Renting in the ACT - ACT Government

Get help with bond and rent costs, find affordable housing, and check your rights and responsibilities as a renter or landlord.

Bond and rent help

Find an affordable rental Rental homes for Canberrans on low or moderate incomes.

Affordable rentals for over 65s Low-cost rentals for pensioners, provided through Housing ACT.

Public and community housing Applying for and renting public housing, including rental rebates.

Bond loan Interest-free loans to pay the bond for a private rental property.

Rental laws and responsibilities

Guidance to help tenants, landlords and agents understand and follow ACT rental laws.

Before renting

Rental ads, condition checks and pets Learn what rental ads must include, what to check before you rent and rules for keeping pets.

Renting a unit or townhouse Landlords must give tenants a unit rental title certificate before they sign a lease.

Ceiling insulation Landlords must meet the legal requirement for minimum ceiling insulation in rental homes.

Leases, bond and condition reports Understand what’s in a tenancy agreement, how bond and utilities work, and what to check when you start a tenancy.

Rent out your property as an affordable rental Landlords may get a land tax exemption for renting out a property below market rent.

During a tenancy

Inspections, rent and repairs What to expect during inspections, how rent payments and increases work, and what to do if something needs fixing.

Home health and safety How to manage or avoid mould, pests, smoke and other hazards.

Resolve problems

Help to stay in your home Free support through the Tenancy Assistance Program if you're worried about losing your home.

Legal advice for tenants Free advice from the Tenancy Advice Service to help you understand your rights or resolve disputes.

Resolve a rental dispute ACAT decides rental issues such as bonds, rent increases and repairs.

Reduce household costs

Free home energy checks Book a free energy check through the Renters' Home Energy Program.

Reduce your running costs Get advice to reduce energy and water bills through the Home Energy Efficiency Program.

Ending a tenancy

Giving notice, final inspections and bond release How to end a tenancy, give notice, arrange the final inspection and release the bond.

When landlords can end a tenancy Rental laws landlords must follow to end a lease, including giving notice.

Ending a tenancy due to family violence How to end your tenancy early if you've experienced domestic or family violence.