Rental laws are changing in NSW.
New laws to limit rent increases to once per year and to prevent extra charges at the start of a tenancy started on 31 October 2024. Other changes, including requiring landlords to give a reason to end a tenancy and making it easier to keep pets in rental homes will be changing in 2025.
Ending a tenancy is only permitted in certain ways. A tenant or landlord will usually end a tenancy by giving notice. Notice periods will depend on the kind of rental agreement, who is giving notice, and the reason for the end of the lease agreement. You should leave the property empty by the specified date.
Steps to moving out
Give the correct amount of notice in writing
Make sure you understand the minimum notice period that applies to your rental situation. If you are ending a tenancy early, check what costs may apply, such as a break fee. In certain cases, there will be no break fee.
Move out of the property by the specified date
Make sure you have moved out by the date specified on the termination notice. You should also return all keys and other security devices.
Leave the property clean and empty
Make sure you have:
- removed all your belongings
- left the property in a similar condition to when you moved in
- repaired, or paid the cost of repairing, any damage that is not reasonable wear and tear.
The condition report you completed when you first moved in can help if you have any disputes about the condition of the property at the end of your tenancy.
Conduct a final inspection of the property with the landlord or agent
Your landlord or agent will carry out a final inspection of the property once it's empty. The landlord or agent must give you a reasonable opportunity to attend the final inspection.
However, if you don't show up, the condition report may be filled out without you.
Arrange to get your bond back
Make arrangements for getting your bond back. Your landlord or agent can make a claim against part or all of the bond if the property is not left in a similar condition to when you moved in. They can also make a claim for certain other costs and amounts owing.
Change your address once you've moved
When you move out, you can update your address details for a range of services at Service NSW, including:
- driver’s licence or vehicle registration
- e-toll account
- electoral roll
- concession and support cards
- Opal card
- if you own a dog or cat.
Notify a change of address at Service NSW. Note that you will need:
- a MyServiceNSW Account – you can create one before changing your address
- the service(s) you wish to update added to your MyServiceNSW Account – see How to add services to your MyServiceNSW Account
What if things go wrong?
- you're ending the lease early, and the costs involved
- there’s a disagreement about the return of the bond with your landlord or agent
- you need to end a lease due to family or domestic violence
- you're facing eviction
- you’re listed on a tenancy database.
Get help and support
You can get help or lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.
The Tenants' Union of NSW has resources available or you can use their search tool to find your local tenants' advocacy and advice service.