Young consumers

On this page:

• Information and advice
• Resolving problems
• More resources

This page includes information, advice and links for young people, about shopping and renting rights, buying a car, avoiding scams, resolving problems and starting a business. 

Information and advice

Shopping

• Businesses that sell products and services in Australia must meet the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. Consumer guarantees are rights that all consumers have when they buy products and services, and this law applies all over the country. View our Consumer guarantees that apply automatically page.
• If you buy something that does not meet the consumer guarantees, you may be able to get a refund, repair or replacement. View our Products and services section.
• When you buy things online, you have the same rights as when you buy things in-store. View our Online shopping section.
• Find out your rights when you buy something on lay-by, or receive a gift card or voucher. View our Lay-bys page and our Gift vouchers and gift cards page.
• Never sign a contract you do not understand. View our Contracts section.

Renting

• Thinking of renting a property? Find out the different types of rental agreements out there so you can understand your rights and responsibilities before you move in. View our Types of rental agreements section.
• If you want to apply to rent a property, we have information on preparing rental applications, calculating rent and more. View our Applying for a rental property or room section.
• A rental agreement, or lease, is a legally binding contract. There is no cooling-off period and you must pay rent on time for the duration of the agreement. For information on what you should know before entering into a rental agreement, view our Beginning a lease or residency section.
• You have rights and responsibilities while you are a tenant. To learn more about these, view our During a lease or residency section.
• If you have decided to end the rental agreement, there are certain rules you must follow. View our Ending a lease or residency section.
• A bond is a security deposit, usually equivalent to one month's rent, that the landlord must lodge with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority. When you leave the property, you get the bond back unless you, or anyone you invite over, damages the property. In this case, the landlord can keep some or all of your bond to cover the damages. Do you have a question about your bond? Search our rental bond information.

Motor cars

• In the market for new wheels? Read our information on Buying a used car.
• To find out what you need to know before selling your car, including roadworthy certificates and transferring registration, view our Selling a car page.
• When you hire a car, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. To find out how to protect yourself when hiring a car, view our Car hire page.
• Before you park in a private car park, always check signage for the terms and conditions. View our Parking payment notices in private car parks page.

Scams

• Meet Stevie. He's an ex-scammer who has all the goss on how scams work. Watch Stevie's videos.