Getting repairs done in New South Wales: renters' rights
Your landlord must keep the home in a reasonable state of repair and fit to live in.
Your rights in plain English
- Ask in writing and give a clear deadline.
- If nothing happens: NSW Fair Trading can investigate and issue a rectification order. NCAT can order the repair, a rent reduction or compensation.
- Keep paying your rent while you wait. Withholding rent breaches your lease.
Put it in writing, with your rights spelled out
Our free email tool writes the message to your agent for New South Wales, quoting your rights. Keep dated photos and a record you can use at the end of your lease.
The email tool is free. The $29 Tenancy Pass adds your condition report and dated record for the whole lease, incl. GST, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
What your email should say
- Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), you must keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair.
- Please carry out this repair within 14 days. If it is not done, I may ask NSW Fair Trading to issue a rectification order, and apply to NCAT for a repair order and a rent reduction.
Where to get help
NSW Fair Trading (13 32 20) · NCAT · Tenants' Union NSW.
Source: Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.