What Rights Do Renters Have in Australia?

Repairs and maintenance are the landlord's responsibility

Your landlord must keep the property in a fit state for you to live in. This includes fixing structural problems, ensuring utilities work (heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical), and maintaining things like locks, windows, and weatherproofing. If something breaks and it's not your fault, the landlord must fix it within a reasonable timeframe (usually days, not weeks, depending on urgency).

Report repairs in writing (email is fine) and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't respond or fixes it only after delay, you may have options to get it fixed yourself and recover the cost, or claim compensation—but rules differ by state. Check your state's tenancy authority for the exact process.

The landlord must give notice before entering

In all states, a landlord cannot simply let themselves in. They must give you notice in advance—typically 7 to 14 days, depending on your state—and enter only for legitimate reasons: inspections, repairs, or showing the property to new tenants. Emergency repairs (burst pipe, gas leak) may allow shorter notice. Always check your state's rules for the exact notice period and which days/times are reasonable.

Entry without proper notice is a breach of your rights and can be reported to the state tenancy authority.

Rent can only increase by a set amount and frequency

Landlords cannot raise rent on a whim. All states cap how often rent can increase (usually no more than once per year) and often cap how much it can increase. The allowable amount is usually set by a percentage linked to inflation or a tribunal-set benchmark. You must be given notice in advance—typically 30 to 90 days—before any increase takes effect.

If a rent increase is above the legal cap or without proper notice, you can dispute it with your state's tenancy authority. Know your local cap before you sign a lease, and check every rent increase notice you receive.

Notice periods to end a tenancy

Both you and the landlord must give notice to end a tenancy. A landlord cannot just ask you to leave without notice—they must give you a formal termination notice with a specific end date, usually 30 to 60 days away (rules differ by state and by reason for ending the tenancy). If they want to end the lease without cause, the notice period is longer; if you've breached the lease, it may be shorter.

You must also give notice if you want to leave. Failing to give proper notice can leave you liable for rent through the rest of the lease term.

The move-in condition report protects your bond

At the start of the tenancy, you and the landlord (or agent) must complete a condition report. Take photographs or video of the entire property—every wall, floor, appliance, and piece of furniture—to document what was already damaged or worn. This is your protection: at the end of the tenancy, the landlord cannot claim those pre-existing marks are your damage and deduct from your bond.

If the landlord's end-of-tenancy claim includes deductions you disagree with, you have the right to dispute it through your state's tenancy authority.

Your bond is held by the government, not the landlord

Your rental bond (security deposit) must be lodged with a government authority within about 10 days of move-in. It is not kept by the landlord or agent. At the end of the tenancy, if there's no unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear, your bond is refunded. Disputes over deductions go to the state tenancy authority or tribunal.

Rules differ by state—check with the relevant authority:
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading — Rental Bonds Online
- VIC: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- SA: Consumer and Business Services
- WA: Consumer Protection — the Bond Administrator
- TAS / ACT / NT: your state or territory authority

Know your state's rules and get help if you need it

Tenant rights are set by each state's residential tenancies law and enforced by the state authority. Specific notice periods, rent-increase caps, repair timelines, and dispute processes all differ. When you arrive, check your state's tenancy authority website and bookmark it—you'll want it if a problem arises.

If a landlord breaches your rights, you can lodge a complaint with your state's authority, which can investigate and order the landlord to fix the breach. Many states also offer free phone advice to tenants.

What should I photograph when I move in?

Photograph the entire property: all walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, locks, appliances, fixtures, and any furniture provided. Take clear, well-lit photos of any pre-existing damage, stains, or wear. These photographs protect your bond by proving you are not responsible for damage that was already there.

Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want?

No. All states cap both the frequency (usually once per year) and the amount of rent increases. The legal increase amount is often linked to inflation or set by a tribunal. Your landlord must also give you advance notice—typically 30 to 90 days—before any increase. Check your state's cap before signing a lease and challenge any increase that breaks the rules.

What if my landlord enters without proper notice?

This is a breach of your rights. Contact your state's tenancy authority and lodge a complaint. The authority can investigate and order the landlord to stop.

Can I get my bond back if the property has normal wear and tear?

Yes. Your bond must be refunded if there is no unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Fair wear and tear includes minor marks, faded paint, or worn carpet. Damage caused by you—holes in walls, broken fixtures, large stains—may lead to deductions. If you disagree with deductions, dispute them with your state's tenancy authority.

What if the landlord doesn't do repairs?

Report the repair need in writing (email is fine). If they don't respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually days for urgent issues like plumbing), contact your state's tenancy authority for advice on your options. You may be able to get the repair done yourself and recover the cost, or apply for compensation.

How much notice must my landlord give to end the lease?

Typically 30 to 60 days, but it depends on your state and the reason. A landlord must use a formal termination notice—they cannot just ask you to leave. Check your state's rules for the exact notice period and process.