Renting rules in Australia aren’t national — they’re set state by state, and the differences are bigger than most people assume. A rule you learned renting in Melbourne can be flat wrong in Brisbane. This page pulls together the core rules — bond handling, rent increases, pets, and modifications — into one comparison, with a direct link to the official regulator for each state so you can verify anything before relying on it.
Last verified: 10/10/2026. Rental law changes periodically in every state — if something here looks out of date, let us know at support@cosyrental.au.
Rent Increase Rules by State
| State | How Often Rent Can Rise | Minimum Notice | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Once every 12 months, all lease types | 60 days | NSW Fair Trading |
| VIC | Once every 12 months | 90 days | Consumer Affairs Victoria |
| QLD | At least 12 months since current rent began | 2 months | RTA Queensland |
| SA | Must be specified in the agreement | Varies | CBS SA |
| WA | Must be specified in the agreement | 60 days | Consumer Protection WA |
| TAS | Generally 12 months | 60 days | CBOS Tasmania |
| ACT | Subject to a cap tied to local CPI | 8 weeks | Access Canberra |
| NT | Once every 6 months (shortest in the country) | 30 days | Consumer Affairs NT |
Full detail, including how to challenge an increase: How to Negotiate a Rent Increase in Australia
Bond: Where It’s Held and How Disputes Are Resolved
| State | Bond Authority | Dispute Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Rental Bonds Online (NSW Fair Trading) | NCAT |
| VIC | Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) | Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (via VCAT) |
| QLD | Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) | Free RTA conciliation → QCAT |
| WA | Bonds Online (Consumer Protection WA) | Commissioner Determination |
| SA | — | SACAT |
| TAS | MyBond — strictest claim-start deadline in the country | Tasmanian tribunal pathway |
| ACT | Access Canberra | ACT tribunal pathway |
| NT | Consumer Affairs NT | NT tribunal pathway |
Full detail, including the universal pre-move-out checklist: How to Get Your Full Bond Back: State-by-State Guide
Pets: Can a Landlord Say No?
| State | Current Rule | Reformed Since |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | Can’t unreasonably refuse; disputes go to VCAT | 2020 |
| QLD | Must have a stated reason to refuse | Oct 2022 |
| NSW | Standard Pet Application Form; 21-day response window | May 2025 |
| SA | Only prescribed grounds allow refusal | Jul 2024 |
| WA | Default favours tenant; separate pet bond allowed | 2024 |
| ACT | Reasonable grounds required | — |
| TAS | Landlord must refer refusal to TASCAT, can’t decide unilaterally | Mar 2026 |
| NT | Least reformed — a no-pets clause is still largely enforceable | — |
Full detail, including how to apply: Renting with Pets in Australia: Your Rights by State
Minor Modifications: What You Can Change Without Asking
| State | Consent Needed for Minor Changes? |
|---|---|
| VIC | No, for a prescribed list (picture hooks, anchors, safety gates) |
| NSW | Generally yes, but a “deemed consent” rule applies if the landlord doesn’t respond in time |
| QLD | Yes — written consent required, 28-day landlord response window |
| SA | Yes — consent-based, via CBS |
| WA | Yes — but can’t be unreasonably refused |
| TAS / ACT / NT | Yes — consent-based, broadly following the WA/SA pattern |
Full detail, state by state: Tenant Modification Rights by State
The One Rule That’s Actually the Same Everywhere
Regardless of state, fair wear and tear is never chargeable against your bond — faded paint from sunlight, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, small scuffs from normal use. What differs is how each state’s tribunal weighs disputed cases, not the underlying principle.
How to Use This Page
This comparison is deliberately high-level — enough to know what applies to you and where to check further. For the full process (how to apply, what to submit, what the actual negotiation or dispute looks like), the linked articles above go deeper, state by state.
If you’re renting in a state not fully covered here, or a rule looks like it’s changed, the official regulator links above are the fastest way to confirm — we link directly to them in every section rather than paraphrasing secondhand.
This page summarizes publicly available information from state and territory tenancy regulators and links directly to their official sources throughout. Rental law changes periodically — always confirm current requirements with your relevant state or territory regulator before relying on any detail here. This is general information, not legal advice.