Consumer Affairs Victoria launch campaign on rental and housing rights for international students
RECOGNISING a need to address the living and accommodation circumstances of international students, Consumer Affairs Victoria will be launching a campaign to assist students to navigate the local rental market. Zoe Law has the story.
Misleading advertising, unethical landlords and unsafe or unhealthy living conditions are just some of the main concerns when it comes to international students and housing.
To combat this, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) — a business unit of the Department of Justice & Regulation within the Victorian government — will be launching a campaign to support students in the early stages of their tenancy.
Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria Simon Cohen was confident the campaign would give international students the tools to help ensure they can live in a harmonious environment while completing their studies in Victoria.
In its efforts to raise awareness of international students’ rental rights and keep them informed about the local rental market, CAV’s campaign will maintain a strong online presence, primarily in social media, and will also roll out educational presentations for students.
Additionally, newly arrived international students will also receive general rental advice in their free welcome pack at Melbourne Airport’s Welcome Desk. Advice in the pack will cover types of accommodation, general tenancy issues and other standards for rooming and housing that international students should know about.
The Victorian Government is also currently reviewing the state’s rental laws and is looking for the contribution of international students. Have your say on rent, bond and other changes in rental housing until April 6.
For more information about CAV’s campaign and to learn more about how you can protect yourself from unscrupulous housing issues, visit CAV’s website.