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Free Rental Letter Templates for Australian Tenants (Repairs, Rent Increase, Pets, Bond)

Free rental letter templates for Australian tenants.

Six free letter templates for Australian tenants: repairs, rent increases, pets, modifications, bond refunds and Centrelink rent evidence. Copy the text or download each one as a PDF. Replace everything in [brackets] before you send, and keep a dated copy.

General information only, not legal advice. Notice periods, forms and deadlines differ by state and territory, so check your state regulator before you send anything.

Letter 1: Request for repairs

Use this when something in your rental is broken or unsafe and you want it fixed. Send it in writing (email is fine) and keep a copy.

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[Your full name] [Rental property address] [Your phone / email] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name] [Agency name, if any]Subject: Repair request – [Property address]Dear [Name],I am writing to request repairs at the above property. I first noticed the following problem on [date]:– [Describe the issue, e.g. the kitchen tap leaks and water is pooling under the sink] – [Location in the property]I have attached [photos / video] showing the problem. [If relevant: This affects my ability to use the [kitchen / bathroom / heating] safely.]Please arrange for this to be repaired by [date, allow a reasonable period] and let me know when a tradesperson will need access so I can be available.If you cannot repair it by this date, please let me know the reason in writing.Thank you, [Your name]
Before you send: For urgent repairs (no hot water, gas leak, burst pipe, unsafe electrics), write URGENT in the subject line and phone as well as writing.

Letter 2: Query or object to a rent increase

Use this when you receive a rent increase notice and want to check it is valid or negotiate.

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[Your full name] [Rental property address] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name]Subject: Rent increase notice dated [date] – [Property address]Dear [Name],I received your notice of a rent increase from $[current rent] to $[new rent] per [week / fortnight], to take effect on [date].Before I respond, I would like to confirm the following:1. The date of my last rent increase was [date], and the new increase is [more / less] than the minimum period allowed in [state] after that date. 2. The notice period given was [number] days. I understand the minimum required in [state] is [number]. 3. [Optional: Rents for comparable properties in [suburb] appear to be around $[amount]. I would like to discuss whether the increase is reasonable.]I would appreciate a written reply by [date]. If the notice does not meet the requirements, I ask that you withdraw and reissue it correctly.[Optional: I am willing to discuss a smaller increase or a longer lease term.]Regards, [Your name]
Before you send: Minimum notice and frequency vary by state (for example VIC 90 days, NSW 60 days, QLD 2 months, ACT 8 weeks). Check the exact rules and how to challenge an increase with your state regulator before sending.

Letter 3: Request to keep a pet

Use this to ask your landlord for consent to keep a pet.

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[Your full name] [Rental property address] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name]Subject: Request to keep a pet – [Property address]Dear [Name],I am writing to request your consent to keep a [dog / cat / other] at the above property.About my pet: – Type and breed: [e.g. Labrador, 4 years old] – Name: [name] – Desexed and vaccinated: [yes / details] – Registered / microchipped: [yes / details]I will keep the property clean, [keep the pet indoors at night / use a crate when out], and arrange for professional cleaning of carpets at the end of the tenancy if needed. I can provide a reference from my previous landlord and a vet letter on request.Please let me know your decision in writing by [date]. If you have any concerns, I would be happy to discuss them.Thank you, [Your name]
Before you send: Rules differ by state. In some states a landlord must not unreasonably refuse and must apply to a tribunal to refuse; in others they need only state a reason. Check the pet rules for your state before you send.

Letter 4: Request to modify the property

Use this to ask for consent to a minor change, such as picture hooks, securing furniture, or a smart lock that clips over the existing thumbturn.

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[Your full name] [Rental property address] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name]Subject: Request for consent to a minor modification – [Property address]Dear [Name],I would like to request your consent to make the following change at the property:– What: [e.g. install removable picture hooks / secure a bookshelf to the wall / fit a smart lock that clips over the existing thumbturn] – Where: [room / location] – How: [method, e.g. small screws that can be filled, or no drilling at all]The change is minor, I will pay all costs, and I will return the property to its original condition at the end of the tenancy [unless you prefer it to stay].Please let me know your decision in writing by [date].Thank you, [Your name]
Before you send: Some modifications (for example fixing furniture for safety, or minor changes in some states) do not need consent or cannot be unreasonably refused. Check your state’s rules before assuming you need to ask.

Letter 5: Bond refund request

Use this after you have moved out and returned the keys, to ask for your bond back.

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[Your full name] [Forwarding address] [Your phone / email] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name]Subject: Bond refund – [Property address]Dear [Name],My tenancy at the above address ended on [date], and I returned the keys on [date]. The property was left clean and in the same condition as when I moved in, apart from fair wear and tear.I request the full return of my bond of $[amount] (bond lodgement number: [number]). Please sign the bond release form / confirm your agreement with the state bond authority by [date].My bank details for the refund are: [account name, BSB, account number].If you intend to claim any amount, please send me an itemised list with evidence (photos, quotes or receipts) and the final inspection report, so I can respond.Thank you, [Your name]
Before you send: Send your bank details only to the landlord or agent named on your lease, never to an unknown address. Attach your move-out photos, the entry and exit condition reports, and cleaning receipts. In most states a bond claim also goes through the state bond authority, so lodge the official form as well.

Use this to ask your landlord or agent for written proof of your rent when you claim or update Rent Assistance. Services Australia usually accepts a lease, a rent receipt or statement, or a completed rent certificate. Check which document your claim asks for.

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[Your full name] [Rental property address] [Date]To: [Landlord / Property manager name]Subject: Request for rent details letter – [Property address]Dear [Name],I need written confirmation of my rental details to give to Services Australia (Centrelink). Could you please provide a letter on your letterhead (or a signed statement) that includes:– Tenant name(s): [your name and any co-tenants] – Property address – Rent amount: $[amount] per [week / fortnight / month] – Lease start date: [date] and, if fixed term, end date – Whether any utilities or board are included in the rent – Landlord / agent name, phone and signatureI would be grateful if you could send this by [date]. I am happy to provide a template if it helps.Thank you, [Your name]
Before you send: Don’t put your CRN or other Centrelink details in the letter to your landlord; Services Australia only needs the rent details. Share only what it asks for. If you rent a room or share a home, tell them how the rent is split.

Where to check your state rules

Rules change, so confirm current requirements on the regulator’s site. This page is general information, not legal advice.