What is rent?
Rent is the money that the agreement states must be paid by the tenant or resident so that they can stay at the premises they are renting. The agreement will also state if the rent is to be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or at another agreed period.
The rent is paid to the landlord or agent, or an owner or operator of a rooming house or caravan park. The parties involved should agree if the rent is to be paid:
- in person
- using direct debit
- by credit card, cheque, or another method, including rent payment card.
Tenant and resident responsibilities regarding rent
As a tenant or resident, you are responsible for paying the rent and must continue to pay it when it is due.
You cannot stop paying rent, even if:
- the landlord or owner refuses to do repairs
- you are in the last month of your rental agreement
- you have given notice that you intend to vacate
- you have been given a Notice to Vacate.
Rent in advance in a tenancy agreement
If the rent is to be paid weekly, the landlord or agent cannot ask for more than 14 days’ rent at the beginning of a tenancy.
In any other case, provided the rent is $350 a week or less, the landlord or agent cannot ask for more than one month’s rent in advance.
The landlord or agent may be fined if they do not follow the above.
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