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Residential Tenancy Agreement

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Your Residential Tenancy Agreement

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RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT

This Agreement is in 2 parts:

Part 1 - Sets out the details of the agreement.
Part 2 - Sets out the terms of the agreement.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT

  1. The tenant is entitled to have time to read this agreement (and the completed condition report referred to in this agreement) and to obtain appropriate advice if necessary.
  2. The landlord or the landlord's agent must give the tenant a copy of the The New Tenant Checklist, as published by the NSW Office of Fair Trading.
  3. The landlord is required to give the tenant a copy of this agreement for the tenant to keep.

PART 1 - DETAILS OF AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on the ________ day of ________________, ________ at ____________________, NSW

BETWEEN

LANDLORD:

_________________________
______________________________________________________________

AND

TENANT:

_________________________
______________________________________________________________

TERM: The term of this agreement is fixed, beginning on 1 June 2023 and ending on 1 June 2023.

CONTINUATION: At the end of the term the tenant can stay in the residential premises at the same rent (or at an increased rent if the rent is increased in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987) but otherwise under the same terms unless or until the agreement is ended in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.

PREMISES: The landlord gives the tenant the right to occupy the premises at ________________________________________________________________________________. The premises are unfurnished.

RENT: The rent is $___________ payable every week starting on 1 June 2023. The tenant must pay in advance on the ____________________ of every week. The rent must be paid:

  1. by cash or cheque.

MAXIMUM OCCUPANTS: No more than ______ persons may ordinarily live in the premises at any one time.

URGENT REPAIRS: The nominated tradepeople for urgent repairs are:

  1. not applicable.

WATER USAGE: The tenant will not be required to pay separately for water usage.

STRATA BY-LAWS: There are no strata or community scheme by-laws applicable to the premises.

CONDITION REPORT: A condition report relating to the condition of the premises must be completed by or on behalf of the landlord before or when this agreement is signed.

TENANCY LAWS: The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and the Residential Tenancies Regulation 2010 apply to this agreement. Both the landlord and the tenant must comply with these laws.

PART 2 - TERMS OF AGREEMENT

  1. RIGHT TO OCCUPY THE PREMISES
  2. The landlord agrees that the tenant has the right to occupy the residential premises during the tenancy. The residential premises include the additional things (if any) noted under the heading "PREMISES" of Part 1 to this general tenancy agreement.
  3. COPY OF AGREEMENT
  4. The landlord agrees to give the tenant:
    1. a copy of this agreement before or when this agreement is signed and given by the tenant to the landlord or a person on the landlord's behalf, and
    2. a copy of the agreement signed by both the landlord and the tenant as soon as reasonably practicable.
  5. RENT
  6. The tenant agrees:
    1. to pay rent on time,
    2. to reimburse the landlord for the cost of replacing rent deposit books or rent cards lost by the tenant, and
    3. to reimburse the landlord for the amount of any fees paid by the landlord to a bank or other authorised deposit-taking institution as a result of funds of the tenant not being available for rent payment on the due date.
  7. The landlord agrees:
    1. to provide the tenant with at least one means to pay rent for which the tenant does not incur a cost (other than bank fees or other account fees usually payable for the tenant's transactions) and that is reasonably available to the tenant,
    2. not to require the tenant to pay more than two weeks rent in advance or to pay rent for a period of the tenancy before the end of the previous period for which rent has been paid,
    3. not to require the tenant to pay rent by a cheque or other negotiable instrument that is post-dated,
    4. to accept payment of unpaid rent after the landlord has given a termination notice on the grounds of failure to pay rent if the tenant has not vacated the residential premises,
    5. not to use rent paid by the tenant for the purpose of any amount payable by the tenant other than rent,
    6. to give a rent receipt to the tenant if rent is paid in person (other than by cheque) and to make a rent receipt available for collection by the tenant or to post it to the residential premises if rent is paid by cheque, and
    7. to keep a record of rent paid under this agreement and to provide a written statement showing the rent record for a specified period within seven days of a request by the tenant (unless the landlord has previously provided a statement for the same period).
  8. RENT INCREASES
  9. The landlord and the tenant agree that the rent cannot be increased after the end of the fixed term (if any) of this agreement or under this agreement unless the landlord gives not less than 60 days' written notice of the increase to the tenant. The notice must specify the increased rent and the day from which it is payable.

    Note: Section 42 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 sets out the circumstances in which rent may be increased during the fixed term of a residential tenancy agreement. An additional term for this purpose may be included in the agreement.
  10. The landlord and the tenant agree:
    1. that the increased rent is payable from the day specified in the notice,
    2. that the landlord may cancel or reduce the rent increase by a later notice that takes effect on the same day as the original notice, and
    3. that increased rent under this agreement is not payable unless the rent is increased in accordance with this agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 or by the Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
  11. RENT REDUCTIONS
  12. The landlord and the tenant agree that the rent abates if the residential premises:
    1. are destroyed, or become wholly or partly uninhabitable, otherwise than as a result of a breach of this agreement,
    2. cease to be lawfully usable as a residence, or
    3. are compulsorily appropriated or acquired by an authority.
  13. The landlord and the tenant may, at any time during this agreement, agree to reduce the rent payable.
  14. PAYMENT OF COUNCIL RATES, LAND TAX, WATER AND OTHER CHARGES
  15. The landlord agrees to pay:
    1. rates, taxes or charges payable under any act (other than charges payable by the tenant under this agreement),
    2. the installation costs and charges for initial connection to the residential premises of an electricity, water, gas, bottled gas or oil supply service,
    3. all charges for the supply of electricity, gas (except bottled gas) or oil to the tenant at the residential premises that are not separately metered,
    4. the costs and charges for the supply or hire of gas bottles for the supply of bottled gas at the commencement of the tenancy,
    5. all charges (other than water usage charges) in connection with a water supply service to separately metered residential premises,
    6. all charges in connection with a water supply service to residential premises that are not separately metered,
    7. all charges for the supply of sewerage services (other than for pump out septic services) or the supply or use of drainage services to the residential premises, and
    8. all charges for the availability of gas to the residential premises if the premises do not have any appliances, supplied by the landlord, for which gas is required and the tenant does not use gas supplied to the premises for any purpose.
  16. The tenant agrees to pay:
    1. all charges for the supply of electricity, gas (except bottled gas) or oil to the tenant at the residential premises if the premises are separately metered,
    2. all charges for the supply of bottled gas to the tenant at the residential premises,
    3. all charges for pumping out a septic system used for the residential premises,
    4. any excess garbage charges relating to the tenant's use of the residential premises, and
    5. water usage charges, if the landlord has installed water efficiency measures referred to in clause 11 and the residential premises:
      1. are separately metered, or
      2. are not connected to a water supply service and water is delivered by vehicle.
  17. The landlord agrees that the tenant is not required to pay water usage charges unless:
    1. the landlord gives the tenant a copy of the part of the water supply authority’s bill setting out the charges, or other evidence of the cost of water used by the tenant,
    2. the landlord gives the tenant at least 21 days to pay the charges,
    3. the landlord requests payment of the charges by the tenant not later than three months after the issue of the bill for the charges by the water supply authority, and
    4. the residential premises have the following water efficiency measures:
      1. all internal cold water taps and single mixer taps for kitchen sinks or bathroom hand basins on the premises have a maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute,
      2. all showerheads have a maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute,
      3. there are no leaking taps at the commencement of this agreement or when the water efficiency measures are installed, whichever is the later.
  18. The landlord agrees to give the tenant the benefit of, or an amount equivalent to, any rebate received by the landlord for water usage charges payable or paid by the tenant.
  19. POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES
  20. The landlord agrees:
    1. to make sure the residential premises are vacant so the tenant can move in on the date agreed, and
    2. to take all reasonable steps to ensure that, at the time of signing this agreement, there is no legal reason why the premises cannot be used as a residence for the term of this agreement.
  21. TENANT'S RIGHT TO QUIET ENJOYMENT
  22. The landlord agrees:
    1. that the tenant will have quiet enjoyment of the residential premises without interruption by the landlord or any person claiming by, through or under the landlord or having superior title to that of the landlord (such as a head landlord),
