Rent Increase Rules by Australian State and Territory

RentWize helps you record rent increase dates, notice periods, and state or territory context for review. Here is a plain-English summary of the rules for each jurisdiction.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT) (s68), landlords must wait at least 12 months between rent increases. They must also give tenants 56 days' (8 weeks') written notice before any increase takes effect. This applies to both periodic and fixed-term agreements.

New South Wales (NSW)

The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) (s41) requires a minimum of 12 months between rent increases, with 60 days' written notice to the tenant. For fixed-term agreements, increases can only occur if the amount or method of calculation is specified in the agreement.

Victoria (VIC)

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC) (s44), rent can only be increased once every 12 months and tenants must receive 60 days' written notice. Landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term agreement unless the agreement expressly allows it.

Queensland (QLD)

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD) (s93) sets a 12-month minimum between increases and requires 60 days' written notice. The notice must state the new amount and the date it takes effect.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia has more frequent increase rights. The Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) (s30) permits increases every 6 months, provided 60 days' written notice is given. This applies to both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

South Australia (SA)

The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) (s55) requires 12 months between increases and 60 days' written notice. Notice must be in writing and specify the new weekly or monthly rent amount.

Tasmania (TAS)

Under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (TAS) (s22), landlords must allow 12 months between increases and give 60 days' written notice. Disputes about excessive increases can be referred to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT has the shortest notice requirement in the country. The Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT) (s42) allows increases every 6 months, with only 30 days' written notice required. Both the frequency and the shorter notice period distinguish NT from most other jurisdictions.

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How RentWize uses this information

When you log a rent increase, RentWize helps you keep the notice date, effective date, rent history, and state context together. Use that record to check current rules with your state authority, tenants' union, community legal centre, or qualified adviser before sending a formal response.