Legal Help for Rent, Bond & Deposits in NSW

If you're a renter in New South Wales facing challenges with rent, bonds, or holding deposits, understanding your rights can be empowering. The state provides resources and legal support to help navigate these issues effectively.

Understanding Your Rights Under The Law

The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is the key legal document that governs rental agreements in New South Wales. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, including how issues related to rent increases, bonds, and deposits should be handled.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the specific sections of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 relevant to your situation to better understand your rights.

Rent and Bond Disputes

If you encounter disputes regarding rent increases or bond refunds, you may need support from legal services or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This tribunal resolves disputes between landlords and tenants and provides guidance on the application process.

  • Request a bond refund by completing the Rental Bond Claim form from the NSW Fair Trading website.
  • Lodge a dispute with NCAT if a resolution cannot be reached with your landlord regarding a bond refund.

How to Access Free Legal Help

There are numerous legal support services available to tenants in New South Wales. Community Legal Centres and Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services offer free advice and representation.

Tenant Advice services such as Tenants' Union of NSW can provide information specific to your circumstances and help with the lodgment of complaints or tribunal applications.

Reach out to community legal centres early to ensure you get timely advice and don’t miss important deadlines.

FAQ Section

  1. What can I do if my landlord refuses to refund my bond?Consider filing a claim with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to resolve the dispute.
  2. How often can my rent be increased in NSW?In most cases, landlords can increase rent once every 12 months during a fixed-term lease if properly notified.
  3. Where can I find more information about holding deposits?The NSW Fair Trading website provides guidelines on how holding deposits should be handled.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 to know your rights.
  • Use free resources such as Tenant Advocacy Services for advice.
  • Lodge disputes with NCAT when necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need further assistance, consider contacting these resources:


Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Australia

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.