Terms and conditions

Unistays Terms and conditions

Unistays.scu.edu.au (Unistays) enables members of the public to list available properties (Accommodation Providers) and University students, staff and others to seek available properties (Applicants).

Use of the Unistays.scu.edu.au website is at the sole and absolute discretion of Southern Cross University (‘University’) and is subject to the following terms and conditions.

     1. General 

1.1  Messages and other website content (Content) [HC1][LE2]posted on Unistays are moderated by University staff. Content may be accessed, read, and permanently stored by the University to protect the safety and security of the Unistays website and its users. Content that does not comply with the Unistays terms and conditions, or which is the subject of a substantiated complaint from other website users, may be removed. Your account may also be terminated.

1.2  University staff will not enter into negotiations with Accommodation Providers or Applicants in relation to accommodation listed on Unistays.

1.3  Accommodation must be offered in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), the Boarding Houses Act 2012 (NSW), the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD), and any other relevant legislation relating to accommodation standards, rental agreements and bond payments in the relevant State.

1.4   Prior to entering into an agreement to rent accommodation, the University strongly recommends that all parties familiarise themselves with their legal rights and responsibilities. Information can be obtained from the NSW Department of Fair Trading and/or Tenants Union NSW, or the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority and/or  Tenants Queensland.

       2. Information for Applicants

2.1  The accommodation listed on this site, and the links to other websites, is not endorsed, offered, or inspected by, the University.

2.2  The University makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability of any accommodation or accommodation provider listed on the site, nor does the University accept any liability in relation to or arising out of any arrangement or contract entered into by Applicants in respect of the provision of off-campus accommodation by third parties.

2.3   The University may in its absolute discretion, refuse or remove access to UniStays for reasons[LE3] including, but not limited to, information or a complaint about inappropriate prior behaviour.

     3. Information for Accommodation Providers

3.1  Accommodation can be listed on the Unistays website free of charge. Advertisements may be edited at the discretion of the University.

3.2  The University may in its absolute discretion, refuse or remove a listing for any reason, including, but not limited to, information or a prior complaint about the suitability of accommodation or practices undertaken by an Accommodation Provider, or listings that appear to be discriminatory.

3.3   Listings that offer work, or any other form of duty or inducement to Applicants, in lieu of rent will not be approved.

3.4    Listings expire after two weeks. An automatic email reminder will be sent to the Accommodation Provider approximately four days prior to expiry, providing the option to extend the listing for another two weeks. If the email is not responded to, the listing will close on the expiry date.

3.5   Accommodation Providers should make their own enquiries as to the authenticity of an Applicant’s claim to be an SCU student, and should ensure the security of their information (including financial information) at all times.

3.6    The University provides no guarantee that tenants will be secured as a result of listing a property on Unistays, nor does the University accept any liability in relation to or arising out of any arrangement or contract in respect of the provision of off-campus accommodation to students or other persons by third parties.

     4. Accommodation scams

Accommodation Providers may receive text messages or emails from people purporting to be overseas students offering to pay for accommodation in advance and requesting account information. [LE4][HC5][LE6]Students may also be asked to hand over money for what turn out to be fake rental properties. We strongly recommend that you:

1. Satisfy yourself as to the genuineness of any application for accommodation or accommodation being offered, e.g. by requesting evidence that the Applicant is a student or intending student, or ensuring that you view accommodation before providing a deposit or other payment;
2. Ensure your financial information remains secure and do not provide personal information except as required on a Residential Tenancy form; and
3. If you are concerned that an application or an offer of accommodation is not genuine, report it to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), online at Report a Scam or by calling 1300 795 995.