Accommodation
Sharing with friends
If you plan to share accommodation with friends, discuss costs and house rules before you leave home. It's a good idea to also collect everyone's contributions towards accommodation and food before you arrive.
Book your accommodation either on your own or with friends. Don't assume you can just stay with friends.
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities when renting accommodation during Schoolies.
Personal safety and security
Keep the door to your unit locked so your valuables and money are safe.
‘Noise abatement' allows police to enter your accommodation without warrant, request names and addresses, and seize/remove equipment or make it inoperable.
Shop around
- Do the sums on the advertised accommodation on a per person rate.
- Ask yourself if extras included in an accommodation package offer are worth the total room price.
- Do not be misled into thinking there is only one way you can book or one booking agency. You can contact travel agents and accommodation providers directly to identify other options.
Your booking
- Get a copy of the accommodation contract from the accommodation provider and check that the terms and conditions are acceptable before you book and pay.
- Ensure the accommodation ‘house rules' suit you. Many buildings have specific rules.
- Check your booking terms and conditions. If you change or cancel your booking, you may be charged a fee or lose your deposit.
- If the agent or accommodation provider cancels your booking, you should get back all your money because they have failed to fulfil your accommodation contract. If you're transferred to lesser accommodation, you should receive compensation equivalent to the difference in accommodation standard.
Security bonds
- A security bond is money you pay as insurance against any damage caused to the accommodation (room, furniture or fittings). If there is no damage, the bond is returned to you after your stay.
- When booking your accommodation, check to see if a bond is required.
- People renting holiday apartments for short periods are not usually asked to pay a security bond. An agent or property owner can only ask for a bond if every other prospective guest is also asked for one.
- If you paid a bond, get a receipt and an indication from the accommodation provider as to exactly when it will be returned to you and how any disputes will be resolved.
- Know what you can lose your bond for. You should be aware of your responsibilities under the booking terms and conditions, house rules and accommodation agreement.
- If you damage your accommodation, you may have to pay for repair or replacement costs.
- Inspect the accommodation carefully when you arrive and report any damage immediately so that you can't be blamed for it later.
- During your stay, make an appointment with the accommodation provider to perform the check-out inspection just before you leave.
Damage control
Remember that courtesy and good manners go a long way to resolving a situation. Follow these handy steps if you have a problem.
Step 1 Check responsibilities under the booking terms and conditions, house rules and/or accommodation agreement.
Step 2 Try to work with the accommodation manager or booking agent to reach an agreement. Accommodation managers must have a complaint handling process in place, and a written complaint should be lodged immediately if treatment has been unfair.
Step 3 Call the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04.
Step 4 If an agreement cannot be reached, contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General's Alternative Dispute Resolution Branch on 1800 017 288. You should lodge a formal written complaint online at the Office of Fair Trading or by calling 13 13 04.
Last reviewed: 29 September 2009
