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..