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Accommodation

If you’re planning to share accommodation with friends, discuss costs and accommodation house rules before you arrive. It's a good idea to collect everyone's contributions towards accommodation and food before you go. It's also important that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities when renting accommodation during Schoolies.

Before you go

Shop around and compare prices of different accommodation providers

Do the sums on the advertised accommodation at a per person rate.
Ask yourself whether 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.

Check to see if a bond is required, as not every provider charges one

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 tenant is also asked for one.
If you do have to pay a bond, make sure you get a receipt and an indication from the owner about when it will be returned to you and how any disputes will be resolved.
Don’t forget to claim back your bond money when you check-out or as soon as possible after Schoolies.

Know the house rules

Ask for a copy of the accommodation contract from your accommodation provider and check the terms and conditions are acceptable before arriving.
Check that you can reasonably stick to the house rules before you pay your deposit.
Particularly take notice of rules relating to room inspections.

Changes to your booking

If you change or cancel your booking you could face a fee or lose your deposit. Check the booking terms and conditions.
If the agent or owner cancels your booking you should receive all your money back because they have failed to fulfil your accommodation contract.
If you are transferred to lesser accommodation, you should receive compensation equivalent to the difference in accommodation standard.

At Schoolies

Safety and Security

Security to your room is important. Keep the door to your unit locked to keep valuables and money safe.
Room hopping is extremely dangerous. If you hop from balcony to balcony and you fall, you could suffer serious injuries or even die. You may also be evicted.
A "noise abatement" allows police to:
- enter your place without warrant
- request names and addresses
- seize/remove equipment or make it inoperable.
If damage to your accommodation occurs, prompt action is required. Try to resolve disputes about damage with your accommodation provider as they must have a complaints handling process in place.

If you have a dispute

If you have a dispute with the accommodation manager or booking agent, follow these steps:

Step 1: First check your responsibilities under the booking terms and conditions, house rules and/or accommodation agreement.
Step 2: Try and work with the accommodation manager or booking agency to reach an agreement. Accommodation managers must have a complaint handling process in place, and you should immediately lodge a complaint in writing if you feel you have been treated unfairly.
Step 3: Call the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04. You may lodge a formal written complaint online.
Step 4: If an agreement cannot be reached, contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General's Dispute Resolution Branch on 1800 017 288.

Last updated: 27 October 2008