How-To Guides for Australian Renters

Step-by-step guides for common rental situations.

Not Legal Advice

The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Tenancy laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. For advice specific to your situation, contact your state tenancy authority or a community legal centre.

Bond

How to Dispute a Bond Claim at Your State Tenancy Tribunal

When a tenancy ends, you are entitled to get your bond back in full unless your landlord or agent can prove a valid reason to make a deduction.

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General

How to Complete a Condition Report

A condition report is the most important document you will sign at the start of a tenancy.

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Repairs

How to Get Your Landlord to Make Repairs

Landlords in all Australian states have a legal obligation to keep rental properties in a reasonable state of repair.

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Bond

How to Identify Fair Wear and Tear vs Damage

One of the most common disputes between tenants and landlords at the end of a tenancy is whether something counts as fair wear and tear or as damage.

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Eviction

How to Break Your Lease Early Without Overpaying

Breaking a fixed-term lease before the end date is not ideal, but life circumstances sometimes make it necessary.

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Repairs

How to Handle Mould in Your Rental Property

Mould is one of the most common and frustrating issues Australian renters face, particularly in older properties with poor ventilation or water ingress problems.

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Applications

How to Check and Dispute a Tenancy Database Listing

Tenancy database listings — sometimes called "blacklists" — can seriously affect your ability to rent in Australia.

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General

How to Challenge an Excessive Rent Increase

Rent increases are a normal part of renting, but they must follow specific rules — including minimum notice periods, limits on frequency, and in some states, restrictions on the amount.

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Pets

How to Make a Pet Application for Your Rental

Pet ownership rules for renters have changed significantly across Australia in recent years.

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Entry

How to Respond to Unlawful Entry by Your Landlord

Your rental property is your home, and you have the right to quiet enjoyment of it.

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General

How to Complete Your End-of-Lease Checklist

The last few weeks of a tenancy can be stressful, but working through a clear checklist reduces the risk of bond deductions and disputes.

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General

How to Write a Rental Property Review

An honest review of a rental property helps future renters make informed decisions before they sign a lease.

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General

How to Find a Share House in Australia

Share houses are one of the most common and affordable ways to rent in Australia, particularly in major cities.

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General

How to Negotiate a Rent Reduction

Negotiating a rent reduction is uncomfortable for many renters, but it is a legitimate and often successful approach — particularly during quieter market periods or when a tenancy has issues the landlord has not addressed.

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