Fast facts

• Rent can be paid in the following approved ways:
  • cash
  • cheque
  • deposit to a financial institution account nominated by the lessor/agent/manager
  • credit card
  • via EFTPOS
  • deduction from pay, a pension or other benefit payable to the tenant
  • another way agreed on by the lessor/agent/manager and tenant
• The approved way of paying the rent must be stated in the tenancy agreement.
• If an unapproved way (not listed above, e.g. money order or rent card) is preferred, the tenant must also be given a choice of at least two approved ways to pay rent.
• The tenant must be told about any extra costs involved with a particular method of payment (e.g. joining fee, processing fee or service charges that is not part of the rent).
• If the tenant pays rent with cash, they must be given a receipt.
• If the rent is paid by cheque, the tenant must be given a receipt if they ask for one.
• If the tenant pays rent by some other way (e.g. direct transfer from their bank account or over the phone with a credit card) they do not need to be sent a receipt each time. Details of the payment will appear on bank/credit card statements.
• The lessor/agent/manager must keep a record (ledger) of rent the tenants pay and retain them for 1 year after the tenancy has ended. The tenant can ask for a copy of the rent record at any time and it must be provided within 7 days.