Rent increase limits and termination grounds for residential tenancies

Residential Tenancies Amendment (Rent Cap) Bill 2026

Private Member's Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

Introduced by: Tim Clifford (GRN)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Lessors cannot raise rent beyond the increase limit; they must have a pre-agreed calculation method, a written agreement from the tenant, or court approval.
Fines of $5,000 apply to anyone who demands or receives rent that exceeds a court-ordered amount.
Lessors can only end periodic residential tenancies for specific reasons; these include moving in, selling the property, or performing major renovations.
Residential tenancies no longer end automatically on the expiry date; the tenant must give notice to leave.
Social housing lessors can end tenancies to sell, renovate, or change the use of the premises; they must give at least 90 days' notice.
Social housing tenants can ask a court to extend their notice period by up to 60 days; they must apply within 7 days of receiving the notice.

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