Published Tuesday, 08 January, 2008 at 02:22 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Study up on your accommodation rights
Students planning to attend University or college this year should know their rights before they sign up for student or share accommodation, Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, John Mickel, said today.
Mr Schwarten said students leaving home for the first time, as well as international students, may be unaware that they are covered under legislation and protected under the law.
“Like other tenants, students have rights and responsibilities,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The Residential Tenancies Act applies to people renting flats, houses, caravans, units, townhouses, manufactured homes and houseboats in private, public and community-managed rental accommodation.
“The Act is administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority which assists tenants, as well as landlords with free information and advice as well as a dispute resolution service if issues arise.”
Mr Schwarten said students staying in student accommodation or residences should receive a Residential Service Agreement or contract stating the cost involved, such as rent and bond, as well as any house rules.
“A Residential Service Agreement is a formal contract between a resident and an accommodation provider,” he said.
“Make sure you have read and understood the agreement and any terms and conditions before signing.”
Mr Mickel said many young people leave home and move to another city or state to study and this could be an exciting but also challenging time.
“While most accommodation providers and real estate agents do the right thing, disagreements can occur so it pays to know your rights and responsibilities both before signing up and while renting accommodation,” Mr Mickel said.
“I strongly urge students to research their accommodation options, inspect potential accommodation, find out what paperwork needs to be completed and get all details in writing before they sign any agreements or move in.”
If the agreement is unsuitable or the house rules seem unfair, shop around to find accommodation more suited to your needs.
“If you are sharing a house, discuss and write down any arrangements for paying for shared items such as electricity, gas or food items and get receipts from anyone you pay money to, including people you share with.”
Mr Mickel said students living in areas with competitive rental markets should also be aware of rent bidding, where prospective renters offer higher than the advertised rent price in an effort to obtain the property.
“If a real estate agent encourages you to increase your bid after the property has been offered for a fixed rental price it may be misleading or deceptive conduct, which is prohibited by law.
“Once you have found a place make sure your name is on the tenancy agreement and your share of the bond is in your name. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) can provide advice on how to do this.”
Mr Schwarten said if something did go wrong, tenants should try to resolve the problem by talking to the lessor or agent first , but if unsatisfied with the response to contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 or visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for advice.
For more information on renting or rent bidding visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Schwarten’s office (07) 3237 1832
Minister Mickel’s office (07) 3237 1944
Mr Schwarten said students leaving home for the first time, as well as international students, may be unaware that they are covered under legislation and protected under the law.
“Like other tenants, students have rights and responsibilities,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The Residential Tenancies Act applies to people renting flats, houses, caravans, units, townhouses, manufactured homes and houseboats in private, public and community-managed rental accommodation.
“The Act is administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority which assists tenants, as well as landlords with free information and advice as well as a dispute resolution service if issues arise.”
Mr Schwarten said students staying in student accommodation or residences should receive a Residential Service Agreement or contract stating the cost involved, such as rent and bond, as well as any house rules.
“A Residential Service Agreement is a formal contract between a resident and an accommodation provider,” he said.
“Make sure you have read and understood the agreement and any terms and conditions before signing.”
Mr Mickel said many young people leave home and move to another city or state to study and this could be an exciting but also challenging time.
“While most accommodation providers and real estate agents do the right thing, disagreements can occur so it pays to know your rights and responsibilities both before signing up and while renting accommodation,” Mr Mickel said.
“I strongly urge students to research their accommodation options, inspect potential accommodation, find out what paperwork needs to be completed and get all details in writing before they sign any agreements or move in.”
If the agreement is unsuitable or the house rules seem unfair, shop around to find accommodation more suited to your needs.
“If you are sharing a house, discuss and write down any arrangements for paying for shared items such as electricity, gas or food items and get receipts from anyone you pay money to, including people you share with.”
Mr Mickel said students living in areas with competitive rental markets should also be aware of rent bidding, where prospective renters offer higher than the advertised rent price in an effort to obtain the property.
“If a real estate agent encourages you to increase your bid after the property has been offered for a fixed rental price it may be misleading or deceptive conduct, which is prohibited by law.
“Once you have found a place make sure your name is on the tenancy agreement and your share of the bond is in your name. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) can provide advice on how to do this.”
Mr Schwarten said if something did go wrong, tenants should try to resolve the problem by talking to the lessor or agent first , but if unsatisfied with the response to contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 or visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for advice.
For more information on renting or rent bidding visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Schwarten’s office (07) 3237 1832
Minister Mickel’s office (07) 3237 1944