Tenant rights by state
Reviewed by Rama Dwarapudi on .
Tenant rights are set by each state and territory, and they differ and change often. This page does not list them. It shows the questions to ask, and takes you to the official source for the state where you rent.
Who sets the rules
Where do my rights come from?
Each state and territory has its own tenancy law and its own regulator.
- The rules depend on the state where the home is, not where you live.
- Each regulator below publishes the rules, forms and fact sheets for its state.
- The rules change. Always check the current page, not a copy.
Questions to check
What should I look up?
These are the most common questions. Look up the answers for your state.
- How much bond can be asked for, where is it held, and how is it returned?
- How much rent can be asked for in advance?
- When and how can the rent be put up, and how much notice must you be given?
- What repairs must the landlord do, and how fast, and how do you ask?
- When can the landlord or agent enter the home, and how much notice must they give?
- How can the agreement be ended, by you or by the landlord, and how much notice is needed?
If you disagree
What can I do if there is a problem?
Start by writing to the landlord or agent. If that does not work, your state has a process and a tribunal or court.
- Write down what happened, and keep copies of messages, receipts and photos.
- Ask in writing for what you want, and say by when.
- If it is not fixed, your regulator below explains how to start. Free advice services for tenants can also help.
- Do not stop paying rent without checking the rules for your state first.
Your state or territory tenancy regulator
Tenancy rules are set by each state and territory. Use the official source for the state where the home is.
- New South Wales NSW Fair Trading (start from the renting section) (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Victoria Consumer Affairs Victoria: renting (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (start from the renting section) (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Western Australia WA Consumer Protection (start from the renting section) (official site, opens in a new tab)
- South Australia Consumer and Business Services: renting and letting advice (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Tasmania Service Tasmania: the Rental Guide (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Australian Capital Territory ACT Government: renting in the ACT (official site, opens in a new tab)
- Northern Territory NT Government (search for renting) (official site, opens in a new tab)
Official links last checked on . We do not show limits, notice periods or fees here, because they differ between states and change often.
Next
- Browse properties for rent by state
- Find a real estate agency
- Research the value of an address
- All guides and calculators
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and rates differ by state and territory and change often. Check the official source for your state, and speak to a licensed professional before you decide.
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Disclaimer
Our service utilises AI search capabilities based on publicly available indexed data for non-commercial purposes and testing phase. The above information is an excerpt from publicly available data and may be subject to errors or changes. RealSearch.com.au makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of this data. Please consult the Agency/Agents directly for the most up-to-date information.