There are specific rules around when and how much you can increase rent, and these vary between states and territories. Before making an adjustment, make sure you have met the requirements that apply to your property and tenancy.
In this article, we explain how rent increases work and how to adjust the rent for your tenancy on RentBetter.
In this Article:
When Can I Increase the Rent?
The rules around rent increases depend on the state or territory where the property is located. Typically, you should check:
When the rent was last increased
(Typically can only happen only once every 12 months)
Whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic
Whether the tenancy agreement allows for a rent increase
How much notice you need to give your tenant
You can find the current rent increase requirements through the relevant authorities below:
Giving Notice to Your Tenant
You must give your tenant written notice of the rent increase before the new rent takes effect and there are minimum notice periods in each state.
You can do this either through the platform or outside of RentBetter.
State/Territory | Minimum Notice - Fixed-Term | Minimum Notice - Periodic | Official Form |
60 days | 60 days | ||
For existing agreements if written into the agreement, 2 months notice.
No notice required if entering into new agreement at end of fixed-term. | 2 months | No offical form | |
90 days | 90 days | ||
60 days | 60 days | No offical form | |
60 days | 60 days | ||
60 days | 60 days | ||
8 weeks | 8 weeks | No offical form | |
30 days | 30 days |
Adjusting the Rent in RentBetter
RentBetter allows you to serve rent adjustment notices for your tenancy conveniently within the platform. For rent increases, the correct notice template is included based on your state or territory, allowing you to generate and send the notice to your tenant in just a few clicks.
To adjust the rent in the platform, you can follow these steps:
Navigate to the Tenancy page for the your tenancy.
Select Actions.
Select Adjust Rent.
Enter the new rent amount and details.
Select the date the new rent should take effect.
Click through to sign and submit.
What happens to the payment schedule?
When you issue a rent adjustment notice to your tenant through RentBetter, it becomes available for them to view in their account.
They have the option to acknowledge and accept the changes through their account but if no response is received, the rent will be automatically applied to the payment schedule.
RentBetter recalculates the future payment periods based on the new rental amount however, payments that have already been completed are not changed.
If the rent adjustment date falls part-way through a payment period, the system will calculate the relevant period on a pro-rata basis so that the correct amount is charged for the days at the old and new rate.
Editing a Rent Adjustment
If you have already created a rent adjustment but need to make changes, you may be able to edit the adjustment depending on its status.
Go to the Tenancy page and select the relevant rent adjustment to review its details.
If the adjustment has not yet taken effect, you can edit and update the relevant details and submit the adjustment again.
If the adjustment has already been applied to the payment schedule, contact our support team if you need assistance making changes.
General FAQ's
Can I increase the rent during a fixed-term lease?
This depends on your state or territory and the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Some states allow the agreement to specifically state the details for a rent increase if allowed during the fixed term, as well as requiring notice before the increase takes effect.
Always check the rules that apply to your location before making any adjustments.
Does the tenant need to agree to a rent increase?
A tenant does not necessarily need to agree to a rent increase for it to take effect. However, tenants may have rights to challenge an increase in certain circumstances.
We always recommend discussing any intended rent increase with your tenant before issuing the notice through the platform, so they’re aware of the proposed changes.
Always make sure the increase has been issued correctly and complies with the relevant legislation in your location. If you have questions, you're welcome to contact the team and we'd be happy to help further.
Can I increase the rent more than once a year?
Typically no - most states/territories only allow for the rent to be increased once every 12 months but this depends on where your property is located.
Again, always check the rules that apply to your location before making any adjustments.
If my location doesn't have an official government rent increase form, what form can I use?
If you’re using RentBetter to issue the rent increase notice, the relevant government form will be generated where one is available.
If your state or territory doesn’t have an official government rent increase form, RentBetter provides a general rent increase notice that you can use to notify your tenant of the increase.
💬 Need Further Assistance?
Have more questions about adjusting rent? Reach out to our friendly team via the support chat or email info@rentbetter.com.au and we’ll be happy to help.