Over the last year, there has been a suite of changes to rental laws across all states and territories of Australia that impact residential tenancy agreements for rental properties.
So, if you’re renting a home in 2026, what do you need to be aware of to have a clear, up-to-date understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a renter?
Below is a snapshot of just some of the recent changes, including a link to the rental authority in your state or territory for more detailed information.
Did you know?
Rent bidding is universally prohibited in all Australian states and territories, but if you rent in Queensland, there is an exception that also applies.
This means that, in Queensland, regardless of whether you rent, manage, or own a rental property, you cannot make or accept an offer to pay rent above the amount advertised.
However, if you rent in all other states and territories, renters can offer to pay more, but the landlord/property manager cannot solicit the higher amount of rent for the property.
Minimum standards for rental housing now applies in almost all states and territories.
Minimum standards apply to all rental properties in Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and the Northern Territory.
New South Wales is due to roll out minimum standards for rental housing in July 2026.
Rent increases are now restricted to once every 12 months in most states and territories.
This means your rent can only be increased every 12 months if you rent in Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.
And in Victoria, stricter controls on rent increases are also now in effect, alongside the legislated time period for rent increases.
No grounds eviction are no longer permitted in a number of states and territories.
For example, in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, at the end of your lease, a landlord/rental provider can only end your tenancy when there is additional criteria (e.g. the sale of the property).
If you rent in Queensland, no grounds eviction is no longer permitted throughout your lease, however, the end of the lease can be considered cause to end the tenancy.
Looking for more detail?
With so many changes happening across Australia shaping how a residential tenancy agreement is managed in 2026, you can find out more specific information for the location of your rental property at the below websites:
- Queensland
RTA - New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading - Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria - Tasmania
Consumer Building and Occupational Services - South Australia
Consumer and Business Services - Western Australia
Legislation and Consumer Protection Western Australia - Australian Capital Territory
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate - Northern Territory
Northern Territory Consumer Affairs
Keen to learn more about renter rights and responsibilities in your state or territory?
Why not undertake our Skillsets for Successful Tenancies self-paced online course. All content is localised to your state and territory, covering everything you need to know to strengthen your next rental application and what to do once you get the keys to the rental property!
Affordably priced, upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Attainment recognised by thousands of property managers throughout Australia.
Start your learning journey for rental success here.