Renting in Australia (2025 Guide): Bond, Condition Reports, Entry Notice Rules, and Tenants’ Rights

Renting in Australia: Bond, Condition Reports, and Tenants’ Rights (2025 Guide)

12 October 2025 • Updated for 2025 laws

Know the rules before you sign a lease in 2025.

This guide explains bond limits by state, how to complete condition reports, the notice periods for landlord entry, what counts as urgent repairs, and how to get your bond back in Australia in 2025.

1. Bond limits by state and territory (2025)
2. Condition reports: step-by-step
3. Entry and privacy: notice rules
4. Urgent repairs: what to do
5. Bond refunds and disputes
6. FAQs

Bond Limits by State and Territory (2025)

Typical private rentals. Special rules apply to rooming houses, parks, or employer-provided housing.

State/Territory	Maximum bond (standard residential)	Notes
NSW	Up to 4 weeks’ rent	Bond lodged via Rental Bonds Online. 60 days’ notice for rent increases; not more than once every 12 months.
Victoria	Up to 1 month’s rent if rent ≤ $900/week	Higher rent or VCAT order can allow more. RTBA holds bond. Rent increases generally ≤ once every 12 months.
Queensland	4 weeks’ rent cap (from 30 Sep 2024)	RTA holds bond. Rent increases: once every 12 months; 7 days’ notice for routine inspections (Form 9).
Western Australia	Up to 4 weeks’ rent (≤ $1,200/week). Above that, different limits apply.	Bonds Administration holds bond. Rent increases ≤ once every 12 months; 60 days’ written notice.
South Australia	≤ 4 weeks if rent ≤ $800/week; else ≤ 6 weeks	CBS holds bond. Use Inspection Sheet for condition report.
Tasmania	Up to 4 weeks’ rent	RDA holds bond. Two signed condition reports at start.
ACT	Up to 4 weeks’ rent	Bond lodged with ACT Rental Bonds Office.
Northern Territory	Up to 4 weeks’ rent	Security deposit usually held in trust by landlord or agent.

Bond limits differ by state. Lodge with the correct authority.

Condition Reports: Step-by-Step

1. Get the official form from your state authority or agent. In some states it is mandatory to use the template.
2. Inspect every room. Record walls, floors, fittings, appliances, outdoor areas.
3. Take date-stamped photos/video. Label files and attach to the report.
4. Return on time. Most states require you to return the signed report within 5–7 days.
5. Keep copies until the end of the lease. You will compare them when you move out.
6. Exit report. Attend the final inspection and compare to the entry report.

The entry report is key evidence for bond deductions.

State highlights

• NSW: Entry and exit condition reports are required. Use them to evidence bond claims.
• Victoria: Rental provider must give the official template; renter returns it and keeps a copy for exit.
• WA: Lessor provides 2 copies within 7 days of move-in; tenant returns one within 7 days; exit report within 14 days of vacate.
• Tasmania: Two signed copies at or before start if bond is taken.

Entry and Privacy: Notice Rules

Landlords and agents must give written notice and enter only for lawful reasons.

• NSW: Minimum notice periods vary by reason. Routine inspection requires advance notice per Fair Trading guidance.
• Victoria: Routine inspection requires 7 days’ notice. Repairs or legal duties: 24 hours.
• Queensland: Routine inspection: 7 days’ notice with Entry notice (Form 9). Repairs/maintenance: 48 hours.
• WA: Non-urgent repairs: 72 hours’ notice. Other entries use approved forms; rent increases need 60 days notice and ≤ once every 12 months.

Urgent Repairs: What To Do

1. Contact the landlord/agent immediately.
2. Follow your state’s urgent repair process. Some states allow tenants to arrange a repair and claim reimbursement up to a cap if the landlord is unreachable.
3. Keep evidence (photos, invoices, messages). For unresolved issues, apply to the tribunal in your state.

Bond Refunds and Disputes

• Lodge and receive refunds via your state authority (e.g., NSW Rental Bonds Online, VIC RTBA, QLD RTA, WA Bonds Administration, SA CBS, TAS RDA, ACT RBO).
• If there’s a dispute, your condition reports and photos are primary evidence. Each state has a dispute pathway via its tribunal.

FAQs

How often can the rent be increased?

NSW, VIC, WA, and QLD limit rent increases to once every 12 months with required notice periods. Check your lease and state rules.

Who holds my bond?

Most states use a government bond authority (RTBA, RTA, Bonds Administration, CBS, RDA, ACT RBO). In NT, the landlord/agent usually holds it in trust.

What if I wasn’t given a condition report?

In VIC and other states, you may complete your own and submit it promptly. Keep dated photos. This protects you at exit.