Public housing tenant repair costs

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, we are responsible for maintenance and repairs due to fair wear and tear.

Your responsibility for damage

As a tenant, you must take care of your home and report any damage to us as soon as possible. You are responsible for damage caused by you, your household members, guests, or pets. In these cases, you may need to cover the repair costs.

You are not responsible for:

• Damage caused by domestic violence offenders
• Criminal activity (e.g., break-ins, vandalism)
• Normal wear and tear

For major damage over $500, you may also need to pay a rental bond. More information on this is available on the Homes NSW Housing Rental Bonds page.

For more information about bonds, see Homes NSW Housing Rental Bonds.

Types of damage you will need to cover

We may ask you to pay for repair costs to cover damage such as:

• broken windows
• punctured internal cupboard doors and walls
• carpet burns
• broken clotheslines and hoists
• broken locks
• damaged internal or external doors, fly screens and security doors
• damaged toilets and basins
• blocked sewers due to sanitary pads, nappies, toys or other items flushed down the toilet
• fire damage caused by deliberate actions, careless behaviour, or neglect by the tenant or household member.

You will also need to cover the costs for replacing lost keys and removing any furniture, rubbish, or abandoned vehicles at the end of your tenancy.

How Homes NSW decides who to charge for damage 

We consider the type of damage and the information you provide when deciding who is responsible for the damage and repair costs.
We will also look at your individual circumstances, including:

• the condition of the property at the start of your tenancy, as noted in the Property Condition Report
• whether the damage is due to fair wear and tear
• situations like ill health, external factors (such as criminal activity, break-ins, or vandalism), or if you were a victim of domestic and family violence.

If needed, we may ask you to provide evidence.

Paying for repairs

If you're responsible for damage, we’ll send you a Tenant Damage Charges Notification. This notification will explain the repairs needed and the amount you will be charged. You'll have 10 days (plus 4 for postage) to sign and return the Confirmation of Tenant Damage Charges form.
If you believe that you were not responsible for the damage or disagree with the repair costs, notify us in writing as soon as you receive the notification. Please include the reasons for your disagreement and any supporting evidence.
If we do not receive your form within 10 days (plus 4 days postage time), we will assume you accept responsibility for the damage and the repairs costs.
If the review finds you are responsible for the damage and the repair costs, we will notify you and may take the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) or local court to recover the costs.
You will have the opportunity to explain the disagreement to NCAT or local court, which will then decide if you need to pay and how much.

Need help?

For independent advice, contact:

• NSW Fair Trading: 13 32 20
• Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service 
• NSW Aboriginal Tenants Advice Service