    2. that the landlord or the landlord’s agent will not interfere with, or cause or permit any interference with, the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of the tenant in using the residential premises, and
    3. that the landlord or the landlord’s agent will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the landlord’s other neighbouring tenants do not interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of the tenant in using the residential premises.
  23. USE OF THE PREMISES
  24. The tenant agrees:
    1. not to use the residential premises, or cause or permit the premises to be used, for any illegal purpose,
    2. not to cause or permit a nuisance,
    3. not to interfere, or cause or permit interference, with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours,
    4. not to intentionally or negligently cause or permit any damage to the residential premises, and
    5. not to cause or permit more people to reside in the residential premises than is permitted by this agreement.
  25. The tenant agrees:
    1. to keep the residential premises reasonably clean,
    2. to notify the landlord as soon as practicable of any damage to the residential premises,
    3. that the tenant is responsible to the landlord for any act or omission by a person who is lawfully on the residential premises if the person is only permitted on the premises with the tenant’s consent and the act or omission would be in breach of this agreement if done or omitted by the tenant, and
    4. that it is the tenant’s responsibility to replace light globes and batteries for smoke detectors on the residential premises.
  26. The tenant agrees, when this agreement ends and before giving vacant possession of the premises to the landlord:
    1. to remove all the tenant’s goods from the residential premises,
    2. to leave the residential premises as nearly as possible in the same condition, fair wear and tear excepted, as at the commencement of the tenancy,
    3. to leave the residential premises reasonably clean, having regard to their condition at the commencement of the tenancy,
    4. to remove or arrange for the removal of all rubbish from the residential premises,
    5. to make sure that all light fittings on the premises have working globes, and
    6. to return to the landlord all keys, and other opening devices or similar devices, provided by the landlord.
  27. LANDLORD'S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL PREMISES
  28. The landlord agrees:
    1. to make sure the residential premises are reasonably clean and fit to live in,
    2. to make sure that all light fittings on the residential premises have working light globes on the commencement of the tenancy,
    3. to keep the residential premises in a reasonable state of repair, considering the age of, the rent paid for and the prospective life of the premises,
    4. not to interfere with the supply of gas, electricity, water, telecommunications or other services to the residential premises (unless the interference is necessary to avoid danger to any person or enable maintenance or repairs to be carried out), and
    5. to comply with all statutory obligations relating to the health or safety of the residential premises.
  29. URGENT REPAIRS
  30. The landlord agrees to pay the tenant, within 14 days after receiving written notice from the tenant, any reasonable costs (not exceeding $1,000) that the tenant has incurred for making urgent repairs to the residential premises (of the type set out below) so long as:
    1. the damage was not caused as a result of a breach of this agreement by the tenant,
    2. the tenant gives or makes a reasonable attempt to give the landlord notice of the damage,
    3. the tenant gives the landlord a reasonable opportunity to make the repairs,
    4. the tenant makes a reasonable attempt to have any appropriate tradesperson named in this agreement make the repairs,
    5. the repairs are carried out, where appropriate, by licensed or properly qualified persons, and
    6. the tenant, as soon as possible, gives or tries to give the landlord written details of the repairs, including the cost and the receipts for anything the tenant pays for.
  31. The type of repairs that are "urgent repairs" are defined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and are defined as follows:
    1. a burst water service,
    2. an appliance, fitting or fixture that uses water or is used to supply water that is broken or not functioning properly, so that a substantial amount of water is wasted,
    3. a blocked or broken lavatory system,
    4. a serious roof leak,
    5. a gas leak,
    6. a dangerous electrical fault,
    7. flooding or serious flood damage,
    8. serious storm or fire damage,
    9. a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises,
    10. a failure or breakdown of any essential service on the residential premises for hot water, cooking, heating, cooling or laundering, or
    11. any fault or damage that causes the premises to be unsafe or not secure.
  32. SALE OF THE PREMISES
  33. The landlord agrees:
    1. to give the tenant written notice that the landlord intends to sell the residential premises, at least 14 days before the premises are made available for inspection by potential purchasers, and
