Last updated 2 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Claim Done team · Not legal advice

Tenant Rights in Australia — Complete Guide by State

As a tenant, you have significant legal protections in Australia under state and territory residential tenancy legislation. Here is what you are entitled to — and what to do when those rights are not respected.

Rights that apply in every Australian state

• Written tenancy agreement — you are entitled to a written lease, signed by both parties, before you move in
• Bond lodgement — your bond must be lodged with the relevant state authority within a set period, not held by the landlord
• Entry notice — the landlord must give proper notice before entering the property (how much notice depends on the reason for entry and your state; in New South Wales, for example, at least 7 days’ written notice for an inspection and 2 days for necessary repairs, and none for urgent repairs or emergencies)
• Condition report — an ingoing condition report must be prepared and given to you at the start of the tenancy
• Urgent repairs — landlord must fix urgent repairs promptly (burst pipes, broken security locks, dangerous conditions)
• Non-urgent repairs — landlord must fix non-urgent repairs within a reasonable time after written notice
• Quiet enjoyment — you have the right to occupy the property without interference
• Bond return — at the end of the tenancy, your bond must be returned unless the landlord has a valid claim for damage or arrears

Rights by state

Bond not returned — what to do

1. Request the bond in writing — cite the relevant tenancy act and give a 7-day deadline
2. If the landlord does not respond or disputes the return, apply to the relevant bond authority or tribunal
3. A written request citing the tenancy legislation is a useful record if the matter goes to a hearing (End-of-Lease Bond Dispute Letter)

Urgent repairs not being done — what to do

If your landlord refuses to carry out urgent repairs, you may be entitled to arrange the repairs yourself (up to a specified amount) and be reimbursed by the landlord; in New South Wales, up to $1,000, paid back within 14 days. Check your state’s tenancy legislation for the specific amount and procedure.

Start a Tenant Repair/Breach Notice

Tenant rights by state

Rights landlords cannot remove

These protections apply regardless of what your lease says — any clause attempting to waive them is void:

• Right to a property that is fit to live in (for example, working plumbing and reasonably clean on move-in)
• Right to quiet enjoyment — landlords must give notice before entering, except in an emergency
• Right to bond lodgement — bond must be lodged with the state bond authority, not kept by the landlord
• Protection against retaliatory eviction — in several states a tribunal can refuse to end a tenancy that was ended because you asked for repairs or exercised your rights
• Right to end tenancy with proper notice — protected from sudden lockouts or service disconnection

What to do when your rights are violated

1. Document everything — take photos, keep all communication in writing
2. Put it in writing — a formal notice puts the issue on record (Claim Done: Tenant Repair/Breach Notice)
3. Contact your state tenancy authority — many offer free dispute resolution services
4. File with the tribunal — check your tribunal’s current application fee

Start a bond dispute letter →