Frequently asked questions

If the payment is made in cash the owner (proprietor/landlord) must give you a receipt immediately. If the payment is made in a form other than cash a receipt must be given within five days. However, if the payment is made into a bank account kept by the owner (proprietor /landlord) or their agent, a receipt does not have to be given.

When you move into a property the landlord must provide you with two copies of a completed inspection sheet. This sheet will indicate the condition of the property. You should check the inspection sheet and note any areas where you disagree with the landlord's assessment of the property. Make sure that you note these changes on both copies of the inspection sheet, and then give one copy to the landlord. It is important for you to have this record as you may need it at the end of the tenancy if there is a dispute about the condition of the property.

We do not inspect the properties listed or interview the people advertising on the Rental Database. You will need to make your own enquiries about the suitability of the property, housemates and landlord.

Contact Accommodation Services team if you would like to discuss your options.

Do not pay any money until you have thoroughly inspected the property. Do not pay any money unless you are satisfied that the agreement is genuine. Make sure that you get a receipt for money paid. We strongly advise against sending money overseas.

We strongly advise that you use written agreements in English. This prevents disputes about the agreement and what is included in the rent. Download a standard Residential Tenancy or Rooming House agreement.

Receipts are a legal requirement. If you are paying your rent with cash, always make sure that you get a receipt in English immediately.

Apply to Housing SA and Centrelink for assistance with your bond and rent.

Adelaide University Accommodation Service

In South Australia, the maximum bond a landlord can request under a residential tenancy agreement depends on the weekly rent amount:

• For rent of $800 or less per week: The maximum bond is equivalent to four weeks’ rent.
• For rent exceeding $800 per week: The maximum bond is equivalent to six weeks’ rent.

For rooming houses, the maximum bond a proprietor can request is up to two weeks’ rent. 

It's important to note that landlords must lodge any bond they receive with Consumer and Business Services (CBS) through the Residential Bonds Online (RBO) system within 2 weeks of receiving it.

These limits apply to residential tenancy agreements entered into on or after 1 April 2023. For agreements made before that date, previous thresholds may still apply.  

If you believe a landlord has requested a bond exceeding these limits, you can seek assistance from Consumer and Business Services by calling 131 882 or visiting their official website.

In South Australia, the main difference between a residential tenancy agreement and a rooming house agreement lies in the nature of the accommodation and the level of control the resident has over the premises.

A residential tenancy agreement is used when a person rents an entire property, such as a house, apartment, or unit, and has exclusive possession of the premises. This means the tenant has full control over who enters the property and how it is used. These agreements are typically more formal and are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. Landlords can request a bond of up to four weeks’ rent if the weekly rent is $800 or less, or up to six weeks’ rent if the rent exceeds $800. Tenants are usually responsible for their own utilities, and rental payments are often made fortnightly or monthly. These arrangements are suited to longer-term living.

In contrast, a rooming house agreement applies when a person rents a room within a property—such as a boarding house or student accommodation—and shares facilities like bathrooms and kitchens with others. In these situations, the resident does not have exclusive possession of the premises, meaning they cannot control who else lives in or enters the property. The proprietor (landlord) may provide additional services such as cleaning, meals, or linen, and the agreement may be more flexible and short-term. The bond is capped at two weeks’ rent, and rent is often paid weekly. These arrangements are governed by specific provisions in the same legislation (Part 4A of the Residential Tenancies Act) but are generally simpler and less formal than full tenancy agreements.

This is a free service aimed at helping Adelaide University students find suitable, affordable accommodation. We simply require you to comply with relevant laws, including the Residential Tenancies laws.

The University requires providers to comply with all relevant laws, such as the Residential Tenancy Act 1995 and local council by-laws. We recommend that you contact the helpful Consumer and Business Services (Tenancies) and your local council for free advice.

Generally, international and interstate students prefer furnished accommodation, but some students may have their own furniture.

We cannot advise you on the rent. However, most students are on low budgets and want clean, affordable properties in reasonably convenient locations. Consider the facilities which you are providing and take a look at other advertisements on the Rental Database.

Bonds for residential tenancies and rooming houses must be lodged. The process is quite simple. Just lodge it using the free  Residential Bonds Online Service or complete the bond lodgement form and send it to Consumer and Business Services.

Here is some useful information regarding your income tax rights and responsibilities.

Appropriate landlord's insurance is a great way to protect yourself against damage to your property, loss of rent, etc. It's also tax-deductible. Definitely a good idea! Shop around for a suitable option.

The Rental Database is a free internet-based service. All advertisements are to be submitted online only. If you do not have access to the internet at home, you could visit our Accommodation Service on campus for seeking assistance.

You can choose whether the student rings or emails you. It is up to you to screen the student for suitability.

Once your vacancy has been filled, you will need to close your listing.

Simply sign in, select Go to your dashboard, select your listing and click on the Close Now button.

Your listing will remain on your dashboard, so you can re-activate it later.

Simply sign in and select Go to your dashboard. Select your listing and click on Make changes.

Any changes will be subject to approval, but in the meantime, the previous version of your listing will remain visible.

Once it has been approved, your listing will be available for viewing for 4 weeks. You will receive an email a few days before the end of this period, giving you the option of re-listing your vacancy.

Please remember to close your listing as soon as the vacancy has been filled. Simply click on the blue Close now button.

Simply sign in, select Go to your dashboard.  Select your listing, check the details and then relist it.