Rights and responsibilities

Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Surf Coast Shire Council have been working together to develop a Code of Conduct for accommodation providers and schoolies in the surf coast area, find out more at http://www.schooliesdownsouth.com.au

Before you sign a contract

When you make a booking, ask for a copy of the accommodation contract and terms and conditions directly from the accommodation provider. Ask about fees and charges, particularly cancellation fees. Don't just rely on what the booking agent says.

Check the contract before you sign. Know ahead of time what's expected of you and your friends e.g. what's acceptable behaviour, how you can be evicted, and how you can resolve potential disputes.

House rules

Most types of accommodation have a set of house rules that state what's expected of guests. It's your responsibility to know the house rules and follow them.

Most rules are fair enough and reflect what would be reasonably expected of any guest. The rules should also explain what happens if a guest breaks the rules and what steps are in place to handle complaints or resolve disputes.

Sometimes you may encounter rules that are unfair, unreasonable or aimed specifically at schoolies or young people. Unfair rules could include things like:

• Extra charges for visitors who are in flats/apartments/rooms outside the 'no visitors' period
• Restrictions that only apply during schoolies week
• Restrictions that don't allow visitors into shared pool or garden areas
• Making tenants liable for any damage even if it was caused by someone not staying at your property
• Allowing for evictions without any warnings
• Allowing for eviction of all tenants, even if only one person has breached the rules
• Making tenants liable for damage even if the damage was a result of wear and tear
• Allowing for random inspections without the consent of tenants

If you encounter any unfair rules, politely question their validity with your agent or the accommodation owner. If rules seem extremely unfair, consider looking for accommodation elsewhere.

Bonds

A real estate agent or property owner can only ask for a bond if every other prospective tenant is also asked for one. Be aware that a bond is not usually necessary for short holidays.

If you have to pay a bond, get a receipt and find out when it will be returned to you and how disputes will be resolved. Also, ask for a condition report specifying the condition of the property before you occupy it.

Check the condition of the property when you arrive and take note of cracks in walls, broken doors/windows and faulty appliances. If you have a digital camera, take photographs. This will help you settle a dispute with the landlord or accommodation provider if one should arise.

House fires

House fires happen everyday.

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm
• Check that it is working by pushing the button
• Replace the battery if necessary
• Identify two ways out of every room
• Never deadlock yourself inside the house

Noise

If you're having a party or even if you're just hanging out in your accommodation with friends, it's important to know the local laws for when you have to turn the music down. Check out the local info in our Getting Organised section for a list of noise restrictions (and other local info) in the main Victorian schoolies hotspots.

Camping

If you're camping it's your responsibility to make sure you have a permit (where necessary) and that you adhere to the campsite rules. Respect your fellow campers and keep the noise levels down.

You must also be aware of campfire regulations and Total Fire Ban days.

Respect and help protect your environment by cleaning up after yourselves. Be aware also that most of the coastal areas enforce a no-glass policy.

Find out more on our Camping page.