Here's the translation:
"What should I pay attention to when renting a house for studying abroad in Australia?"
In renting a place in Australia, following these steps can help avoid many troubles:
1. House viewings mostly happen on Saturdays. Therefore, there might be overlaps or closeness in viewing times. You'll need to make decisions beforehand about which houses you want to see, and plan your schedule and routes accordingly. Agents usually schedule house viewings based on appointments, so make sure not to be late.
2. If you find a house you like, quickly fill out an application form. Agents screen tenants primarily based on stable income, rental history, and financial status. Generally, tenants receive a response from the agent within 7 business days.
3. It's crucial to sign a contract with the landlord or agent, as it serves as the basic basis for protecting your rights. Before signing the contract, carefully read all the terms to ensure you understand everything.
4. Pay attention to the early termination clause. If the landlord decides not to renew the lease due to selling the property or other reasons, compensation for the tenant should be specified. Similarly, if the tenant moves out early, the contract should stipulate the penalty to be paid.
5. According to the law, the "Bond," or deposit, charged to tenants cannot exceed the equivalent of 4 weeks' rent. After the contract expires, the bond can only be refunded after both the landlord and tenant sign.
6. The rental bond is not paid to the landlord or agent but to a government-regulated account. However, many students are unaware and directly give the bond to the landlord, leading to situations where the landlord takes the deposit and disappears.
7. Once the contract is signed, tenants can get the keys to the property and receive a Condition Report form, detailing all the facilities in the house. Don't underestimate this form; signing it without carefully checking implies that you accept the property without any issues.
8. When sharing a place with strangers, it's best to sign a contract with each other to effectively avoid disputes. This serves as a legal basis in case the landlord disputes tenant behavior or when dividing utility bills.
9. Living in an unfamiliar environment requires extra attention to fire safety. Know the evacuation routes, stairs, exits, etc., and ensure they are clear. Additionally, check for any broken electrical wires in the house.
10. Upon moving out, if there are breaches of the contract, the landlord has the right to request arbitration from Fair Trading. If the inspection by the agent reveals no damage and the hygiene standards are met, tenants can apply to Fair Trading for the return of the deposit. If the landlord has no objections, the deposit will be refunded to your bank account within a few days.