Ending a tenancy involves specific legal requirements, including notice periods that vary based on the reason for termination. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, understanding these timeframes is essential to ensure compliance and avoid disputes. Below is a detailed breakdown of notice periods for different situations.
Ending a tenancy involves specific legal requirements, including notice periods that vary based on the reason for termination. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, understanding these timeframes is essential to ensure compliance and avoid disputes. Below is a detailed breakdown of notice periods for different situations
Breach of Agreement
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: 14 days
Tenant Notice Period: 14 days or apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a termination order.
Note: A breach of the agreement refers to breaking any terms of the lease.
Breach of Information Disclosure (Section 26)
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: 14 days or apply to the Tribunal after 14 days.
Note: More details can be found in Information a Tenant Needs at Start of Tenancy.
Co-Tenant Terminates Their Tenancy
Type of Tenancy: Periodic only
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days
Death of a Co-Tenant
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days
Death of a Sole Tenant
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: None
Tenant Notice Period: None (notice is provided by the tenant’s legal personal representative)
Domestic Violence
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: None for a victim of domestic violence
More Info: Ending a tenancy due to domestic violence
Early Termination Without Penalty
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term only
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: 14 days
Note: Applies in cases such as moving to aged care or social housing, undisclosed property sales, or asbestos contamination.
End of Fixed-Term Agreement
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term only
Landlord Notice Period: 30 days*
Tenant Notice Period: 14 days
Note: Does not apply if the tenant has occupied the property for 20+ years.
End of Periodic Agreement (No Specified Reason)
Type of Tenancy: Periodic only
Landlord Notice Period: 90 days**
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days***
Note: Special conditions apply for long-term tenancies and shared tenancies.
End of Periodic Employee or Caretaker Agreement
Type of Tenancy: Periodic only
Landlord Notice Period: 28 days*
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days
Landlord Notice Period: 28 days*
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days
Hardship Situations
Landlord Hardship: No notice required but must apply to the Tribunal.
Tenant Hardship: No notice required but must apply to the Tribunal.
Landlord Sells the Property (Requiring Vacant Possession)
Type of Tenancy: Periodic
Landlord Notice Period: 30 days*
Tenant Notice Period: N/A
Note: Special rules apply for fixed-term agreements.
Long-Term Tenancies (20+ Years Occupancy)
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: None*
Tenant Notice Period: N/A
Note: Requires Tribunal application for termination.
Non-Payment of Rent or Utilities
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: 14 days
Tenant Notice Period: N/A
More Info: Non-payment of utilities
Property Becomes Uninhabitable
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term or periodic
Landlord Notice Period: None
Tenant Notice Period: None
Remaining Occupants After Tenancy Ends
Type of Tenancy: N/A
Landlord Notice Period: 14 days
Tenant Notice Period: N/A
More Info: Shared tenancies
Rent Increase During Fixed-Term Agreement (2+ Years)
Type of Tenancy: Fixed-term only
Landlord Notice Period: N/A
Tenant Notice Period: 21 days (before increase starts)
Retaliatory Eviction
Tenants can challenge termination notices at the Tribunal if issued in response to enforcing legal rights (e.g., requesting repairs).
Deadlines: 30 days for 90-day termination notices, 14 days for others.
If a Tribunal order is made, it includes possession orders and potential warrants.
Serious Tenant Misconduct
Damage or Injury: Tribunal application required, no prior notice.
Threats, Harassment, Intimidation: Tribunal application required, no prior notice.
Illegal Property Use: Tribunal application required, no prior notice.