Welcome to Australia! Finding a safe and comfortable place to live is one of the most important steps when you first arrive. Unfortunately, international students can sometimes be targeted by scammers. This thread aims to provide some essential tips to help you navigate the rental market safely.
Always start your search using reputable platforms. Websites like realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and Flatmates.com.au are widely used by legitimate agents and landlords. Many universities also offer their own accommodation services or lists of approved providers, which can be a very safe option, especially for your first few months.
Be extremely wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are. Unusually low rent for a prime location, or properties advertised without clear photos or detailed descriptions, should raise a red flag. Scammers often use attractive prices to lure in desperate students.
A critical step is to always view the property in person before agreeing to anything or making any payments. If you are still overseas, ask a trusted friend or family member in Australia to view it for you. If a landlord or agent insists you pay a deposit or bond without viewing, or claims they are "out of the country" and cannot show the property, it's very likely a scam.
Never send money through unofficial channels like Western Union, MoneyGram, or gift cards. Legitimate landlords and real estate agents will always request payments via bank transfer to a clearly identifiable account, or through a secure online payment system linked to the tenancy. Keep records of all transactions.
Before signing any agreement, ensure you understand all the terms and conditions of the lease. In Australia, tenancy agreements are legal documents. Don't feel pressured to sign something you haven't fully read or understood. If possible, have someone experienced review it with you.
Verify the identity of the landlord or agent. You can often do this by checking their details against official real estate licensing bodies in the state or territory you are looking to rent in. A legitimate agent will be registered.
If you ever feel unsure or pressured, it’s always best to step back and seek advice. You can contact your university's international student support services, a student welfare organization, or state tenancy advice services for guidance. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.
Always start your search using reputable platforms. Websites like realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and Flatmates.com.au are widely used by legitimate agents and landlords. Many universities also offer their own accommodation services or lists of approved providers, which can be a very safe option, especially for your first few months.
Be extremely wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are. Unusually low rent for a prime location, or properties advertised without clear photos or detailed descriptions, should raise a red flag. Scammers often use attractive prices to lure in desperate students.
A critical step is to always view the property in person before agreeing to anything or making any payments. If you are still overseas, ask a trusted friend or family member in Australia to view it for you. If a landlord or agent insists you pay a deposit or bond without viewing, or claims they are "out of the country" and cannot show the property, it's very likely a scam.
Never send money through unofficial channels like Western Union, MoneyGram, or gift cards. Legitimate landlords and real estate agents will always request payments via bank transfer to a clearly identifiable account, or through a secure online payment system linked to the tenancy. Keep records of all transactions.
Before signing any agreement, ensure you understand all the terms and conditions of the lease. In Australia, tenancy agreements are legal documents. Don't feel pressured to sign something you haven't fully read or understood. If possible, have someone experienced review it with you.
Verify the identity of the landlord or agent. You can often do this by checking their details against official real estate licensing bodies in the state or territory you are looking to rent in. A legitimate agent will be registered.
If you ever feel unsure or pressured, it’s always best to step back and seek advice. You can contact your university's international student support services, a student welfare organization, or state tenancy advice services for guidance. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.
