Landlord rules in New South Wales

New South Wales is managed by NSW Fair Trading under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). 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 — 7 days' written notice, max 4 times in any 12 months. You can generate the Entry notice (7 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 2010 (NSW) s 55(2)(a)

Source: Routine inspection ↗

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

Rent increase — once every 12 months (all leases, from 31 Oct 2024); at least 60 days' written notice; none in the first 12 months. You can generate the Notice of rent increase (60 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 2010 (NSW) ss 41(1)(b), 41(1A)

Source: Rent increase ↗

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

Rent arrears — a 14-day non-payment termination notice can issue once 14 clear days of unpaid rent have passed (s 88(1): earliest valid service is day 15); the tenant can stop it by paying or keeping to a repayment plan. You can generate the Termination notice — non-payment (14 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 2010 (NSW) s 88(1)

Source: Rent arrears ↗

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

Rental bond — capped at 4 weeks' rent; lodge with NSW Fair Trading via Rental Bonds Online.

Statutory basis: RTA 2010 (NSW) s 159(1)

Source: Rental bond ↗

What are my smoke alarm obligations?

Smoke alarms — replace/check batteries yearly; replace alarms per manufacturer or every 10 years. 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?

7 minimum standards — premises must be fit for habitation (in force since 23 Mar 2020). The linked regulator page has the full NSW detail.

Source: 7 minimum standards ↗

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

Ending a tenancy — 'no grounds' terminations abolished (19 May 2025); a valid reason + correct notice period is now required. You can generate the Termination notice (reason required) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 2010 (NSW) ss 82(1)(c), 87C–87N

Source: Ending a tenancy ↗

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

Urgent repairs — landlord must act; a tenant may arrange urgent repairs up to $1,000 and be reimbursed within 14 days.

Source: Urgent repairs ↗

Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?

In New South Wales, respond to a written pet request within 21 days. You may only refuse on prescribed grounds, and if you don't respond within 21 days consent is taken to be given. No separate pet bond is allowed. Decisions the tenant disputes are heard by NCAT. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.

Source: New South Wales — 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 ↗