Rent Increase Rules ACT
The ACT is the only Australian jurisdiction with a formula cap on rent increases: generally no more than 10 per cent above the growth in Canberra's rents CPI. Combined with 8 weeks of notice and a 12-month cycle measured from the NOTICE date, the Territory has the most mechanical rules in the country.
This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy legislation changes regularly - confirm the current requirements with the ACT Government before serving a notice.
ACT rent increase rules at a glance
Every figure below comes from the same verified rule set propkt applies when generating notices.
| Rule | the ACT |
|---|---|
| Minimum notice period | 56 days written notice before the increase takes effect. |
| Minimum time between increases | Once every 12 months. |
| What the 12-month clock runs from | The date the last increase NOTICE was given (or the tenancy start date if there has been no increase). |
| First increase | No increase within the first 12 months of the tenancy. |
| Fixed-term agreements | Increases allowed during a fixed term without a special clause (general rules still apply). |
| Amount cap | CPI + 10% formula cap on Canberra rents growth (Residential Tenancies Regulation 1998 (ACT) s 5A). |
| Tenant challenge | ACAT application (excessive increase / cap breach). |
| Serving the notice | By post allow an extra 7 business days for delivery; by email 1 business day (email requires the tenant's consent). In person takes effect immediately. |
| Regulator | The ACT Government. |
The ACT Government's rent increase calculator has been offline while it is updated for the ABS's move to monthly CPI reporting. Landlords should work from the published CPI series and keep records of the comparison dates used.
Verified against the sources below, August 2026.
Worked example
A Canberra landlord plans an increase effective 1 May on a tenancy that began 1 July last year.
Because the ACT clock runs from the notice date rather than the effective date, serving late can push your next lawful increase later too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rent increase cap in the ACT?
Generally, rent cannot increase by more than 10 per cent above the growth in the rents component of the CPI for Canberra, compared over the same period as the increase. The cap sits in section 5A of the Residential Tenancies Regulation 1998 (ACT).
How much notice do ACT landlords need to give?
At least 8 weeks - 56 days - of written notice before the increase takes effect.
When does the ACT 12-month clock start?
From the date the last rent increase notice was GIVEN, or the start of the tenancy if there has been no increase yet. Every other jurisdiction runs this clock from the increase itself - the ACT runs it from the paperwork.
Can rent be increased during a fixed term in the ACT?
Not unless the agreement sets out the amount of the increase or a method for calculating it. Agreements that began before 10 December 2024 may include different arrangements.
Who hears ACT rent increase disputes?
ACAT. A tenant can argue an increase is excessive, and s 68 combines the agreement test with the prescribed-amount (cap) test.
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