Renting in SA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT

South Australia

The Residential Tenancies Act applies; Consumer and Business Services handles bonds and enquiries, and the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) decides disputes.

• Rent increases: written notice of at least 60 days, stating the amount and the date. No increase in the first 12 months or within 12 months of a previous one. The law sets no limit on the amount, but a tenant can apply to SACAT to challenge an excessive increase within 90 days of the notice.
• Ending a tenancy (landlord): from 1 July 2024 a landlord must have a prescribed reason for a fixed-term or periodic tenancy. The handbook lists at least 60 days for a fixed term (Form 9), at least 90 days for a periodic tenancy (Form 8), and 60 days where possession is required for demolition, renovation or family occupation (Form 7).
• Ending a tenancy (tenant): at least 21 days (or one full rental period, whichever is longer) for a periodic tenancy; 28 days at the end of a fixed term. Without notice, a tenant may owe 3 weeks’ rent in lieu.
• Entry: inspection needs 7 to 28 days’ written notice, stating the purpose and a window of up to 2 hours, up to four times a year; non-emergency repairs need at least 48 hours. Normal hours are 8 am to 8 pm, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
• Pets: from 1 July 2024 the landlord must approve, approve with conditions or refuse within 14 days, refusing only on prescribed grounds stated in writing. A refused tenant can apply to SACAT.
• SACAT: the application fee was $93 as at 1 July 2026.

Tasmania

The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 applies. The deposit goes to the Rental Deposit Authority (see the bonds guide).

• Rent increases (s 20): the owner may increase rent by written notice if the written agreement allows it, or if there is no written agreement. An increase generally cannot take effect until 12 months after the agreement started, was extended or renewed, or after the last increase, and may only take effect from a day more than 60 days after the notice is given.
• Ending a tenancy (owner): the owner must give details of the reason. At the end of a fixed term, a notice may be served where the agreement is due to expire within 60 days, taking effect at least 42 days after service. For an agreement that is not for a fixed period, grounds such as sale, owner or family use or significant renovations need at least 42 days; a breach needs at least 14 days. Other grounds range from 28 to 90 days.
• Ending a tenancy (tenant): a tenant may end a periodic agreement by notice, taking effect at least 14 days after it is served.
• Pets (ss 36Q to 36X): the owner must respond within 14 days of the request and must not unreasonably refuse; if they do not respond in that time, consent is deemed given.
• Minimum standards (Part 3B): premises must be weatherproof and in a proper state of structural repair, among other requirements.

Australian Capital Territory

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (as republished, effective 26 November 2025) applies, with standard tenancy terms. The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) decides disputes.

• Rent increases: no increase unless it takes effect at least 12 months after the tenancy started or the last increase. The landlord must give 8 weeks’ written notice. An increase above the amount prescribed by regulation needs the tenant’s written agreement after notice, ACAT’s prior approval, or (for some older fixed-term agreements) a term in the agreement. A tenant can apply to ACAT to review an excessive increase, and no increase is payable until the tribunal decides.
• Ending a tenancy (landlord): for a periodic tenancy the standard terms list the reasons and notice: 8 weeks where the lessor genuinely intends to live in the premises, a relative or an interested person will, or the lessor intends to sell; 12 weeks for reconstruction, renovation or major repairs that cannot be done with the tenant in residence; 26 weeks for a lawful use other than as a home. Written evidence must accompany the notice.
• Ending a tenancy (tenant): 3 weeks’ notice for a periodic tenancy, or at or after the end of a fixed term.
• Entry: not on Sundays, public holidays, or before 8 am or after 6 pm (urgent repairs, health and safety, or your consent excepted). The landlord may inspect twice in each 12 months, plus within a month of the start and in the last month, with 1 week’s written notice. Repairs need 1 week’s notice.
• Pets: a landlord may refuse consent only with ACAT’s prior approval, and is taken to consent unless the landlord applies to ACAT within 14 days.

Northern Territory

The Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (as in force at 1 August 2025) applies. The Civil and Administrative Tribunal decides disputes.

• Rent increases (s 41): only if the agreement specifies the right to increase and the amount or method of calculation; at least 30 days’ written notice; and not earlier than 6 months after the start of the tenancy or the last increase. A tenant can apply to the tribunal to declare rent excessive.
• Ending a tenancy (landlord): a landlord may end a periodic tenancy without specifying a ground by 60 days’ notice (s 89), and a fixed term by notice at least 60 days before the end date (s 90).
• Ending a tenancy (tenant): 14 days’ notice for a periodic tenancy (s 94); at least 14 days before the end date of a fixed term (s 95).
• Entry (s 70): the landlord may enter to inspect between 7 am and 9 pm at a time arranged at least 7 days before, and not within 3 months of the last such entry.
• Pets (s 65A): give written notice describing the pet. The landlord has 14 days to object, in writing with a reason, and must apply to the Tribunal. If they do not apply within 14 days, you may keep the pet.

Which professional to consult

A property manager or real estate agent runs most tenancies. For a dispute, a tenant advocacy service or a community legal centre can explain the published rules. This guide states those rules and is not legal advice.