International students are being overcharged for overcrowded housing in Sydney that in some cases is non-existent.

A report from the University of New South Wales has found overseas students are particularly vulnerable to dodgy landlords because they are unaware of their legal rights.

The report found students paid up front for a room, before arriving in Sydney, to find the room doesn’t even exist.

Landlords were also caught ripping off international students by charging them a much higher bond.

University of New South Wales Human Rights Clinic’s Maria Nawaz tells Natalie Peters and Erin Molan there needs to be more quality affordable housing.

“We need a holistic approach… to prevent these problems and make sure international students can call Sydney, a home away from home.

“We need to stamp out the exploitation in the rental market and send a message to rogue landlords that they won’t get away with this behaviour.”

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