Landlord rules in Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory is managed by Access Canberra under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT). Rules verified against the regulator. General information — not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

How much notice do I need to give for a routine inspection?

Routine inspection — 1 week's written notice; maximum twice per 12 months. You can generate the Entry notice (1 week) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (ACT) Sch 1 cll 79(1), 77

Source: Routine inspection ↗

How often can I increase the rent, and how much notice do I give?

Rent increase — once every 12 months; 8 weeks' notice; capped at 110% of the Canberra CPI rents subgroup. You can generate the Rent increase notice (8 weeks) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (ACT) s 64AAA(1); Sch 1 cl 38(1); RT Regulation 1998 (ACT) s 5A

Source: Rent increase ↗

How far behind does the rent have to be before I can issue a breach notice?

Rent arrears — once rent has been unpaid a week, a Notice to Remedy (7 days to pay) can be served; if it isn't paid, a Notice to Vacate (2 weeks). You can generate the Notice to remedy → Notice to vacate from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (ACT) Sch 1 cl 92(a),(b)(i)

Source: Rent arrears ↗

How much bond can I take, and how is it lodged?

Bond — max 4 weeks' rent; held by the Office of Rental Bonds (ACT Revenue Office). You can generate the Office of Rental Bonds (ACT Revenue) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (ACT) s 20

Source: Bond ↗

What are my smoke alarm obligations?

Smoke alarms — lessor must install and maintain compliant alarms (tenant replaces the battery). You can generate the Smoke alarm check from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Source: Smoke alarms ↗

What minimum standards does the property have to meet?

Minimum standards — prescribed minimum housing standards; ceiling insulation of at least R5 (from 1 Apr 2023).

Source: Minimum standards ↗

How do I end a tenancy at the end of the fixed term?

Ending a tenancy — no-cause evictions abolished; prescribed ground + evidence required (move-in/sale = 8 weeks; renovation = 12 weeks; other use = 26 weeks). You can generate the Notice to vacate (prescribed ground) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (ACT) Sch 1 cl 96(1)

Source: Ending a tenancy ↗

What counts as an urgent repair, and what must I do about it?

Urgent repairs — tenant may arrange urgent repairs up to 5% of the annual rent and recover the cost.

Source: Urgent repairs ↗

Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?

In Australian Capital Territory, respond to a written pet request within 14 days. To refuse you must apply to ACAT; if you don't respond within 14 days consent is taken to be given. No separate pet bond is allowed. Decisions the tenant disputes are heard by ACAT. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.

Source: Australian Capital Territory — pet rules ↗

How does my tenant pay rent?

Rent lives on the Rent page — see who's paid and record payments. Your tenant pays your bank account directly (transfer or PayID, matched by reference); LandlordMate never touches the money, it just keeps the record.

Source: How-to · Rent ↗

How do I screen an applicant?

Applicants and their checks live on Screening — compare them, run the background check, and send a good prospect an application link.

Source: How-to · Screening ↗

How do I advertise a vacancy?

Open the property and turn on the listing bridge — you get a public link and a private enquiries inbox to paste into realestate.com.au or share directly. Your contact details stay private.

Source: How-to · Open a property ↗

How do I get my EOFY pack for my accountant?

Reports has your monthly owner statement and EOFY pack — export CSV or OFX (imports into Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks) or email the pack to your accountant.

Source: How-to · Reports ↗