete necessary repairs. Evictions must follow the correct legal process, with no-grounds evictions now banned in NSW. For guidance, students can contact NSW Fair Trading or seek legal assistance through the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service.
The NSW Government has introduced reforms aimed at providing renters with greater security and cost savings. These include limiting rent increases to once a year, banning no-grounds evictions, mandating fee-free payment options, prohibiting solicited rent bidding, funding the NSW Rental Taskforce to enforce new laws, and providing the free Rent Check website to help renters assess fair rent.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said students deserve stability when securing a home and the reforms provide both protection and clarity. NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones added that understanding rental rights early helps prevent disputes and ensures a safe and fair living arrangement, especially for those living away from home for the first time.
Students are encouraged to read agreements carefully, ask questions, and contact NSW Fair Trading to report any breaches of rental law.
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