House Rules

These House Rules are to be read in conjunction with the prescribed house rules set out in Schedule 5 of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulations 2009.

Behaviour

Townsville Uni Houses prides itself on its hands-off approach to the management of our off-campus student accommodation. We base this approach on the trust we place in resident behaviour. At all times residents must act respectfully to each other and to the facilities we provide. If there is disagreement or conflict that can’t be resolved between residents in the first instance, then we will assist with mediation.

Guests

Guests are to abide by the House Rules and remain the responsibility of the host resident at all times.

Cleaning

Residents are responsible for cleaning their rooms and keeping the common areas tidy.

Waterproof mattress protectors are provided at the commencement of each tenancy and are to always remain on mattresses.

Kitchen waste and recycle bins should be emptied regularly. Bin liners/bags should be used with the kitchen waste bin and tied off tightly when transferring to the outside red-lidded wheelie bin. Adherence to these practices will reduce the risk of maggots inside and outside.

Wheelie bin collection day is Mondays:

  • Weekly: Red lidded ‘waste’ bin
  • Fortnightly: Yellow lidded ‘recycling’ bin

Parking

There is no priority placed on the garage parking provided. In determining shared use, residents are to come to an appropriate arrangement between themselves.

Affixing to walls or ceilings

Removable adhesive wall hooks, such as the 3M Command brand sold at Bunnings or Officeworks, are the only approved method for affixing items to walls within our houses. Once installed they are not to be removed by residents, even when vacating.

If tenants are staying on for more than one academic year, we may renew existing adhesive wall hooks at our own expense to avoid potential future wall damage from the adhesive going ‘hard.’

Utilities and services

Our weekly rent pricing is based on reasonable air conditioner use. Residents are to ensure that air conditioners are turned off when they are not in the house. Excessive use of the air conditioners may incur a fee.

Water restrictions are common in Townsville and residents should ensure their behaviour is compliant. Current restrictions can be found on the Townsville City Council website.

Yard maintenance is conducted by the provider with the frequency being dependent on seasonal growth.

Maintenance

Please report all repairs and maintenance within your room or the common areas via email or SMS at your earliest convenience. We believe in fair wear and tear, and we understand that accidents do happen.

Urgent repairs and maintenance should be reported immediately via phone/SMS and include, but are not limited to:

  • Internal water leaks (e.g taps, basin drains, washing machines, fridges etc)
  • External water leaks (e.g broken sprinklers, burst irrigation lines, damaged water meters)
  • Electrical faults/loss of power
  • Non-functioning, faulty, or damaged smoke alarms

Residents are not permitted to attempt any repairs, maintenance, or install any plumbed appliances (e.g dishwashers).

House access – Residents

Residents are provided a key or set of keys at the commencement of their tenancy. Keys are not to be lent out and no copies are to be cut. For security reasons, keys are not to be labelled in any way that might link lost keys to the house.

In the event of an accidental lockout, external key safes are provided. If utilised, residents are to ensure they immediately return the keys to the external safes so they are available for future use.

Lockouts requiring our attendance may be charged a fee of up to $100, depending on the situation.

Lost keys/garage remotes are to be reported immediately. Replacement items will be charged a fee of up to $20 per key and $80 per garage remote.

House access – Provider

Common Areas Access – Whilst rooming accommodation guidelines allow provider access to common areas without notice, we will always attempt to provide advanced notice to all residents. Entry will always be via the front door. We will knock twice and, if no one attends, upon entry we will announce our arrival.

Room Access – On the rare occasions we need to access resident rooms, the following minimum notice periods apply:

  • General Inspection – 48 hours
  • Scheduled repairs and maintenance – 24 hours
  • Urgent repairs – Without notice however we will always attempt to raise the resident via mobile phone prior to entry.

In accordance with guidelines, the above notice periods may be waived if the resident agrees.  

Animals

No pets/animals permitted.

Smoking

No smoking or vaping inside or immediately outside the house.

Security

Townsville has a high crime rate, particularly break-ins and car theft. Our houses are fitted with the security measures required to protect you and your belongings, however, they rely on residents practicing good security behaviour. Most break-ins are opportunistic in nature and so to reduce the vulnerability residents are to complete the following:

  • Every time they leave the house:
    • Ensure all doors to their room and common areas are closed and locked.
    • If exiting via the garage, ensure the garage is closed after vacating.
  • Every evening prior to retiring:
    • Check all cars are locked whether parked inside or outside.
    • Ensure all doors are locked, especially all deadbolts (where fitted). Lock all screen doors with the key (acts as deadlock) rather than the manual locking toggle.
    • Ensure external sensor lights are on (they have day/night sensors so can be left always on).
    • Ensure the garage door is closed.

Should a break-in occur and it is determined that residents had neglected to practice good security behaviour, they may be liable for costs incurred by the provider to replace or repair, lost or damaged property.

Stolen keys are to be reported immediately and, depending on the situation, the resident may be liable for the costs incurred by the provider in changing house locks.

Contents insurance

We cannot insure contents that belong to another person and will not be responsible for any property loss or damage suffered whilst you are a resident no matter the cause.

Fire safety

Our houses have hardwired, battery back-up, interconnected smoke alarm systems in accordance with Queensland Government legislation. Upon activation, the fitted smoke alarm systems do not automatically elicit a response from local fire authorities. Residents must call 000 in the event of a fire.

Residents are not to interfere with smoke alarm systems or block potential exits or exit pathways.

Residents are not to leave heat sources such as candles, incense sticks, irons, hair straighteners, BBQs, or electric heaters unattended. Cooking is only to be done in the kitchen.

Extended period away

If the resident is intending to be away from the house for an extended period, they are to ensure the following is completed prior to their departure:

  • Lights, fans, and air-conditioning in their room are switched off.
  • The room is clean and tidy, with the rubbish bin empty.
  • Windows are closed in case of rain.
  • The room is locked.
  • Any perishables in the refrigerator or pantry are disposed of appropriately.

Vacating

When vacating, residents are to ensure they:

  • Take all their belongings with them. Any items left in rooms or common areas will be disposed of as we see fit. If excessive, charges may apply for disposal.
  • Leave their keys, garage remote, and external key safe in the room desk drawer.
  • Securely lock the room on departure.
  • Update their mailing address or set up a mail redirection service with Australia Post. Mail will not be forwarded or returned to the sender.

Version 1 – 13 Sep 23