Legal responsibilities and DRS policies
Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd (DRS) is a controlled entity of Deakin University.
Legal responsibilities
DRS collects your personal and health information for the primary purpose of assessing your application to live in a residence on Deakin University campus. If your application is successful, your information will be collected and used to administer your residency, for purposes related to your health and welfare and to the security and safety of you and other residents. DRS shares your information with and collects information from Deakin University for these same purposes. If you are a Deakin College student, DRS will also share information with and collect information from Deakin College. DRS manages the personal and health information it holds, including requests from individuals for access to their personal information, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). You have a right to request access to and correction of personal information held by DRS by contacting the DRS Privacy Officer at drsprivacy@deakin.edu.au.
It's important to understand that when accepting an offer from Deakin Residential Services, you are entering into a legal contract. By accepting the offer you are agreeing to and bound by the terms of the Licence Agreement (PDF, 126.9KB), Residential Tenancy Agreement, Resident’s Handbook (PDF, 8.7MB) and Community Values for the length of your lease.
If you wish to depart prior to the end date on your Agreement, you will need to complete and submit a Notice to Vacate/Notice to Landlord of Rented Premises to the Residences Office (forms are available at the DRS Reception desk). You must pay all residential fees for the balance of the Term until DRS can find a suitable replacement tenant.
Domestic residents that are under 18 will require their parents / legal guardian to be the signatory of the Lease Agreement/Residential Tenancy Agreement and may also be asked to complete a Student Management Agreement.
Deakin Residential Services (DRS) is committed to providing an inclusive, safe and healthy environment for all residents. DRS recognises the importance of assistance animals in supporting persons with a disability in their everyday life and acknowledges that a person with a disability is entitled to be accompanied by a trained assistance animal in places where animals would ordinarily be excluded, including residential accommodation. For more information please refer to our Assistance Animals Policy.
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)
The NRAS is an Australian Government initiative that offers affordable housing for low income earners. Studio apartments at the Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool campuses are managed under the NRAS and will only be leased to residents that meet the mandatory NRAS regulations.
This includes supplying full proof of income to the Deakin Residential Services team. You must provide details of your total gross income earned in the 12 months prior to your lease commencement date. Your income must be between $12,500 and $52,795 and cannot exceed $52,795. Any income generated overseas must also be declared. Sources of income can include:
employment
centrelink
scholarships, bursaries or trusts
savings or regular payments from family or guardians.
All income stated must be yours alone. It cannot include the income of parents or partners. However, if you receive financial assistance from parents, guardians or family members (i.e. for food, rent, clothing, entertainment, living expenses, etc) you must declare this as income received. This includes any contributions or full payment of rent on your behalf.
Under NRAS regulations priority must also be given to Australian citizens. This means international students may not be eligible at some campuses where demand is high.
It is a legal requirement under NRAS regulations that Deakin Residential Services are able to verify gross income of all tenants. Should you receive an offer of accommodation, you will be required to provide evidence of your income. Deakin Residential Services will also collect further demographic information on your arrival.
For more information on NRAS please refer to the Victorian government housing website.