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Tenancy Law by Jurisdiction

Australian tenancy law is state-based. Each of the 8 states and territories has its own legislation, tribunal, and tenancy authority. Choose your jurisdiction below.

NSW

New South Wales

Residential Tenancies Act 2010

Key rules

•No-grounds evictions banned for periodic tenancies
•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•Rent increases: 12-month minimum gap, 60 days notice
•Routine inspections: max 4 per year, 7 days notice

NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)

Guides for NSW NSW Fair Trading

VIC

Victoria

Residential Tenancies Act 1997

Key rules

•No-grounds evictions banned (2021 reforms)
•Bond: 4 weeks if rent ≤ $900/wk; uncapped above
•Routine inspections: 24 hours notice, max twice per year
•Strong minimum standards requirements

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Guides for VIC Consumer Affairs Victoria

QLD

Queensland

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008

Key rules

•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•Pet requests must be responded to within 14 days
•Rent increases: 12 months minimum, 60 days notice
•Mandatory dispute resolution before QCAT in most cases

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

Guides for QLD Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)

Western Australia

Residential Tenancies Act 1987

Key rules

•Bond: 4 weeks unfurnished, 6 weeks furnished or rent >$1,200/wk
•Entry notice: 7–14 days for routine inspections
•Pet bonds permitted (max $260)
•No-grounds evictions still permitted for periodic tenancies

Magistrates Court

Guides for WA Consumer Protection WA

South Australia

Residential Tenancies Act 1995

Key rules

•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•Urgent repairs: essential service failure fixed within 24 hours
•New minimum standards introduced 2024
•90 days notice for no-grounds periodic tenancy termination

South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)

Guides for SA Consumer and Business Services SA

ACT

Australian Capital Territory

Residential Tenancies Act 1997

Key rules

•Australia's only CPI rent cap jurisdiction
•Landlord notice (periodic, no grounds): 26 weeks
•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•8 weeks notice required for rent increases

ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)

Guides for ACT ACT Access Canberra

TAS

Tasmania

Residential Tenancy Act 1997

Key rules

•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•Urgent repairs: 24 hours
•Entry: 24 hours notice for all types of entry
•42 days notice for tenants to vacate periodic tenancy

Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TasCAT)

Guides for TAS Consumer, Building and Occupational Services

Northern Territory

Residential Tenancies Act 1999

Key rules

•Bond maximum: 4 weeks rent
•Entry notice: 4 days
•Urgent repairs: 24 hours
•30 days notice required for rent increases

Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT)

Guides for NT NT Consumer Affairs

Legislation details are verified as at January 2026. Tenancy law changes frequently — always confirm current rules with the relevant state tenancy authority before taking action. All SquareLease calculators and guides are updated when legislation changes.