Getting started.
For everything tenants need at the beginning of the tenancy.
What documents should I receive at the start of my tenancy?
Does my tenancy agreement need to be in writing?
What information must be included in my lease?
Can a landlord refuse my rental application without telling me why?
How much bond can I be charged?
Who holds my rental bond and how is it lodged?
Can I be charged a holding deposit?
What is a condition report and why is it important?
How long do I have to return the condition report?
Where is my first two weeks rent I paid at the start of my tenancy?
Rent, bond & payments.
For money-related questions during the tenancy.
How often can my rent be increased?
How much notice must I receive for a rent increase?
Can rent be increased during a fixed-term lease?
How are utilities handled?
Can I be charged fees for paying rent?
Can my rent be reduced if part of the property can’t be used?
What is a rent ledger and can I request one?
Can rent increases be backdated?
Can I be charged for water usage?
What happens if I pay rent late?
Repairs, maintenance & safety.
For issues with the property itself.
Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
How quickly must urgent repairs be fixed?
Can I arrange urgent repairs myself?
What is fair wear and tear?
Can a landlord refuse to fix something?
Who is responsible for smoke alarms?
Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
What if the property becomes uninhabitable?
How do I contact you outside of office hours?
Inspections, entry & privacy.
For access to the property and tenant privacy.
When can the agent enter the property?
How much notice is required for inspections?
How often can inspections be done?
Can the landlord enter without notice?
Can trades attend if I’m not home?
What is my right to quiet enjoyment?
Can photos be taken during inspections?
Can I refuse entry?
Changes to the Home & Everyday Living
For things tenants want to do while living there.
Can I make minor changes to the property?
Do I need permission to hang pictures?
Can I keep a pet?
When can a landlord refuse a pet request?
Can I sublet or transfer my lease?
Can extra people move in?
I have a friend who wants to move in. What do I need to do?
I want a pet, what do I need to do?
Can I run a business from home?
Gardens, cleaning & property care.
For upkeep responsibilities.
Who is responsible for garden maintenance?
Who mows the lawn?
Can the landlord require professional gardening?
Do I have to get the property professionally cleaned?
Can I be charged for carpet cleaning?
Ending your tenancy.
For moving out, notice periods and lease ending.
How much notice do I need to give to leave?
How much notice must the landlord give me?
Can my landlord end my tenancy without a reason?
What notice applies at the end of a fixed-term lease?
Can I break my lease early?
What break fee applies in NSW?
Can I be charged re-letting or advertising fees?
What happens if a tenant abandons the property?
What is a termination notice?
Can a tenancy end by agreement?
What if a co-tenant wants to leave?
What happens if a tenant dies?
What happens if the property is sold?
Can I be forced to leave for renovations?
Bond refunds, disputes & support.
For end-of-tenancy money issues and formal processes.
How do I get my bond back?
How long does bond refund take?
Can the landlord claim my bond?
What can legally be deducted from my bond?
Can I claim my bond without landlord approval?
What happens if there is a bond dispute?
How does depreciation work for damage?
Can I be charged for fair wear and tear?
What is NCAT?
When does a matter go to NCAT?
How do I apply to NCAT?
Are NCAT orders enforceable?
What penalties apply for tenancy breaches?
Where can I get reliable tenancy advice?