The questions every NSW renter asks.

A maximum of 4 weeks' rent. There's no separate pet bond or extra security deposit allowed. The bond must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading via Rental Bonds Online — the agent doesn't hold it.

Only if the property was professionally cleaned at the start (and noted on the condition report) and you didn't return it to that standard. The default is 'reasonable cleanliness', not professional clean.

If both sides agree on the split via Rental Bonds Online, it can be paid out within 2–3 business days. If the landlord lodges a claim and you dispute it, NCAT decides — typically 4–8 weeks.

No. The bond is held by NSW Fair Trading, not the agent. Refusing to sign their report doesn't change anything — they still have to lodge a claim and you can dispute it.

Once every 12 months. The landlord must give 60 days' written notice. Any increase that breaks either rule is invalid.

Yes — you have 30 days from receiving the notice to apply to NCAT. The Tribunal compares to similar rentals in the area and considers recent landlord investment in the property.

No — they only need to follow the rules: once per 12 months, 60 days' notice, in writing. The amount is at their discretion, but you can challenge excessive amounts at NCAT.

Burst pipes, serious roof leaks, gas leaks, blocked toilets (if only one), broken hot water service, breakdowns in essential services, anything that makes the property unsafe.

If you can't reach the landlord and the repair is urgent, you can authorise repairs up to $1,000 and be reimbursed. Keep receipts.

Make the request in writing. If they don't act within a reasonable time, you can apply to NCAT for an order requiring the work and (where appropriate) a rent reduction while the issue persists.

No — withholding rent puts you in breach. The right move is to keep paying, document the issue, and apply to NCAT for an order plus a rent reduction.

Up to 4 times per year, with at least 7 days' written notice. The first inspection can't be within 3 months of the tenancy starting.

No. You can consent to the agent entering when you're not there, or be present if you prefer. Either is fine.

Only for genuine emergencies (fire, serious water damage, safety risk). For inspections, repairs, valuations and showings, written notice is required.

No — NSW abolished no-grounds evictions in May 2025. The landlord must specify a prescribed reason (sale, owner moving in, major renovation, breach) and have evidence.

From 19 May 2025, the minimums are: periodic lease at least 90 days; fixed-term ≤6 months at least 60 days; fixed-term >6 months at least 90 days. Shorter notice applies for specific grounds like serious breach or non-payment. The notice must include a Termination Information Statement — without it, the notice is challengeable.

No — re-letting restrictions apply. If they evicted using 'sale', 'owner moving in' or 'demolition' = 6 months. 'No longer used as a rental' = 12 months. 'Significant renovations' = 4 weeks. A landlord re-letting inside the window faces NSW Fair Trading penalties unless they get prior approval.

No. Only the Sheriff can physically remove a tenant, and only after the landlord has obtained an NCAT termination order and warrant for possession. A landlord locking you out is unlawful.

If your lease has the standard break-fee clause: 4 weeks' rent if you leave in the first 25% of the term, 3 weeks in the next 25%, 2 weeks in the next 25%, 1 week in the final 25%.

Sometimes — you can find a replacement tenant the landlord accepts (no fee), or apply to NCAT for hardship (rare but possible). Otherwise the break fee is the price of certainty.

Yes — proof of income and identity is standard. They can't demand more than what's reasonably needed to assess you, and they must protect your information under the Privacy Act.

At move-in, signed by the landlord/agent. You have 7 days to add your own comments, take your own photos, and return your signed copy. Keep everything.