Tenancy agreements

Update

Rental law changes introducing minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023, and will come into effect for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024.

Update on granny flats

More information about tenancy agreements for secondary dwellings is available.

A tenancy agreement (also known as a lease) is a legally binding, written agreement between a tenant and a property manager/owner.

An agreement must be used even if it is between family or friends.

A tenant without a written agreement still has legal protection.

A tenant must be given the tenancy agreement before paying any money or being committed to the tenancy.

Tenancy agreements

A tenancy agreement must include:

  • name and address of tenant and property manager/owner
  • start and end dates (or state if it is periodic)
  • the rent and how it should be paid (e.g. direct deposit)
  • standard terms (what the tenant and property manager/owner can and cannot do)
  • any special terms (these should be agreed in advance, e.g. that dogs are allowed but must be kept outside)

Check out our handy Pocket guides for tenants - houses and units (Form 17a) or caravan parks (Form 17b). For rooming agreements, check out the Rights and responsibilities of residents and providers fact sheet.