How Much Notice You Need to Give When You Own a Rental Property in NSW

As a landlord, knowing your responsibilities around how much notice you need to give is essential for staying compliant with NSW rental laws. Whether it’s asking a tenant to vacate, raising the rent, or scheduling an inspection, the notice period you provide is important. Giving the wrong amount of notice can lead to delays, legal issues, and having to restart the process.

At Empire Property Co, we take pride in getting the details right the first time, saving you time and hassle. Here’s a simple breakdown of the notice periods you need to follow when managing a property.

Tenant Vacating: How Much Notice Do I Need to Give?

When you need a tenant to vacate your property, the NSW Government says that “the amount of notice required will depend on the type of lease, who is ending it, and the reason for ending it.” If you’re at the end of a fixed-term lease, notice can be given when the agreement expires. For periodic agreements, you must give at least 30 days’ notice without needing a specific reason. In cases where the tenant has breached the terms of the lease, a 14-day notice applies.

On 24 October, NSW Parliament passed the?Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2024 which is going to change some of the notice periods and reasons for asking a tenant to move out.

It's important to ensure your notice is both accurate and compliant with legal requirements. If you give a tenant an invalid notice, you may have to start the process over again, causing unnecessary delays in gaining possession of your property. This is where a skilled property manager makes all the difference.

This is how the law stands right now (October 2024), but I'll provide updates as the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2024 is enacted and the regulations roll out (likely to be in effect in early 2025).

Here are the notice periods right now:

Rent Increases: When and How to Notify Tenants

Raising the rent is a natural part of managing investment properties, but it needs to be done correctly. In NSW, you must provide at least 60 days’ notice for any rent increase, whether the agreement is fixed-term or periodic.

Timing matters. If your notice period is even a day short of 60, you’ll need to issue a new notice and restart the process. For instance, if you mistakenly give 59 days’ notice instead of 60, you can’t simply adjust the notice by a day. You must issue a fresh notice and wait out the full 60-day period, which could impact your rental income.

To avoid these expensive mistakes, partnering with an experienced property manager ensures that notices are handled properly and on time.

Property Inspections: How Much Notice is Required?

Routine property inspections are important to ensure that your property is being looked after, but there are rules around how much notice you need to give. In NSW, landlords must provide at least 7 days’ written notice before entering the property for an inspection. Inspections are limited to four times a year and must occur during reasonable hours.

Managing multiple properties or busy tenants’ schedules can complicate things. A property manager can simplify this process by handling all the communication and scheduling on your behalf, ensuring inspections run smoothly.

Notice for Repairs and Maintenance

When repairs are needed, notice is also required to inform tenants of upcoming work. For non-urgent repairs, landlords must give at least 2 days’ notice before entering the property. Urgent repairs, however, such as those involving safety or essential services, can be handled without prior notice.

Good communication is key here. Keeping tenants informed about repairs helps maintain a positive relationship, while also ensuring the property remains in good condition. Property managers are well-versed in coordinating repairs and scheduling notices, so everything is done correctly.

Why Professional Property Management is Important

Managing notice periods, repairs, and inspections can be stressful, especially if you’re handling multiple properties. A simple error, such as giving the wrong amount of notice, can lead to unnecessary delays or financial setbacks. That’s why having a reliable property manager, like Empire Property Co., is important. We stay on top of all legislation and handle every detail so that you don’t have to worry about missteps.

By choosing Empire Property Co., you’re ensuring that your property management runs smoothly, while we take care of all the compliance and communication, freeing you to focus on your investment.

Conclusion

Dealing with tenant vacating notices, rent increases, and inspections is part of being a landlord, but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Giving the correct notice isn’t just about following the law. It’s about protecting your investment and avoiding delays. With Empire Property Co., you can rest assured that everything will be managed correctly, from start to finish.

If you’d like to discuss property management or need guidance on handling your next tenant vacating notice, contact me at Empire Property Co. today.