    2. to make all reasonable efforts to agree with the tenant as to the days and times when the residential premises are to be available for inspection by potential purchasers.
  34. The tenant agrees not to unreasonably refuse to agree to days and times when the residential premises are to be available for inspection by potential purchasers.
  35. The landlord and tenant agree:
    1. that the tenant is not required to agree to the residential premises being available for inspection more than twice in a period of a week, and
    2. that, if they fail to agree, the landlord may show the residential premises to potential purchasers not more than twice in any period of a week and must give the tenant at least 48 hours notice each time.
  36. LANDLORD'S ACCESS TO THE PREMISES
  37. The landlord agrees that the landlord, the landlord’s agent or any person authorised in writing by the landlord, during the currency of this agreement, may only enter the residential premises in the following circumstances:
    1. in an emergency (including entry for the purpose of carrying out urgent repairs),
    2. if the Civil and Administrative Tribunal so orders,
    3. if there is good reason for the landlord to believe the premises are abandoned,
    4. if there is good reason for serious concern about the health of the tenant or any other person on the residential premises and a reasonable attempt has been made to obtain consent to the entry,
    5. to inspect the premises, if the tenant is given at least seven days' written notice (no more than four inspections are allowed in any period of twelve months),
    6. to carry out, or assess the need for, necessary repairs, if the tenant is given at least two days' notice each time,
    7. to carry out, or assess the need for, work relating to statutory health and safety obligations relating to the residential premises, if the tenant is given at least two days' notice each time,
    8. to show the premises to prospective tenants on a reasonable number of occasions if the tenant is given reasonable notice on each occasion (this is only allowed during the last fourteen days of the agreement),
    9. to value the property, if the tenant is given seven days' notice (not more than one valuation is allowed in any period of twelve months), or
    10. if the tenant agrees.
  38. The landlord agrees that a person who enters the residential premises under clause 23(5), 23(6), 23(7), 23(8) or 23(9) of this agreement:
    1. must not enter the premises on a Sunday or a public holiday, unless the tenant agrees,
    2. may enter the premises only between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., unless the tenant agrees to another time, and
    3. must, if practicable, notify the tenant of the proposed day and time of entry.
  39. The landlord agrees that, except in an emergency (including to carry out urgent repairs), a person other than the landlord or the landlord’s agent must produce to the tenant the landlord’s or the landlord’s agent’s written permission to enter the residential premises.
  40. The tenant agrees to give access to the residential premises to the landlord, the landlord’s agent or any person, if they are exercising a right to enter the residential premises in accordance with this agreement.
  41. ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PREMISES
  42. The tenant agrees:
    1. not to attach any fixture or renovate, alter or add to the residential premises without the landlord's written permission,
    2. not to remove, without the landlord’s permission, any fixture attached by the tenant that was paid for by the landlord or for which the landlord gave the tenant a benefit equivalent to the cost of the fixture,
    3. to notify the landlord of any damage caused by removing any fixture attached by the tenant, and
    4. to repair any damage caused by removing the fixture or compensate the landlord for the reasonable cost of repair.
  43. The landlord agrees not to unreasonably refuse permission for the installation of a fixture by the tenant or to a minor alteration, addition or renovation by the tenant.
  44. LOCKS AND SECURITY DEVICES
  45. The landlord agrees:
    1. to provide and maintain locks or other security devices necessary to keep the residential premises reasonably secure,
    2. to give each tenant under this agreement a copy of the key or opening device or information to open any lock or security device for the residential premises or common property to which the tenant is entitled to have access,
    3. not to charge the tenant for the cost of providing the copies except to recover the cost of replacement or additional copies,
    4. not to alter, remove or add any lock or other security device without reasonable excuse (which includes an emergency, an order of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal, termination of a co-tenancy or an apprehended violence order prohibiting a tenant or occupant from having access) or unless the tenant agrees, and
    5. to give each tenant under this agreement a copy of any key or other opening device or information to open any lock or security device that the landlord changes as soon as practicable (and no later than seven days) after the change.
