Accommodation and housing

#InThisTogether

Study NSW has prepared the following resources to assist international students during the COVID-19 pandemic

NSW Government temporary crisis accommodation for international students.

Since June 2020, the NSW Government through Study NSW and Service NSW supported almost 6,400 international students through our $20 million Temporary Crisis Accommodation Scheme.

This measure provided a safe home, comfort and support to international students facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for the scheme closed at 5:00pm, Friday 12 February 2021.

International students who applied before the application closing date were eligible for up to 20 weeks accommodation with our student accommodation and homestay providers.

Accommodation was available for up to 12 weeks initially, with the potential to extend to 20 weeks.

Service NSW administered applications and allocated accommodation to homestay or purpose-built student accommodation providers.

For more information, visit www.study.sydney/programs/covid-19-response-and-resources/accommodation

Accommodation partners

NSW Government moratorium on rental evictions

Australian states and territories will put a six-month moratorium on evictions for both residential and commercial tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tenants and landlords are encouraged to agree on rent relief or temporary amendments to the lease. More information on this is available at https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-statement (Commercial and residential tenancies section).

If you need help to understand your legal situation, contact International Student Legal Service NSW or the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales for free advice.

NSW Fair Trading - Information for tenants

NSW Fair Trading is working closely with stakeholders to monitor the effect COVID-19 is having on consumers and businesses, and will continue to offer as much support and guidance as possible.

The new resource library contains important information, advice and frequently asked questions specifically for international students.

The Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services provides assistance and advocacy to all tenants, including international students.

The NSW Government is introducing an interim 60-day stop on landlords seeking to evict tenants due to rental arrears as a result of COVID-19, together with longer six month restrictions on rental arrears evictions for those financially disadvantaged by COVID-19.

To find your nearest Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, go to www.tenants.org.au or call +612 8117 3700.

International Student Support Network

The Australian Homestay Network has launched an Australia wide program called the International Student Support Network to provide short-term, heavily discounted homestay to eligible international students impacted by the global crisis.

Website: www.homestaynetwork.org/issn

Emergency accommodation for international students

Wayside Chapel

Wayside is open from 9.30-1pm 7 days per week for showers, practical support and takeaway breakfast and lunch. 2pm - 4pm phone outreach only
2pm - 8pm - phone outreach, street reach and home out reach (front yard by referral from day staff)

Website: https://www.waysidechapel.org.au/

Phone: 9581 9100 (Kings Cross) or 9581 9190 (Bondi Beach)

AskIzzy

Ask Izzy is a search tool to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find shelter, food, health and other critical support services.

Website: https://askizzy.org.au

Rough Edges

Rough Edges is a non-government organisation that aims to bring a greater sense of self to everyone who walks through their doors. Opening hours to be confirmed on a daily basis. Please call in advance for take away dinner (7:30pm-8:30pm), case management and counseling.

Website: https://www.roughedges.org/

Phone: 9360 6844

City of Sydney Community Hotline

International students who are facing hardship and located within the City of Sydney Local Government Area are encouraged to call the City of Sydney COVID-19 Community Hotline. City staff are trained to provide information on accommodation, access to food, finance, isolation, personal wellbeing and community support. The Community Hotline is 02 9265 9333 and is open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can also register for their Community Check-in Service and receive a regular call.

Phone: 02 9265 9333