Whether you’re a newbie tenant, landlord, or a veteran on the rental scene, it’s good to know your rights – particularly if you’re dealing with property outside of your home state.
“You’re entering into a legal agreement with the lease so you need to make sure you understand what that entails,” says Michelle Valentic of Advantage Property Consulting.
Valentic says the biggest difference in rights between Australian states is the notice to leave period both on the renter’s side and on the landlord’s – some states only require a small number of days, while others could be as many as 120 days.
Tenants are becoming more cognisant of their rights, says Valentic. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
For renters, Valentic says knowing your rights is especially important when handling owners who self-manage, and therefore might not understand the rules that are in place.
“Maintenance is a big issue,” she says. “A lot of owners think they can say no to maintenance. But they need to provide the property at a level that the tenant can use everything.”
If property owners consider landlord Insurance with Terri Scheer, from just as Iittle as $1 a day, they’ll be protected against loss caused by a tenant.
Landlords need to have written permission to come into a property. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
So what are landlord and tenant rights in different states? Here’s a brief overview:
Australian Capital Territory
- Bond is four weeks’ rent.
- One month’s rent is paid in advance.
- Rent increases aren’t permitted for the first year of the lease.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is anywhere from 14 days to 26 weeks.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in ACT.
New South Wales
- Bond is four weeks’ rent.
- Two weeks’ rent is paid in advance.
- Rent increases for fixed terms over two years are permitted
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is 60 days.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in NSW.
Victoria
- Bond is four weeks’ rent if less than $350/week. Unlimited bond if more than $350/week.
- Rent increases must be six months apart.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is 90 days.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in VIC.
Tasmania
- Bond is four weeks’ rent.
- One month’s rent is paid in advance.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is 14 to 28 days.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in TAS.
South Australia
- Bond is four to six weeks’ rent + two weeks’ advance.
- Rent increases must be six months apart.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy can be as little as 42 days.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in SA.
Western Australia
- Bond can be unlimited + two weeks’ advance rent – if weekly rent is over $500 and the owner was living in the property for the previous three months.
- Rent increases must be six months apart.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is 60 days.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in WA.
Queensland
- Bond is four weeks’ rent if rent is less than $500/week. Bond can be unlimited if rent is more than $500/week.
- Rent increases must be six months apart.
- Notice for a landlord to end tenancy is two months.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in QLD.
Northern Territory
- Bond is four weeks.
- Rent increases must be six months apart.
Click here for more information on tenant and landlord rights in NT.