  46. The tenant agrees:
    1. not to alter, remove or add any lock or other security device without reasonable excuse (which includes an emergency, an order of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal, termination of a co-tenancy or an apprehended violence order prohibiting a tenant or occupant from having access) or unless the landlord agrees, and
    2. to give the landlord a copy of the key or opening device or information to open any lock or security device that the tenant changes within seven days of the change.
  47. A copy of a changed key or other opening device need not be given to the other party if the other party agrees not to be given a copy or the Civil and Administrative Tribunal authorises a copy not to be given or the other party is prohibited from access to the residential premises by an apprehended violence order.
  48. TRANSFER OF TENANCY OR SUB-LETTING BY TENANT
  49. The landlord and tenant agree that:
    1. the tenant may, with the landlord’s written permission, transfer the tenant’s tenancy under this agreement or sub-let the residential premises,
    2. the landlord may refuse permission (whether or not it is reasonable to do so) to the transfer of the whole of the tenancy or sub-letting the whole of the residential premises,
    3. the landlord must not unreasonably refuse permission to a transfer of part of a tenancy or a sub-letting of part of the residential premises, and
    4. without limiting clause 32(3), the landlord may refuse permission to a transfer of part of the tenancy or to sub-letting part of the residential premises if the number of occupants would be more than is permitted under this agreement or any proposed tenant or sub-tenant is listed on a residential tenancy database or it would result in overcrowding of the residential premises.
  50. The landlord agrees not to charge for giving permission other than for the landlord’s reasonable expenses in giving permission.
  51. CHANGE IN DETAILS OF LANDLORD OR LANDLORD’S AGENT
  52. The landlord agrees:
    1. if the name and telephone number or contact details of the landlord change, to give the tenant notice in writing of the change within fourteen days,
    2. if the address of the landlord changes (and the landlord does not have an agent), to give the tenant notice in writing of the change within fourteen days,
    3. if the name, telephone number or business address of the landlord’s agent changes or the landlord appoints an agent, to give the tenant notice in writing of the change or the agent’s name, telephone number and business address, as appropriate, within fourteen days, and
    4. if the landlord or landlord’s agent is a corporation and the name or business address of the corporation changes, to give the tenant notice in writing of the change within fourteen days.
  53. MITIGATION OF LOSS
  54. The rules of law relating to mitigation of loss or damage on breach of a contract apply to a breach of this agreement. (For example, if the tenant breaches this agreement the landlord will not be able to claim damages for loss which could have been avoided by reasonable effort by the landlord.)
  55. SMOKE ALARMS
  56. The landlord agrees to ensure that smoke alarms are installed and maintained in the residential premises in accordance with section 146A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 if that section requires them to be installed in the premises.
  57. The landlord and tenant each agree not to remove or interfere with the operation of a smoke alarm installed on the residential premises unless they have a reasonable excuse to do so.
  58. BREAK FEE
  59. The tenant agrees that, if the tenant ends the residential tenancy agreement before the end of the fixed term of the agreement for a reason that is not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, the tenant must pay a break fee of the following amount:
    1. if the fixed term is for 3 years or less, 6 weeks rent if less than half of the term has expired or 4 weeks rent in any other case.
  60. The landlord agrees that the compensation payable by the tenant for ending the residential tenancy agreement before the end of the fixed term is limited to the amount specified in the previous clause and any occupation fee payable under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 for goods left on the residential premises.
  61. PETS
  62. The tenant agrees not to keep animals on the residential premises without obtaining the landlord’s consent.
  63. The landlord agrees that the tenant may keep the following animals on the residential premises:
  64. The tenant agrees to have the carpet professionally cleaned or to have the residential premises fumigated if the cleaning or fumigation is required because animals have been kept on the residential premises during the tenancy.
  65. ADDITIONAL TERMS
  66. Additional terms may be included in this agreement if:
    1. both the landlord and tenant agree to the terms, and
    2. they do not conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 or any other Act, and
    3. they do not conflict with the standard terms of this agreement.
  67. ANY ADDITIONAL TERMS ARE NOT REQUIRED BY LAW AND ARE NEGOTIABLE.

