Landlord rules in Northern Territory

Northern Territory is managed by Consumer Affairs NT under the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT). 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 — at least 7 days' written notice; only once every 3 months. You can generate the Entry notice (7 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1999 (NT) s 70

Source: Routine inspection

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

Rent increase — no more than once every 6 months; at least 30 days' written notice. You can generate the Notice of rent increase (30 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1999 (NT) s 41(1),(2),(3)

Source: Rent increase

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

Rent arrears — a Notice to Remedy can issue once the rent has been in arrears for not less than 14 days, allowing more than 7 days to pay before NTCAT. You can generate the Notice to remedy (breach) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1999 (NT) s 96A(1)

Source: Rent arrears

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

Bond — max 4 weeks' rent; the NT has no bond authority — the landlord/agent holds it in trust. You can generate the Held in trust (no bond board) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1999 (NT) s 29(1)(b)

Source: Bond

What are my smoke alarm obligations?

Smoke alarms — an approved photoelectric alarm (hard-wired or 10-year sealed battery) must be installed and working. 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 — no separate code; premises must be habitable, safe, clean and secure (RTA ss 47–49).

Source: Minimum standards

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

Ending a tenancy — no-grounds termination is permitted in the NT; 60 days' notice for periodic and fixed term (from 2 Jan 2024). You can generate the Notice to terminate (60 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1999 (NT) ss 89, 90

Source: Ending a tenancy

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

Urgent repairs — tenant may recover the cost of urgent repairs up to 2 weeks' rent. The linked regulator page has the full NT detail.

Source: Urgent repairs

Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?

In Northern Territory, respond to a written pet request within 14 days. To refuse you must apply to NTCAT; 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 NTCAT. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.

Source: Northern 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, quoting your payment 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. Post the link to Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Flatmates or Rent.com.au (the big portals only take listings from licensed agents). 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