Private Board

This is usually offered as "full board", "board" or "homestay". Families or individuals may offer this type of accommodation. This is where a student has their own bedroom (usually fully furnished) and the use of the other communal living areas. Bathroom facilities are often shared. Full Board normally includes most meals together with the cost of electricity, gas and water. The student usually has to pay separately for telephone calls and internet access.

With homestay accommodation, students are often welcome to join in family activities. The weekly cost ranges between $140 and $290 per week depending on whether or not food is included. A bond is usually required. The bond should be lodged according to the Residential Tenancies Act (see www.taswa.org) even though as a boarder or lodger your are not officially covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. 

Things to consider:

• It is important that the arrangements attached to the provision of the accommodation are clearly outlined before you move in. It is advisable for the agreed conditions to be detailed in a simple written tenancy agreement so there is no misunderstanding or confusion later. A draft agreement form is available from the Housing Officer.

• Specify a time when the rent is due. eg. fortnightly on Monday mornings.

• Get a receipt for all moneys paid to the homeowner. The receipt should show who paid the rent, the date, the rental period it covers and the amount paid.

• It is a good idea to specify what happens during vacation time if you wish to return home. You may be charged the full rate if you are not occupying the room.

• You should also seriously consider arranging for a lock on your bedroom door and you should hold the only key to the lock.  Need to check this with the Owner.

• If the person you are planning to board with the Owners of the property you may be viewed as a boarder or lodger in the eyes of the legal system and as such you would not be covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). If the person is a tenant themselves but is offering the room on the basis of "Full Board" you may still be viewed as a Boarder or Lodger. Important information on this aspect is available on the Department of Commerce website at www.docep.wa.gov.au

  If a dispute arises the protection offered to a Boarder or Lodger is not as extensive as that offered to a tenant under the RTA. If you need more information on this issue you may contact the Tenants Advice Service or the Housing Officer.