Tenancy laws vary significantly between Australian states and territories. However, all jurisdictions provide basic protections around rent, repairs, privacy and eviction notices.
Your lease and your rights
Whether you have a written lease or a verbal agreement, you have legal rights as a tenant. Your landlord or agent must follow specific rules about rent increases, entry to the property, maintenance responsibilities and ending a tenancy.
Keep a copy of your lease and any correspondence. Take photographs of the property at the start and end of the tenancy.
Always put repair requests in writing
Written requests create a record. If the issue is urgent and the landlord cannot be reached, you may have the right to arrange emergency repairs — check your state's rules.
Repairs and maintenance
Landlords are generally responsible for ensuring the property is in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. Urgent repairs (such as burst pipes, dangerous electrical faults, or broken locks) must be addressed promptly. Non-urgent repairs should be reported in writing.
Questions to ask before taking action
Is the rent increase valid? Rent increases must follow specific rules about timing, notice periods and amounts.
Has the landlord given proper notice? Different notice periods apply depending on the reason and your state's laws.
Is the property in reasonable repair? Landlords must maintain the property to a minimum standard of habitability.
Is your bond protected? Bonds must be lodged with the relevant authority in your state or territory.
Free resource
Prepare with the Rights Checklist
Use our checklist to organise the facts and supporting documents before you write.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Know Your Rights Group is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice for your specific situation.