Rent and other bills

Important

Legislation to limit rent increase frequency changes came into effect on 1 July 2023. Rent can now only be increased if it has been at least 12 months since the current rent amount became payable. Learn more here.

Rent

The amount of rent, and how it should be paid, must be stated in the tenancy agreement.

There are rules for rent increases and in some circumstances the rent may be decreased.

There are also rules about the non-payment of rent.

Non-payment of rent

If a tenant doesn't pay all the rent on the day it is due; the following day they are one day in arrears.

The property manager/owner cannot issue a breach notice until the tenant has been in arrears for a certain number of days. This number varies depending on the type of tenancy agreement.

Rent increases

Rent decreases

Rent can be decreased under certain circumstances.

When the property manager/owner and tenant agree to reduce the rent, the agreement should be put in writing and may include:

  • how much the rent reduction will be
  • when the reduction will begin and end
  • any other relevant issues agreed upon

 The agreement is signed by everyone and then forms part of the tenancy agreement.

Other bills

  • The tenant may have to pay for electricity and/or gas (and arrange connection).
  • A tenant may be charged for water if the property is individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle) and the rental property is water efficient.
  • There are a number of payment options for properties with solar power.
  • The property manager/owner pays for rates, property insurance and land tax.
  • The tenant pays for contents insurance (if required for their possessions).