Notice Periods for Ending a Tenancy, NSW.



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.

This guide provides an overview of termination notice periods for tenants and landlords in NSW. Ensure you understand the specific rules applicable to your situation, and consult official resources or seek legal advice if necessary..