NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

Australia: New South Wales

vAct No 42 of 2010, official NSW print of the current version for 15 August 2025 to date (accessed 20 May 2026), with the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Act 2025 No 65 (commenced 21 September 2026) applied to the affected leaves; read 2026-09-30

11 domains

71 controls

The New South Wales law on residential tenancies, built as the duties of landlords, their agents and tenancy database operators: agreements and disclosures before signing, bonds, rent and rent increases, fee-free payment, repairs and minimum standards, smoke alarms, entry and advertising photographs, locks, pets, ending a tenancy only on prescribed grounds, domestic abuse protections, and tenancy database listings.

Verified

NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is a compliance framework from Australia: New South Wales with 11 domains and 71 controls that map to 1 other frameworks. The largest domains are Part 5: Termination by the landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (15 controls), Part 3 Division 1: Before the agreement – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (10 controls), Part 3 Division 2: Rent and other payments – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (10 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard Blokdyk

Framework summaries on this platform are AI-assisted interpretations for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (11)

Part 11: Residential tenancy databases – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

5 controls

Controls in the Part 11: Residential tenancy databases – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 5 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s211	s 211 Tell an applicant within 7 days that they appear on a tenancy database	A landlord or agent that uses a residential tenancy database to assess an application and finds the applicant listed tel...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s212-213	ss 212 and 213 List a person only for a qualifying breach, after giving them a copy and 14 days to object	A landlord or agent lists personal information on a tenancy database only about a named tenant (or co-tenant) whose tena...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s213A	s 213A Never list domestic abuse victims; ask the operator to remove such a listing within 7 days (as substituted 21 September 2026)	A landlord or agent does not list information about a tenancy that concerns a person who ended it by a domestic abuse te...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s214-216	ss 214 and 216(1) Correct inaccurate or out-of-date listings within 7 days; give free copies within 14 days	A landlord or agent that learns information it listed is inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous or out of date (for example t...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s215-218	ss 215, 216(2)-(3), 218 Database operators: amend or remove within 14 days, free copies within 14 days, remove after 3 years	A database operator amends or removes personal information within 14 days of a landlord's or agent's notice, gives a lis...

Part 12: Miscellaneous – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

1 controls

Controls in the Part 12: Miscellaneous – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 1 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s219	s 219 No contracting out; no agreements to defeat the Act; agents cannot contract out of offence liability	A term that excludes, limits or modifies the Act or the Regulation is void, no one enters any contract or arrangement in...

Part 2: Residential tenancy agreements – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

2 controls

Controls in the Part 2: Residential tenancy agreements – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 2 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s14	s 14 Put the residential tenancy agreement in writing at the start	The landlord makes sure the residential tenancy agreement is in writing when it begins. A landlord that fails to do so c...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s15-22	ss 15, 19 to 22 Use the prescribed standard form with no prohibited terms	The landlord or agent makes sure a written agreement is in the standard form prescribed by the Regulation, contains any...

Part 3 Division 1: Before the agreement – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

10 controls

Controls in the Part 3 Division 1: Before the agreement – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 10 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s22A	s 22A Advertise a fixed rent and do not solicit rent bidding	A landlord or agent does not advertise or offer premises for rent unless the advertisement or offer states a fixed rent...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s23	s 23 Take only a holding fee, rent, bond or registration fee before the agreement; no fees for background checks or preparing the lease	No one requires or receives from a tenant or applicant, before or when the agreement is made, any payment other than a h...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s24	s 24 Holding fees: only after approval, capped at one week, receipted and applied to rent	A holding fee is taken only after the landlord has approved the application and is no more than one week's rent under th...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s26-1	s 26(1) and Regulation cl 8 No false inducement; disclose the prescribed material facts	A landlord or agent does not induce a tenant into an agreement by a statement, representation or promise it knows to be...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s26-2	s 26(2), (2A), (3) Disclose a proposed sale, mortgagee action and strata information before signing	Before the tenant enters the agreement the landlord or agent discloses any proposal to sell where a sale contract has be...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s26-4	s 26(4) Give the tenant information statement before the agreement	The landlord or agent gives the tenant the information statement in the approved form before the tenant enters the agree...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s27	s 27 Give the landlord's and agent's names and contact details, and update them within 14 days	Before or when the agreement is made the landlord gives the tenant, in writing or in the agreement, its name and telepho...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s28	s 28 Give the tenant a copy of the agreement, and a fully signed copy	The landlord or agent gives the tenant a copy of the agreement before or when the tenant hands over the signed copy and,...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s29	s 29 Complete the condition report, give the tenant copies and complete it again at the end	A condition report on the prescribed form, recording the premises' condition on a stated day, is completed by or for the...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s31A	s 31A Landlord acknowledges the landlord information statement	A landlord does not enter an agreement unless the landlord or its agent has signed an acknowledgment on the agreement th...

