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Legal help for tenants

Get legal help

The Tenancy Advice Service is a dedicated legal service for tenants renting in the ACT.  

A tenant is someone who is renting a property.

The Tenancy Advice Service is a free and confidential legal service. This means we will not do anything without your consent, and we will not tell anyone you contacted us.  

What we help with

We can help with most disputes between you and your landlord or agent, or disputes between you and other tenants.  

These include:

  • bond disputes
  • ending a tenancy
  • family violence within a tenancy
  • if you are being evicted
  • if you’ve fallen behind on rent
  • problems with repairs, maintenance or mould
  • problems with sub-letting or share houses
  • problems within occupancy agreements, such as student accommodation
  • unfair rent increases.

We can help by:

  • giving you legal information on tenancies
  • giving you legal advice for your specific situation
  • representing you at the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where appropriate.  

What we do not help with

We do not help with:

  • tenancy issues if you are a landlord
  • public housing  
  • problems with strata or body corporate.

If we cannot help you, we will refer you to another service that can.  

Contact us

Phone: 1300 402 512  

  • Monday to Thursdays 8.30am to 7pm  
  • Fridays 8.30am to 5pm

Email: tas@legalaidact.org.au  

Online chat: https://tawk.to/tasact   

Prepare for your appointment with us

Find out how you can prepare for an appointment with us.

Get help from other services  

Onelink 

OneLink provides information and connections to ACT support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Tenancy Assistance Program

The Tenancy Assistance Program helps individuals and families at risk of losing their homes due to financial hardship, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or other complex issues.

Canberra Community Law

Canberra Community Law gives legal advice for tenants and occupants in public and community housing.  

Care Financial Counselling Service

Care Financial Counselling Service can provide financial counselling support to people struggling to pay rent, utilities’ bills and general living expenses.

Resources

The law

Factsheets

Sample letters

You can download and edit these letters to use them for your own situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions/common problems

There are some common problems and questions that we receive here at the Tenancy Advice Service. Please consult our list to see if your problem appears and read the associated factsheets as they may provide you with the information you require to solve the problem yourself. We have linked a number of factsheets , useful documents and sample letters for you to read and use.

If your problem does not appear, or you require any further assistance, please contact us.

 

I am going to ACAT to solve a problem – what should I know?

If you are going to ACAT read our facsheet below.

You will also find useful information on ACAT's website at www.acat.act.gov.au

Factsheet - Going to ACAT

My landlord keeps coming into my house – are they allowed to do that?

There are strict regulations concerning when your landlord or property manager may enter your home and the notice requirements they must comply with.

Sample letters relating to access

 

My landlord is trying to evict me – what can I do?

If your landlord is trying to evict you, it is important you understand to understand your rights and obligations.

Sample letters

My lease is about to end – what should I know?

Depending on whether you intend to leave the property, or you want to renew your lease, there are a number of different steps you can take.

Sample letters

 

What should I know when I’m looking for somewhere to rent?

Starting a new lease is a big commitment, so it’s important to understand how it works.

I have fallen behind on my rent – what do I do?

If you are having problems paying your rent, there are steps you can take to prevent termination of your lease.

If you cannot make a rental payment, contact the lessor/agent as soon as possible and let them know you will be making the payment.

If you aren’t able to pay off the arrears in one payment, contact the lessor/agent to explain the situation. You may be able to reach an agreement to pay off the amount over time, for example you could offer to pay an extra amount per week. It is very helpful if you can make a written offer and get any response in writing. This will be useful even if the offer is not accepted, as the letter can be used as evidence that you have tried to fix the problem if action is taken by the lessor in ACAT. 

Being behind in your rent is a breach of your tenancy agreement. This can result in eviction. The lessor cannot evict you without an order from ACAT. See our factsheet on eviction for more information.

Eviction factsheet

Sample letters

I have a problem with my residence and I need my landlord to do something.

If you are having issues with your home that require repair, such as plumbing, heating, mould, or other problems, your landlord may be required to deal with it, and do so within a set time frame.

Sample letters

My landlord wants to raise my rent

There are strict rules about when your landlord can raise your rent; by how much they can raise your rent; and how they must provide notice of a rent increase.

Sample letters

I want to move out before the end of my lease – what do I do?

If you have signed a lease for a fixed term and you intend to move out before the term is complete, that is called breaking the lease.

Sample letters