Tenant rights & responsibilities by state
Australia's rental laws changed significantly in 2025–26 — no-grounds evictions have ended in several states and rent increases are now capped to once a year in most. Here's what tenants and renters need to know, state by state.
The Short Answer
Each state and territory have their own tenancy law; however, the national direction remains universal for all. No-grounds evictions have ended in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Rent can only rise once a year with prior notice. Apart from these, the bonds need to be lodged with a government authority. It's very important to confirm the current rules with your state's tenancy authority.
Your State-Wise Rights
Choose your State or Territory for a Quick View of the Key Rules in 2026.
New South Wales
Official: NSW Fair TradingIndicative summary reviewed July 2026, based on recent reforms. Rules change and have exceptions — always confirm current details with the official authority linked above before acting.
Rights, Responsibilities & Ending a Tenancy
Rules and responsibilities are applied to both parties: the person who's renting and the landlord. Click on the section that's applicable to you.
- ✓A place to call your home that's safe and well-maintained, and meets the basic living standards.
- ✓Even though you are not the real owner of the house, it's your right to peace and privacy; landlords can't enter your house whenever they wish to; they need to show up with a prior reason and notice for the same.
- ✓In most of the states, the rent can only rise once every 12 months, and it needs to be conveyed to you beforehand.
- ✓The money you gave as a bond is held safely by a government body and given back to you if the condition of the property remains good.
- ✓Your landlord needs to have a genuine reason before ending your rental agreement.
Reforms of 2025-26 Explained
Click on any section for a detailed brief about the changes.
In the past, landlords had the free will to end a periodic tenancy without any reason at all, but in modern times, things are changing across countries, and NSW has stopped allowing no-reason evictions from May 2025, and not just that, but even Victoria did the same from November 2025. Queensland now also requires landlords to give an approved reason. The commonly approved reasons include: if the property is being sold; if the landlord is planning to undergo major renovations; if the owner wants to move into his property; or in case of a broken lease.
FAQs about Tenant Rights
About Our Guide
This is a plain-English summary, last checked in July 2026, based on recent changes to state rental laws. It's meant as general information only — not legal advice. Rental laws are different in each state and change often, so always check the current rules with your official state or territory tenancy authority (linked in the state summary above), or get advice from a tenant support service.
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