Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter is an excellent way to start when you are looking to resolve a problem with your tenancy. These fact sheets and checklists may help you resolve the issue.

Please note

1. These fact sheets provide general information that is not intended to provide or replace legal advice about your particular circumstances.
2. While changes were made to the Residential Tenancy Act effective 1 July 2013, some of the old laws may actually still apply to you. If you entered into a lease prior to 1 July 2013, the old laws may still be valid. In which case we strongly encourage you to get appropriate legal/tenancy advice from our advice line or your local tenancy service.

Starting a Tenancy

• Property Checklist - A list of things to look for when you’re viewing rental properties.
• Making an Application - Everything you need to know about applying for a rental property.
• Starting a Tenancy - A summary of the process of renting your home.
• Tenant's Checklist - Handy tips so you know what to expect and you cover all the steps.
• Sharing the Rent - Sharing the Rent – Understand what house-sharing means for your legal rights and responsibilities.
• Residential Tenancy Databases - Landlords and property managers use these to check your rental history.
• Security Bonds - Information on bonds, with a handy checklist.
• Property Condition Report - When you move in and out of a rental property you have to complete this report.
• Rent and Fees - Explains all the fees you will be up for when you rent your home.

During a Tenancy

• Rent Increases - Helps you understand the process.
  • Template letters: 
    • Request for rent reduction
    • Request for rent reduction after excessive increase
• Getting Behind in Your Rent - What steps you can take to try to avoid having your lease terminated.
• Maintenance and Repairs - Who is responsible for what.
  • Template letters:
    • Request for maintenance – non urgent
    • Request for maintenance – urgent 24 hours
    • Request for maintenance – urgent 48 hours
    • Request for reimbursement
    • Request for compensation
• Mould - If you have mould in your rental home, find out who is responsible and what to do.
• Security and Safety - Covers house security, safety switches and smoke alarms.
• Privacy - Find out what your rights are for landlords entering your rental property.
• Utilities - Information on services to your home such as gas, electricity, water and sewerage.

Ending a Tenancy

• Ending Your Tenancy - The steps to take to end your rental.
• Renting a Home That's up for Sale - Information on how you are affected if the home you rent is being sold.
• Breaking Your Lease - What to do if you want to move out before the time is up on your lease.
• Being Evicted - Understanding your rights when your Landlord terminates your rental agreement.
• Abandoned Property and Goods - What happens if you’ve left things behind.
• Getting Back Your Bond - Information on getting back your security bond when you move out.
  • Template letter:
    • Request for lessor to complete bond disposal form
• Getting Illegally Locked out of Your Home - Information on getting back your security bond when you move out.

Going to Court to Resolve a Rental Issue

• Before Applying to Court - Things to consider to help you decide on going to Court.
• Applying to the Magistrates Court- The process of applying to go to Court and what it all costs.
• Preparing to go to Court - Helpful information to help you prepare to go to Court.
• Court Process - What to expect when you go to Court.

General information

• The Residential Tenancies Act - Your rights and responsibilities are explained in this Act
• Natural Disasters and Renting - What happens if the home you rent is damaged in a natural disaster