This information only applies to ACT renters.  If you are renting outside the ACT, go to Links for services that can help you.

The details below are for renting advice and information, if you are in need of support services see our support services page.  Our Links page has details for services such as Office of Rental Bonds, ACAT and other services.

Tenancy

If you have a tenancy, lease or residential tenancy agreement, go to Tenancy Factsheets, Sample Letters and Frequently Asked Questions.  The 100 terms in the Standard Lease apply to you.

Occupancy

If you live in a different type of accommodation, e.g., a homestay living with the owner of the house, university accommodation, caravan park, emergency accommodation, hotel/motel or boarding house, you may be an occupant, not a tenant.  Go to Occupancy Factsheets to find out whether you are an occupant and for information on occupants’ rights.

Share House

If you live in a share house, download our Share Housing Booklet for information on share house issues.
Please note that you should be aware of your type of tenancy in a share house, e.g. are you a head-tenant, a sub-tenant or something else?

Public Housing

If you live in public/social housing with Housing ACT, our tenancy information applies to you. However, if you want advice on applications, transfers, rental rebates, review of decisions or obtaining Priority status, call Canberra Community Law on (02) 6218 7977 or go to their website for information

Looking for Somewhere to Live?

If you are looking for accommodation, see Finding Somewhere to Live, Budgeting and our Property Checklist.

Advice for Renters

If you require legal advice, renters can call Legal Aid’s Tenancy Advice Service on 1300 402 512.   

We encourage you to check our information here first to clarify your issue and the sorts of things you should be asking about

Advice for Landlords/Head Tenants

Landlords and head-tenants can make a free appointment with the Legal Advice Bureau by calling 6247 5700, or call Legal Aid on 1300 654 314.

Once registered, anyone can access our information and resources.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Tenants’ Union ACT publishes this website as a service to the Canberra public. Please note that the information on this site is only relevant to renters in the ACT.

This website provides information about the law designed to help users understand legal rights and obligations. However legal information is not the same as legal advice (the application of law to an individual's specific circumstances). Although we make all efforts to ensure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult the Tenants Advice Service for advice specific to your circumstances. You are also able to consult an independent solicitor for a second opinion.

Please note that this website is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for specific legal advice or opinions and the transmission of this information is NOT intended to create a solicitor-client relationship between the Tenants’ Union ACT and members of the public.

Tenants’ Union ACT makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currency, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.  Please also note when the page was last updated, as the law may have changed.