Rent, rent increases and bonds
How much rent can go up, paying rent, and getting your bond back.
Renting in Canberra and the ACT
Know your rights as an ACT tenant
Clear answers to renting questions under ACT law: how much your rent can go up, getting your bond back, repairs and mould, ending a lease and what to do about a notice. Every guide shows its sources and the date it was checked.
Tenants ACT is an independent information site. It isn't the Tenants' Union ACT, Legal Aid ACT or the ACT Government, and it doesn't give legal advice.
ACT renting guides by topic
For tenants, housemates and people renting a room in Canberra and the rest of the ACT.
Repairs, mould and the condition of your home
Getting repairs done, mould and damp, insulation, asbestos, pets and changes to the home.
Leases, moving out and ending a tenancy
Your lease terms, inspections, breaking a lease, eviction notices and the final inspection.
Share houses, rooms and apartments
Renting with housemates, renting a room, and living under body corporate rules.
Free tenancy advice and the tribunal
Who gives free advice in the ACT, and how ACAT tenancy applications work.
Is your rent increase more than the ACT limit?
In the ACT, an increase above a set amount tied to Canberra's rent inflation is presumed excessive. Enter your old and new rent to see where yours sits and what you can do.
Recent and upcoming changes to ACT renting law
What changed, what's coming, and the dates they start.
- Ceiling insulation deadline for homes rented continuously since before April 2023. Insulation standard
- After a lessor's notice to vacate, tenants can leave on 2 weeks' notice (4 days in the last 2 weeks). Notices to vacate
- Rent increase limits now apply to lease renewals, and every new fixed-term lease has a standard break lease fee. Rent increases
- No-cause evictions abolished: lessors need a listed reason and written evidence. Ending a tenancy
- Tenants may keep pets and make minor changes; a lessor needs ACAT's approval to refuse. Pets