If you have been asked to leave your rental
Somewhere to stay · 5 min read
A notice is not an eviction. Only a tribunal can order you to leave, and the dates and reasons on the notice have to be exactly right — a lot of them are not.
Do not move out on the date in the letter
A termination notice starts a process — it does not end your tenancy on its own. If you leave straight away you give up the chance to challenge it, and you may lose bond you would otherwise get back.
Check the notice
- Is the reason one the law allows in your state?
- Have they given you the full notice period?
- Is your name and the address right, and is it signed?
Get free advice the same week
Every state and territory has a free tenancy advice service. They will read the notice with you, usually the same day, and tell you whether it stands. This is the single highest-value phone call you can make.
If you are behind in rent
Ask about a repayment plan in writing before it gets to the tribunal. A tribunal is far more likely to let you stay if you have already proposed a plan and started paying something.
Eviction notice checklist
- Keep the notice and the envelope
- Photograph the notice
- Write down the date it arrived and how
- Check the notice period for my state
- Call free tenancy advice
- Put any repayment offer in writing
- Keep paying what I can and keep the receipts
- Do not hand back the keys until I have advice
Who to call
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 — Free, independent financial counsellors
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This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice — the rules differ between states and territories.
Not an emergency service
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For family and domestic violence support any time, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).