This Chinese international student, who doesn't want to be identified, had no idea of her rights when it came finding a house in Australia.
When she arrived to study English two years ago she found in an informal sub-let online, with other international students.
She says she was told the lease covered all the bills, but was later hit with a $400 power bill.
She was later told she had to vacate the property by the end of the day when she refused to sign a lease extension.
Her experience is not uncommon.
A new report by the University of New South Wales has found international students are facing widespread exploitation in tight housing markets, such as Sydney.
Director of the University of New South Wales Human Rights Clinic, Bassina Farbenblum, says students are rarely aware of their rights.
The report identifies key issues facing international students in the housing market.
They include bond issues, scams, lack of written agreements, unfair eviction, poor living conditions and racial discrimination.
Overcrowding is another major concern.
An SBS World News investigation last year found international students in Sydney living in extremely overcrowded accommodation, with up to 10 people in a two-bedroom apartment.
The University of New South Wales report has found international students are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to the high cost of living in Sydney and a lack of knowledge about tenant rights and protections in Australia.
Ms Farbenblum says universities, along with all levels of government, need to address the issue.
