Telephone and internet utilities in rental properties

Key information

• Landlords do not have to provide telephone or internet connections as part of the tenancy.
• Tenants should contact a service provider as early as possible as it may take time for services to be connected.
• A tenant may be able to transfer existing services they have at their current home to their new home. They should contact their service provider about this. Existing services that will not be transferred should be cancelled.
• If a telephone or internet line is not connected, the tenant will need to get the landlord’s written permission before getting a line installed.
• This type of work is likely to be a 'minor change' where the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent.
• The service provider may charge a connection fee.

Paying for installation of new telephone or internet

The tenant will have to pay for installation (although the landlord may agree to pay or contribute to the cost) and any repairs to connections they have installed. In NSW, this includes the NBN 'New Development Charges' in new buildings where the NBN has not yet been connected.

Interference with supply

A landlord or agent who interferes with the supply of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications services or other services to the rented property will be in breach of the tenancy agreement.

This doesn’t include if the interference is necessary to avoid danger to any person or for maintenance or repairs.

Access for repairs

The landlord/agent, or another person authorised by the landlord, can enter the premises without the tenant's consent for certain purposes. In the case of maintenance and repairs, a tradesperson is permitted to enter a rental property to carry out the repairs.

A person authorised by the landlord/agent must have written consent from the landlord or agent to enter the premises.

A tenant can request a copy of this consent before anyone enters their home.