Tenant Rights in Australia: What Landlords Can and Cannot Do
Last updated: June 2026
Your Right to a Written Tenancy Agreement
Every state and territory requires landlords to provide a written tenancy agreement (lease) before you move in. The lease sets out the rent, the length of the tenancy, and both parties' obligations.
Rental Bonds
Bonds are capped — generally four weeks' rent for most residential tenancies. Critically, your bond must be lodged with the relevant state authority, not held by the landlord:
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading
- VIC: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- WA: Bond Administrator (Commerce WA)
- SA: Consumer and Business Services
- TAS: Rental Deposit Authority
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord can only claim for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or other unpaid costs you owe.
Repairs and Maintenance
Urgent repairs (burst pipes, no hot water, dangerous electrical faults) — landlords must act immediately. If they cannot be reached, most states let you arrange the repair up to a capped cost and recover it.
Non-urgent repairs — notify your landlord in writing. They have a reasonable period (commonly 14 days) to respond. If not, apply to your state's tenancy tribunal.
Rent Increases
- Rent can only increase once every 12 months
- At least 60 days' written notice required in most states
- Cannot increase during a fixed-term lease unless the agreement explicitly permits it
Landlord Entry
- Routine inspections: 7–14 days written notice; limited to once every 3 months in most states
- Repairs: typically 24–48 hours notice
- Entry without notice only in genuine emergencies
Dispute Resolution
Free tribunals in every state handle tenancy disputes: NCAT (NSW), VCAT (VIC), QCAT (QLD), SACAT (SA), ACAT (ACT), and others.
Key Points
- Bonds are lodged with a government authority, not held by the landlord
- Landlords must fix urgent repairs immediately
- Rent can only increase once every 12 months with proper notice
- Entry requires advance written notice in all but genuine emergencies