FAQs
Your Questions answered
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Questions you’ve always wanted answered
Starting a tenancyBefore a tenant signs an agreement or moves into the property, the landlord or agent must give the tenant:
a copy of the tenant information statement (available in other languages)a copy of the proposed tenancy agreementtwo copies, or one electronic copy, of the condition report completed by the landlord or agenta copy of the by-laws, if the property is in a strata schemean invitation to lodge the bond using Rental Bonds Online.At the time the agreement is signed, the landlord must give the tenant:
the signed tenancy agreementcertificates of compliance for any swimming and spa pools read more.Landlords must read and understand the landlord information statement, (available in other languages) which sets out their rights and responsibilities.
a copy of the tenant information statement (available in other languages)a copy of the proposed tenancy agreementtwo copies, or one electronic copy, of the condition report completed by the landlord or agenta copy of the by-laws, if the property is in a strata schemean invitation to lodge the bond using Rental Bonds Online.At the time the agreement is signed, the landlord must give the tenant:
the signed tenancy agreementcertificates of compliance for any swimming and spa pools read more.Landlords must read and understand the landlord information statement, (available in other languages) which sets out their rights and responsibilities.
Rental Bonds
Rental bondsThe bond is money a tenant pays as security in case they do not follow the terms of the tenancy agreement. It is paid at the start of the tenancy.
Most landlords ask for a bond, though it is not compulsory. All bonds must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading.
The bond will be refunded at the end of the tenancy unless there is a reason for the landlord to make a claim against it.
Did you know?A rental bond cannot be more than four weeks rent.Higher bonds cannot be charged for tenants with pets or children.A bond covers the tenancy of the whole property, not each individual tenant.If a landlord agrees, the bond may be paid in instalments.A landlord cannot request or receive additional bond payments (or 'top-ups') during the tenancy. The only exception is under Housing NSW issued tenancy guarantees. These guarantees help people with a limited or poor rental history to rent a place in the private rental market.The bond does not need to be paid before signing the tenancy agreement, however most agents prefer it and cant ask for it.If the tenant is using Rental Bonds Online, they must lodge the bond with us before the agreement is finalised.
Most landlords ask for a bond, though it is not compulsory. All bonds must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading.
The bond will be refunded at the end of the tenancy unless there is a reason for the landlord to make a claim against it.
Did you know?A rental bond cannot be more than four weeks rent.Higher bonds cannot be charged for tenants with pets or children.A bond covers the tenancy of the whole property, not each individual tenant.If a landlord agrees, the bond may be paid in instalments.A landlord cannot request or receive additional bond payments (or 'top-ups') during the tenancy. The only exception is under Housing NSW issued tenancy guarantees. These guarantees help people with a limited or poor rental history to rent a place in the private rental market.The bond does not need to be paid before signing the tenancy agreement, however most agents prefer it and cant ask for it.If the tenant is using Rental Bonds Online, they must lodge the bond with us before the agreement is finalised.
What happens if I need to break my lease?
Mandatory break fees may apply which is payable based on the stage of the agreement.
A break fee is a penalty a tenant agrees to pay if they move out before the end of the fixed term.
If the mandatory break fee applies, the set fee payable is:
four weeks rent if less than 25 per cent of the agreement has expiredthree weeks rent if 25 per cent or more but less than 50 per cent of the agreement has expiredtwo weeks rent if 50 per cent or more but less than 75 per cent of the agreement has expiredone weeks rent if 75 per cent or more of the agreement has expired.
A break fee is a penalty a tenant agrees to pay if they move out before the end of the fixed term.
If the mandatory break fee applies, the set fee payable is:
four weeks rent if less than 25 per cent of the agreement has expiredthree weeks rent if 25 per cent or more but less than 50 per cent of the agreement has expiredtwo weeks rent if 50 per cent or more but less than 75 per cent of the agreement has expiredone weeks rent if 75 per cent or more of the agreement has expired.