Information a tenant should get at start of tenancy
What information landlords or agents need to provide to tenants when signing a residential tenancy agreement.
Landlords' or agents' responsibilities
Before a tenant signs an agreement or moves into a property
The landlord or agent must give the tenant:
- a copy of the tenant information statement (available in other languages)
- a copy of the proposed tenancy agreement – using the standard residential tenancy agreement template
- two copies (or one electronic copy) of the condition report completed by the landlord or agent
- a copy of the by-laws, if the property is in a strata scheme
- an invitation to lodge the bond using Rental Bonds Online.
There may be other information that needs to be provided - refer to section 26 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (link provided below) and to our page on what a tenant needs to be told about a rental property.
Landlords must also read and understand the landlord information statement (available in other languages), which sets out their rights and responsibilities.
At the time the agreement is signed
The landlord must give the tenant:
- the signed tenancy agreement
- certificates of compliance for any swimming and spa pools.
Landlord contact details
- A landlord must give the tenant the landlord’s name and a way for the tenant to directly contact the landlord.
- The landlord’s contact details can be a telephone number or other contact details such as an email address.
- If the landlord lives outside of NSW, they must include the state, territory or country (if outside of Australia) in which they usually live.
- A landlord must give this information to the tenant even if the landlord uses an agent.
- A landlord can't give the agent’s contact details instead of their own.
- If a landlord doesn't use an agent, the landlord will also need to give the tenant their residential or business address to receive mail.
- The above information must be given to tenants in writing before or when the tenant signs the tenancy agreement, or can be included in the tenancy agreement.
- The tenant must also be informed, in writing, within 14 days of any changes to these details.
What a tenant may have to pay for
- Rental bond, equivalent to no more than 4 weeks rent
- Rent in advance, no more than 2 weeks
- Holding fee - if the tenant wants the landlord to hold the property for up to seven days after accepting their application
- Registration fee - if the lease is fixed term for more than 3 years
What a tenant does not have to pay for
Landlords or agents must not charge a tenant:
- for the cost of preparing or filling in the tenancy agreement
- to show them a property
- more than 2 weeks rent in advance
- more than 4 weeks rent as a rental bond
- for initial copies of keys or other opening devices
- a bond to allow the tenant to keep a pet on the property.
Resources for tenants
Get help from NSW Fair Trading
Ask a question, get support, make a complaint, give feedback or get help with a dispute on matters relating to residential tenancies.
NSW Fair Trading call centre: 13 32 20
Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm