Yarrka Barring - First Nations Renting and Consumer Rights Guidance 

When you enter a rental property, you should be provided with a ‘Renters Guide’ from either your property manager or your rental provider. This guide will provide information on moving in, what to do if there are issues while you are renting, and moving out.

• When you are starting a new rental agreement, you will probably be asked to pay a bond. For more information on bonds, go to Bond.
• Rental providers must ensure their rental property meets the rental minimum standards. For all details on minimum standards, go to Rental properties minimum standards.
• In Victoria, it is against the law to stop people from renting a property based on race or cultural background. For more information on discrimination in renting, go to Unlawful discrimination in renting.
• There are rules for who pays for utilities and services such as electricity, gas, water, phone and internet. For more information, go to Setting up and paying for utilities, phone and internet in rental properties.

Find all of our Renting information.

For all renting documents that you can use during your rental agreement, go to Forms and publications.

• If you find an issue with a product or service you have paid for, you may be covered under Australian Consumer Law.
• There is a difference between a fault with a product or service and just changing your mind on a product or service.
• To see all our shopping information, including refunds and returns, go to Products and services.
• Go to our Bag searches section to know your rights when asked for your bag to be checked.

Contracts

It’s OK to say no to a salesperson at your door or to walk away without signing a contract.

It can be hard to read all the terms and conditions listed, but you should never feel pressured into signing a contract if you don’t have all the information you want or are not sure.

• Door-to-door sales
• Contracts
• Mobile phone contracts
• Phone contracts and charges - Australian Communications and Media Authority website

• Buying a car is a big financial decision. It’s important to do your research beforehand and know your rights.
• Consider vehicle safety, safety ratings and child restraints in your choice of a car, as well as the sale cost and the costs of repairing and maintaining it.
• When buying a used car, ask to see the registration history and service logbook.
• When buying a vehicle from a dealership, you can ask to test drive it to ensure that it does not have any mechanical issues. Also make sure you get all the documents you have a right to, read them carefully and ask as many questions as you like. Take your time with the purchase.
• If you buy a car that breaks down or doesn’t work, speak directly to the dealership you bought the car from first or contact us for help. You have the right to a repair, refund or replacement in some cases, whether or not the car was new or used.
• You have fewer protections and rights when buying a car in a private sale so be careful.

For more information about buying a car please go to these pages:

• Buying a new car 
• Buying a used car

Find our cars information, including more on maintenance and repairs.