Part 3 Division 2: Rent and other payments – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

10 controls

Controls in the Part 3 Division 2: Rent and other payments – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 10 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s32	s 32 No charge for renewing, extending or continuing an agreement	No one requires or receives any payment for renewing, extending or continuing an agreement other than rent, a rental bon...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s33	s 33(2) and (3) Rent in advance at most 2 weeks; apply rent only to rent	A landlord or agent does not require more than 2 weeks' rent in advance or rent for a period before the previous paid pe...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s34	s 34 Accept unpaid rent after a non-payment termination notice	Where the landlord has given a termination notice for failure to pay rent and the tenant has not moved out, the landlord...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s35	s 35 Offer each fee-free prescribed way to pay rent; no post-dated cheques	The landlord or agent offers the tenant each prescribed way to pay rent, Centrepay and an approved electronic bank trans...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s36	s 36 Give rent receipts with the six required details	Whoever receives rent paid in person (other than by cheque) gives a receipt at once, and for a cheque makes the receipt...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s37	s 37 Keep a rent record and give a statement within 7 days of request	The landlord or agent keeps a record of rent received in the form and with the particulars the Regulation prescribes, an...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s39	s 39 Water usage charges: only when conditions are met, with evidence, 21 days to pay and rebates passed on	The landlord charges the tenant for water usage only where the premises are separately metered (or water is delivered by...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s40	s 40 Pay rates, taxes and the landlord's utility charges	The landlord pays rates, taxes and statutory charges; installation and first connection of electricity, water, gas, bott...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s41	s 41 Rent increases: 60 days' written notice, not in the first 12 months and not more than once in 12 months	Rent is increased only by written notice from the landlord or agent stating the new rent and the date it starts, given a...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s46-47	ss 46 and 47 Keep to Tribunal rent orders and repay overpayments within 14 days	No one demands, requires or receives rent above an amount fixed by the Tribunal (for example after an excessive rent or...

Part 3 Divisions 3 and 4: Occupation, quiet enjoyment and entry – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

7 controls

Controls in the Part 3 Divisions 3 and 4: Occupation, quiet enjoyment and entry – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 7 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s49	s 49 No legal impediment to occupation, and vacant possession on the start date	The landlord takes all reasonable steps to make sure that, when the agreement is made, nothing legally prevents the prem...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s50	s 50 Respect quiet enjoyment and privacy; control other tenants' interference	The landlord and agent do not interfere with, or cause or permit interference with, the tenant's reasonable peace, comfo...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s52	s 52 Provide clean premises fit for habitation, meeting the minimum standards; keep services on; meet health and safety laws	The landlord provides the premises reasonably clean and fit for habitation. Premises are not fit unless they are structu...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s53	s 53 Sale: 14 days' notice before inspections, agree times, at most twice a week	The landlord gives the tenant written notice of its intention to sell at least 14 days before the premises are first ope...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s55	s 55 Enter without consent only on the listed grounds and notice (as amended 21 September 2026)	Without the tenant's consent the landlord, agent or authorised person enters without notice only in an emergency, for ur...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s55AA-55A	ss 55AA and 55A Seven days' notice before photographs; publish images showing the tenant's possessions only with a free copy and written consent	From 21 September 2026, the landlord, agent or authorised person does not take photographs or recordings of the interior...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s57-59	ss 57 and 59 Entry limits: 8 am to 8 pm, no Sundays or public holidays, stay no longer than needed, written authority for contractors	When entering without the tenant's consent (other than as agreed, in an emergency, for urgent repairs, on reasonable bel...