  1. NOTES
  2. Definitions

    In this agreement:

    "landlord" means the person who grants the right to occupy residential premises under this agreement, and includes a successor in title to the residential premises whose interest is subject to that of the tenant.

    "landlord's agent" means a person who acts as the agent of the landlord and who (whether or not the person carries on any other business) carries on business as an agent for:
    1. the letting of residential premises, or
    2. the collection of rents payable for any tenancy of residential premises,

    "rental bond" means money paid by the tenant as security to carry out this agreement.

    "residential premises" means any premises or part of premises (including any land occupied with the premises) used or intended to be used as a place of residence.

    "tenancy" means the right to occupy residential premises under this agreement.

    "tenant" means the person who has the right to occupy residential premises under this agreement, and includes the person to whom such a right passes by transfer or operation of the law and a sub-tenant of the tenant.

  3. Continuation of tenancy (if fixed term agreement)

    Once any fixed term of this agreement ends, the agreement continues in force on the same terms as a periodic agreement unless the agreement is terminated by the landlord or the tenant in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (see notes 3 and 4). Clause 5 of this agreement provides for rent to be able to be increased if the agreement continues in force.
  4. Ending a fixed term agreement

    If this agreement is a fixed term agreement it may be ended by the landlord or the tenant by giving written notice of termination. The notice may be given at any time up until the end of the fixed term but cannot take effect until the term ends. The landlord must give at least 30 days' notice and the tenant must give at least fourteen days' notice.
  5. Ending a periodic agreement

    If this agreement is a periodic agreement it may be ended by the landlord or the tenant by giving written notice of termination. The notice may be given at any time. The landlord must give at least 90 days' notice and the tenant must give at least 21 days' notice.
  6. Other grounds for ending agreement

    The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 also authorises the landlord and tenant to end this agreement on other grounds. The grounds for the landlord include sale of the residential premises, breach of this agreement by the tenant and hardship. The grounds for the tenant include sale of the residential premises (not revealed when this agreement was entered into), breach of this agreement by the landlord and hardship. For more information refer to that Act or contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
  7. Warning

    Warning: It is an offence for any person to obtain possession of the residential premises without an order of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal if the tenant does not willingly move out. A court can order fines and compensation to be paid for such an offence.

THE LANDLORD AND TENANT ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREE TO ALL ITS TERMS.

SIGNED BY THE LANDLORD

________________________________
Landlord: _________________________




in the presence of (Name of witness) _______________________

(Signature of witness) ___________________________________

SIGNED BY THE TENANT

________________________________
Tenant: _________________________


in the presence of (Name of witness) ___________________

(Signature of witness) _______________________________

The tenant acknowledges that, at or before the time of signing this residential tenancy agreement, the tenant was given a copy of an information statement published by NSW Fair Trading.

________________________________
_________________________

For information about your rights and obligations as a landlord or tenant, contact:

  1. NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au,
  2. Law Access NSW on 1300 888 529 or www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au, or
  3. your local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service at www.tenants.org.au.

Residential Tenancy Agreement Information

Alternate Names:

A Residential Tenancy Agreement is also known as a:

  • Residential Lease Agreement
  • Rental Agreement
  • House Lease Agreement
  • Landlord and Tenant Agreement
  • Tenancy Agreement
  • Lease Agreement

What is a lease?

A lease is a contract between a lessor (landlord or nominee) and a lessee (tenant) that both parties sign when a tenant wants to rent residential or commercial property. The lease includes the rights and responsibilities, as well as the terms and conditions, that the lessor and tenant both agree to.

