Guides · Australia All guides
Tenant rights in Australia.
A working reference for what this jurisdiction’s residential tenancy law actually requires — the kind of details a lease can’t legally override, and the citations that back them.
Regulator · State-based Consumer Affairs / Fair Trading bodies
General framework
NSW residential tenancies framework. Bond capped at 4 weeks' rent (s.159), held by NSW Fair Trading.
Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) (RTA 2010 (NSW))Victorian framework — bond capped at 1 month's rent (>$900/wk allows higher), lodged with the RTBA. 130+ minimum standards introduced 2021.
Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC) (RTA 1997 (VIC))QLD framework — bond capped at 4 weeks' rent, lodged with the RTA. From 2024: minimum housing standards apply.
Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD) (RTRAA 2008 (QLD))
Things a lease can’t change.
- Most states cap rent increases to once every 12 months (NSW, VIC, QLD as of 2023–24 reforms).
- VIC, QLD, NSW, and TAS now require minimum standards (locks, ventilation, heating, structural soundness).
- VIC, QLD, ACT have abolished no-grounds evictions for periodic tenancies; NSW reforms in progress.
Where to escalate.
Informational, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current text before relying on a citation.