Part 3 Divisions 5 to 8: Repairs, smoke alarms, alterations, locks and pets – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

10 controls

Controls in the Part 3 Divisions 5 to 8: Repairs, smoke alarms, alterations, locks and pets – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 10 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s63	s 63 Provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair	The landlord provides and maintains the premises, including everything supplied with them for the tenant's use, in a rea...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s64	s 64 Reimburse the tenant's reasonable urgent repair costs within 14 days	Within 14 days of the tenant's written notice with details, costs and receipts, the landlord reimburses the reasonable c...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s64A	s 64A and Regulation cls 14, 15, 18, 20 Keep smoke alarms working: repair within 2 business days, replace within 10 years, batteries annually	The landlord makes sure installed smoke and heat alarms are repaired or replaced as the Regulation requires: within 2 bu...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s65C	s 65C(8) Comply with a landlord rectification order	Where the Secretary, after investigating a tenant's complaint of disrepair, issues a landlord rectification order, the l...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s66	s 66(2) Do not unreasonably refuse consent to a minor fixture or alteration	The landlord does not unreasonably withhold consent to a fixture, or to an alteration, addition or renovation of a minor...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s70	s 70 Provide locks that keep the premises reasonably secure and give each tenant keys free of charge (as amended 21 September 2026)	The landlord provides and maintains the locks (including other security devices) needed to keep the premises reasonably...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s71-72	ss 71 and 72 Change locks only by agreement or with a reasonable excuse; give tenants the new key within 7 days (as amended 21 September 2026)	The landlord does not change a lock without the tenant's agreement unless in an emergency, under a Tribunal order, after...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s73D	ss 73B and 73D Respond to a pet application in the approved form within 21 days, with reasons for any refusal	The landlord gives a written response to the tenants' application to keep an animal, in the approved form, within 21 day...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s73E-F	ss 73E and 73F Impose only reasonable pet conditions and refuse only on the listed grounds	Conditions on a pet consent are limited to reasonable ones: keeping an outdoor-type animal outside, professional carpet...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s73H	s 73H Do not advertise that pets will not be permitted	No landlord, agent or other person advertises premises for lease stating that a tenant's animal will not be allowed.

Part 4: Changes of tenant and landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

2 controls

Controls in the Part 4: Changes of tenant and landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 2 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s74-75	ss 74 and 75 Transfer and sub-letting: charge only reasonable expenses; do not unreasonably refuse a partial transfer	The landlord charges nothing for consenting to a transfer or sub-letting beyond its reasonable expenses. It may refuse a...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s76	s 76 Notify the tenant of the sale and the new owner	When the premises are sold, the landlord, agent or authorised person gives the tenant notice of the sale naming the purc...

Part 5 and 6: Domestic abuse terminations, abandonment and recovery of possession – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

5 controls

Controls in the Part 5 and 6: Domestic abuse terminations, abandonment and recovery of possession – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 5 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s105G-I	ss 105B, 105G and 105I Domestic abuse termination: accept the notice without compensation and cap remaining tenants' rent for 2 weeks (from 21 September 2026)	A tenant may end the tenancy immediately by a termination notice alleging domestic abuse against them or a dependent chi...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s105H	s 105H Notify the other tenants after the termination date, without disclosing the notice or evidence	A landlord that receives a domestic abuse termination notice gives each other tenant written notice, in the approved for...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s105J	s 105J Protect domestic abuse documents: no use or disclosure, secure storage and disposal	Anyone holding a domestic abuse termination notice, its accompanying evidence or another prescribed document (including...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s107	s 107 On abandonment: claim only the break fee for fixed terms up to 3 years, otherwise mitigate loss	Where a tenant abandons premises under a fixed term of 3 years or less, the landlord's compensation is limited to the br...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s119-120	ss 119 and 120 Recover possession only through the Tribunal and the Sheriff; no self-help	A landlord or former landlord does not bring possession proceedings against a tenant in the Supreme, District or Local C...

Part 5: Termination by the landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