LawDepot's Residential Tenancy Agreement is specific to residential rental properties, such as houses, apartments, granny flats, rooms, basement suites, and more. Our template can be customised for:

  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
  • New South Wales (NSW)
  • Northern Territory (NT)
  • Queensland (QLD)
  • South Australia (SA)
  • Tasmania (TAS)
  • Victoria (VIC)
  • Western Australia (WA)

For commercial properties, such as restaurants, office buildings, or retail stores, use LawDepot's Commercial Lease Agreement.

What should be included in a rental agreement?

A standard residential lease agreement usually includes:

  • Contact details for the lessor and tenant (if the lessor is represented by a property manager, contact information for both should be included)
  • The address of the property that is being rented
  • Whether a nominee (sometimes called a property manager) or the lessor should be contacted for urgent repairs
  • Lease terms, such as the tenancy duration, rent amount, and the frequency of rent payments (weekly, monthly, fortnightly, or annually)
  • Rules regarding pets, smoking, or guests
  • The method of payment accepted for rent, such as cash, cheque, credit, debit, or payroll deduction
  • Whether a rental bond (security deposit) is required

The rental agreement should include other details, such as the rental rights and obligations of the lessor and tenant, and the preferred method that notices and documents should be served to both the lessor and tenant.

Who should use a Residential Tenancy Agreement?

A lessor and tenant who wish to enter into a residential rental agreement should utilize a valid contract to outline their rights and responsibilities.

Individuals or organizations who can benefit from using LawDepot's Residential Tenancy Agreement are:

  • Lessors and/or property managers
  • Individuals in search of a residential property to rent
  • Individuals who wish to rent residential property (such as a room, basement suite, condo, or townhouse) to friends or family members
  • Real estate agents

What are the different periods of tenancy?

In Australia, there are two different periods of tenancy: fixed term and periodic.

Fixed term means that the tenant agrees to rent the property for a pre-determined amount of time, such as six months or one year.

Periodic means that the tenant rents the property for an indefinite period of time until the lease is terminated by the lessor or tenant in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.

Who needs to sign a tenancy agreement?

A Residential Tenancy Agreement generally needs to be signed by the lessor and the tenant or tenants that are renting the property.

It's also good practice for the lessor to provide a copy of the signed agreement to each tenant.

Is there a cooling off period for rental agreements?

Some legal contracts may have a cooling off period, which means that after the contract is signed, there is a certain amount of time (which may vary by jurisdiction) where the parties in the contract can choose to cancel without penalty.

Generally, rental agreements do not have cooling off periods, although this may vary depending on your state or territory's tenancy laws. In most cases, once the rental agreement is signed, the parties are legally bound to the terms and conditions listed in the agreement. In order to prevent issues, it's important that the lessor and tenant both go over the lease and negotiate any changes that need to be made before signing the document.

What is the minimum amount of notice to be given when terminating a tenancy?

For fixed term tenancies, the tenant must give the landlord a Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13). However, if the landlord wants the tenant to move out, they must give them a Notice to Leave (Form 12). Either form must be given at least 14 days before the tenancy agreement ends. The notice period can't end before the date when the tenancy agreement ends.

For periodic tenancies, parties can terminate the tenancy at any time provided they give the appropriate amount of notice. Tenants must give a Notice to Leave (Form 12) at least 14 days before they wish to leave. If the landlord wants the tenant to leave, the landlord must give a Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13) 2 months before the tenancy will end.

Related Documents:

  • Residential Sublet Agreement: A Residential Sublet Agreement is used when an existing tenant of a rental property wants to rent to a third-party for the remainder of their lease term.
  • Residential Rental Application: A Rental Application is used by a lessor to vet potential tenants.
  • Commercial Lease Agreement: A Commercial Lease is used by a lessor to rent commercial property, such as office space, to a tenant.
  • Condition Report: A Condition Report records any damage to a rental property before a tenant moves in and after they move out.
  • Lease Amendment: A Lease Amendment allows a lessor and tenant to make changes to a lease agreement without creating a new document.
  • Lease Notice: A Lease Notice is used by a lessor to acknowledge a tenant's lease violation, such as unpaid rent.
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