How much can rent go up in NSW?

How often can rent be increased in NSW?

Ordinarily no more than once every 12 months: the rent can't go up in the first 12 months of an agreement, or within 12 months of the last increase (after an increase on 1 March, the next can start 2 March the following year at the earliest). This applies to fixed-term and periodic (month to month) agreements.

Two exceptions: some fixed terms signed before 13 December 2024 (below), and social housing, where rent changes that come only from a rent rebate can happen more often.

How much notice is needed for a rent increase in NSW?

Ordinarily at least 60 days' written notice; an email counts if you've agreed to get notices by email. The notice states the new rent (not just the amount of the increase) and the day it starts, and is signed, dated and addressed to the tenant.

The 60 days count from when the notice is given to the tenant: for an email, when it arrives; for a posted letter, when it would ordinarily be delivered. The day it's given isn't counted, so a notice given on 1 April allows a new rent from 1 June at the earliest. The one exception is an older fixed term whose agreement itself sets out the increase and the day it starts (below).

Does renewing or signing a new lease reset the 12 months?

Not if the landlord is the same, at least one of the tenants is the same, and the tenant hasn't moved out between agreements. Then a renewal, or a switch to another type of agreement, counts as the same agreement, so the 12-month limit runs from the last increase, not from the new lease.

The 60 days' written notice applies to a renewal at a higher rent too.

Can rent go up during a fixed-term lease in NSW?

Ordinarily the same 12-month limit and 60 days' notice apply during a fixed term.

The exception: a fixed term of less than 2 years entered into (signed) before 13 December 2024. During that term the rent can go up, even more than once in 12 months, only as the agreement sets out: the amount, or an exact way to work it out (a dollar amount or a percentage, not "in line with the market"). If the agreement also states the day the increase starts, no separate written notice is needed. Once the term ends, the 12-month limit applies.

How much can a landlord increase the rent in NSW?

NSW sets no fixed limit or percentage on the size of an increase.

If a renter thinks an increase is excessive, they can apply to NCAT. The tribunal looks at things like the rents for comparable homes nearby, the home's condition and what comes with it. Recent new-lease figures for the area are one part of that picture.

How long is there to apply to NCAT about an excessive increase?

An application about an excessive increase has to be made within 30 days of being given the notice.

A tenants' advice service can explain the process and what NCAT looks at. Applying is a renter's own decision.

Is my rent increase fair?

Only NCAT can decide whether an increase is excessive. What you can see for yourself is where the new rent sits against recent new leases of similar homes nearby, from NSW Fair Trading's bond data, and whether the dates on your notice fit the rules above.

The free check shows both, without signing up.

The full guide, with its sources: Rent increase rules in NSW. General information, not legal advice: we haven't seen your agreement. Only NCAT can decide whether an increase is excessive.

NSW median rents by area · Rent increase check (NSW and QLD)