15 controls

Controls in the Part 5: Termination by the landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 15 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s82	s 82 and Regulation cl 23A Termination notices in writing, signed, with premises, date, ground and the termination information statement	A termination notice is in writing, signed by the party or its agent, and states the premises, the termination date by w...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s85-86	ss 85 and 86 Give only genuine grounds and true supporting documents	A landlord or agent does not give a termination notice on a ground that is not genuine, gives with the notice the suppor...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87	s 87 Respect the tenancy exclusion periods and tell the agent about them	Where a ground carries an exclusion period (6 months after a proposed sale, demolition or landlord-or-family notice; 4 w...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87B	s 87B No ground-based notice to a tenant of 20 years or more	The landlord does not give a termination notice on a Subdivision 1 ground (other than breach under s 87C or an actual sa...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87C	s 87C Breach notice: at least 14 days	A landlord ending a tenancy because the tenant breached the agreement gives at least 14 days' notice (the date may fall...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87D	s 87D Actual sale requiring vacant possession: at least 30 days, not before a fixed term ends	Where a sale contract requiring vacant possession has been entered into, the landlord may give at least 30 days' notice...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87E	s 87E Proposed sale with vacant possession: 90 days (60 for fixed terms of 6 months or less), 6-month re-letting bar	Where the premises will be offered for sale with vacant possession, the landlord gives at least 90 days' notice for a pe...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87F	s 87F Significant renovations or repairs needing vacancy: 90/60 days, works within 2 months, 4-week bar, not while a repair order applies	The landlord may give notice where significant renovations or repairs need the premises vacant and are planned to start...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87G	s 87G Demolition: 90/60 days, demolition within 2 months, 6-month bar	Where the premises will be demolished starting within 2 months after the termination date, the landlord gives the 90-day...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87H-I	ss 87H and 87I Affordable housing and transitional housing eligibility ended: 90/60 days	For premises let under an affordable housing scheme or a transitional housing program, the landlord may give the 90-day...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87J-K	ss 87J and 87K Key worker housing and purpose-built student accommodation: 90/60 days	The landlord may give the 90-day or 60-day notice where premises in a NSW Government key worker housing scheme are neede...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87L	s 87L Premises leaving the rental market for at least 12 months: 90/60 days, 12-month bar	Where the premises will stop being rented under the Act for at least 12 months, the landlord gives the 90-day or 60-day...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87M	s 87M Landlord or family will live there for at least 6 months: 90/60 days, 6-month bar	Where the landlord, its spouse or partner, a close relative of either (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling,...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s87N	s 87N Employee or caretaker arrangement ended: at least 30 days or the contractual period	Where an employee or caretaker arrangement taken to be a tenancy (s 9) has ended, the landlord gives notice with a termi...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s88-89	ss 88 and 89(4) Non-payment notices: 14 days' arrears, the repayment statement, and notice to the Tribunal or Sheriff when paid	A termination notice for non-payment of rent, water usage or utility charges is valid only once the amount has been unpa...

Part 8: Rental bonds – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010

4 controls

Controls in the Part 8: Rental bonds – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 domain of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — 4 controls
Code	Title	Description
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s159	ss 157A(4) and 159 Bond at most 4 weeks' rent, Rental Bonds Online invitation, not before signing, receipt	No one requires or receives a bond above 4 weeks' rent under the agreement as made, or requires any bond amount before t...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s160-161	ss 160 and 161 No other security; one bond per agreement; no top-up for continuing tenants	No one requires or receives any security other than a rental bond (a government indemnity under s 160(2) excepted), more...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s162	s 162 Lodge the bond with the Secretary within the deposit period	Whoever receives bond money deposits it with the Secretary (NSW Fair Trading) with the approved notice within 10 busines...
nsw-residential-tenancies-act-2010::s163-166	ss 163, 165 and 166 Bond claims: not before the tenancy ends without joint agreement; claim only permitted amounts; give the tenant the report and invoices within 7 days	A landlord does not claim the bond before the tenancy ends unless the claim is joint or pays the tenants. It claims only...

Maps to 1 other framework

71 total controls

Queensland Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008

56 source controls mapped|51 target controls covered

79%

Compare NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 with Queensland Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008

Coverage is not the same as your position

This page shows what NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.

The Compliance Position Diagnostic, $5,000 fixed, ten business days

What is NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and who does it apply to?

NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is a compliance framework from Australia: New South Wales with 11 domains and 71 controls. The New South Wales law on residential tenancies, built as the duties of landlords, their agents and tenancy database operators: agreements and disclosures before signing, bonds, rent and rent increases, fee-free payment, repairs and minimum standards, smoke alarms, entry and advertising photographs, locks, pets, ending a tenancy only on prescribed grounds, domestic abuse protections, and tenancy database listings. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 actually require?

NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 has 71 controls organised across 11 domains. The largest domains are Part 5: Termination by the landlord – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (15 controls), Part 3 Division 1: Before the agreement – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (10 controls), Part 3 Division 2: Rent and other payments – NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (10 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 do I already cover?

NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 maps to 1 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are Queensland Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (79% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I implement NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010?

Start your NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 71 controls and track your progress.

Start Your Compliance Journey

Create a free account to run self-assessments, get AI advisory, and track your compliance progress across 849 frameworks.

Get Started Free →

Free forever — no credit card required