Residential tenancies

IMPORTANT NOTICE: There has been important temporary changes to both the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 and the Business Tenancies (Fair Dealings) Act 2003 that may impact the advice and information provided on this page.

It is important that you first read a full explanation of these changes before you read or download information from this page. The new changes can be found here. If you need help determining how these changes affect your personal circumstances, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (08) 8999 1999 or 1800 019 319.

Consumer Affairs provides advice to tenants and landlord/agents of residential properties in the Northern Territory. The legislative rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act.

The landlord/tenant relationship is usually harmonious but difficulties do arise, and sometimes landlords and tenants have different ideas of their respective rights and responsibilities.

A Guide to Renting in the Northern Territory

This guide is to give landlords and tenants an overview of their rights and responsibilities under the Northern Territory Residential Tenancies Act. It is important to note that this information is not the Act itself.

A copy of this guide is available to download, or print out: A Guide to Renting in the Northern Territory

Tenancy Databases

A tenancy database (or blacklist as it is more commonly known) is a list used by landlords to record personal information about the rental history of their tenants should they default on their tenancy agreement. New Northern Territory Tenancy Database legislation commenced as of 1 July 2018 and helps regulate how entries into these databases are managed and help protect the rights of tenants. The Tenancy Database legislative rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act.

Below is a guide for both Landlords and Tenants:

Landlord Factsheet - pdf | word
Tenant Factsheet - pdf | word

Tenancy - Water Charges

Landlords are allowed to pass on the full cost of water consumption provided:

  • the rental premises are individually metered, and
  • the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.

However, a landlord cannot ask a tenant to pay for charges, levies, rates or taxes, other than a charge payable by the owner or occupier of the premises for electricity, gas or water supplied to the premises.

For general advice about residential tenancies please contact our office on (08) 8999 1999 or by email at consumer@nt.gov.au

Notices

  • RT03 - Notice to Remedy Unpaid Rent - pdf | rtf
  • RT04a - Notice to Remedy Breach by Landlord - pdf | rtf
  • RT04b - Notice to Remedy Breach by Tenant - pdf | rtf
  • RT05 - Notice by Landlord to Terminate - pdf | rtf
  • RT06 - Notice by Tenant to Terminate - pdf | rtf
  • RT07 - Withdrawal of Termination Notice - pdf | rtf
  • RT08 - Intention to Retain Deposit & Stat Dec - pdf | rtf
  • RT09 - Notice of Entry by Landlord - pdf | rtf
  • RT10 - Notice of Rent or Bond Increase - pdf | rtf
  • RT11 - Notice of Storage of Goods - pdf | rtf
  • RT12 - Unclaimed Tenancy Bond Claim Form - pdf | rtf

Applications

From 1 June 2015, applications in relation to the Residential Tenancies Act are heard by the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT). Applications are required to be lodged on a NTCAT form.

This form, as well as advice on NTCAT procedures and processes, can be found on the NTCAT website: www.ntcat.nt.gov.au

Northern Territory Consumer Affairs will continue to provide assistance with information and advice on all tenancies matters and notices, excluding Residential Tenancy Applications and processes.

Legislation

Brochures

Fact Sheets

  • Abandoned Goods - pdf | word
  • Boarders, Lodgers and Sub Tenants - pdf | word
  • Breaking a Tenancy Lease Early - pdf | word
  • Moving out before a Shared Tenancy ends - pdf | word
  • Rent Bidding - pdf | word
  • Repairs - pdf | word
  • Resolving Common Tenancy Disputes - pdf | word
  • Sharing a property - pdf | word
  • Security Deposits (Bonds) - pdf | word
  • Unclaimed Residential Tenancy Bonds - pdf | word
  • What Tenants Should Know About Renting - pdf | word

Did you receive your bond money back?

If not - then click here for further information.

Determinations

Selected Determinations from 2006 on are available on a national database of legal cases from the link: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/#nt

Earlier Determinations are available from the Office of the Commissioner of Tenancies. Contact Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319.

Last Updated:
28 Apr 2020

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