Rent Increase Rules NSW
New South Wales caps rent increases at once every 12 months and requires at least 60 days of written notice. The rules tightened further in the October 2024 reforms, which ended the old end-of-fixed-term workaround. The full picture for NSW landlords is below.
This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy legislation changes regularly - confirm the current requirements with NSW Fair Trading before serving a notice.
NSW rent increase rules at a glance
Every figure below comes from the same verified rule set propkt applies when generating notices.
| Rule | New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Minimum notice period | 60 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 took effect (or the tenancy start date if there has been no increase yet). |
| First increase | No increase within the first 12 months of the tenancy. |
| Fixed-term agreements | Only if the agreement states the increased amount or how it is calculated, for agreements signed before 13 December 2024. |
| Prescribed form | None mandatory - the NSW Fair Trading approved form is optional, but using it avoids disputes about what was served. |
| Tenant challenge | Application to NCAT within 30 days of receiving the notice. |
| 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 | NSW Fair Trading. |
For fixed-term agreements of less than 5 years signed on or after 13 December 2024, the ban on increasing during the fixed term applies regardless of any rent-review clause.
Verified against the sources below, August 2026.
Worked example
A Sydney landlord wants the new rent to start on 1 November on a periodic agreement.
The earliest possible effective date is also bounded by the 12-month rule: no sooner than 12 months after the tenancy started or the last increase took effect.
Frequently asked questions
How often can you increase rent in NSW?
Once every 12 months. After an increase takes effect, the landlord must wait at least 12 months before another increase, and rent cannot be raised in the first 12 months of the tenancy either.
How much notice does a landlord need to give for a rent increase in NSW?
At least 60 days of written notice before the increase takes effect. If you post the notice, NSW Fair Trading says to allow an extra 7 working days for delivery.
Can you increase rent during a fixed-term lease in NSW?
For fixed-term agreements of 5 years or more, yes, following the general rules. For shorter fixed terms signed on or after 13 December 2024, rent cannot be increased during the fixed term at all. For short fixed terms signed before that date, the agreement had to state the increased amount or the calculation method.
Does NSW require a specific rent increase form?
No. NSW Fair Trading publishes an approved Notice of rent increase form, but a landlord may write their own notice or send it by email as long as the notice is in writing, states the new rent and the day it takes effect, and gives 60 days notice.
Can a tenant challenge a rent increase in NSW?
Yes. A tenant can apply to NCAT within 30 days of receiving the notice. NCAT can set the rent for the next 12 months if it considers the increase excessive.
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