The short answer
You must pay rent on time. You and your lessor can agree how it's paid, including electronically, and a lessor can't make you pay by post-dated cheque. They can't ask for more than 2 weeks' rent in advance unless you choose to pay more.
If you pay in person you get a receipt on the spot; other payments to the lessor need a receipt within a week, unless you pay straight into their nominated account. A lessor can't charge anything other than rent or bond for things like signing, renewing, keys or moving out. To turn weekly rent into monthly, multiply by 52 and divide by 12.
Paying rent on time
You must pay your rent on time (standard term 26). How you pay is something you and your lessor agree. The standard terms say you can agree to change where rent is paid, whether it goes into a nominated bank account or is paid in person, and that it can be paid electronically.
A lessor must not require you to pay by post-dated cheque (standard term 27).
Rent in advance
A lessor can’t require more than 2 weeks’ rent in advance, unless you choose to pay a longer period (standard term 28). Before 6 April 2020 the limit was a month.
You can’t use your bond to pay the rent for your last weeks (standard term 26).
Receipts and records
| How you pay | Receipt |
|---|---|
| In person, to the lessor or agent | A receipt must be given at the time (standard term 29) |
| Any other way, to the lessor | A receipt within 1 week, handed over or posted (standard term 30) |
| Straight into the lessor’s or agent’s nominated account | No receipt needed (standard term 32): your bank record is your proof |
A receipt must show the amount, and should show the date, the period the payment covers, the address, and whether it’s rent or bond. If it doesn’t, the lessor must give you those details within 4 weeks of you asking (standard term 31). The lessor must keep rent records for at least 12 months after the tenancy ends (standard term 33).
Keep your own record of every payment, too.
Fees a lessor can’t charge
A lessor can’t ask for any payment other than rent or bond for (standard term 24 and section 15):
- granting, extending, transferring or renewing a lease or sub-lease
- agreeing to a co-tenant joining or leaving
- you moving out
- getting a key
- information about which homes are available
Holding deposits are banned, rental ads must show a rental rate, and lessors and agents must not invite rent bids.
Converting weekly rent to monthly
ACT rent is usually quoted per week. To compare it with a monthly amount:
- Monthly rent = weekly rent × 52 ÷ 12
- Fortnightly rent = weekly rent × 2
- Yearly rent = weekly rent × 52
| Weekly rent | Fortnightly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400 | $800 | $1,733.33 | $20,800 |
| $500 | $1,000 | $2,166.67 | $26,000 |
| $600 | $1,200 | $2,600.00 | $31,200 |
| $700 | $1,400 | $3,033.33 | $36,400 |
Multiplying weekly rent by 4 understates a month, because most months are longer than 4 weeks.
Rent increases
Rent can go up at most once every 12 months, with 8 weeks’ written notice, and an increase above the prescribed amount needs your written agreement or ACAT’s approval. See rent increases and the rent increase calculator.
Common questions
How do I work out monthly rent from weekly rent?
Multiply the weekly rent by 52 and divide by 12. For instance, $500 a week is $26,000 a year, or $2,166.67 a month. Don't multiply by 4: a month is about 4.33 weeks, so that would undercount. Fortnightly rent is simply the weekly rent times 2.
Can my agent make me use a rent payment app that charges a fee?
The standard terms let you and your lessor agree how rent is paid, but they don't deal specifically with third-party payment apps or rent cards. If the only method offered charges you a fee, ask in writing for a fee-free option such as direct deposit, and get advice from the Tenancy Advice Service if they refuse.
Can I stop paying rent because repairs haven't been done?
No. Withholding rent puts you in breach of the lease. A rent reduction has to come from ACAT (or a written agreement with your lessor). See getting repairs done.
What if I fall behind on rent?
Talk to your lessor or agent early and put any payment plan in writing. If rent is unpaid for 1 week, the lessor can give you a notice to remedy with 7 days to pay. The Housing Crisis Support Fund, run by Care Inc., may help with up to 4 weeks' rent (capped at $2,500) if you're eligible. See ending a tenancy and free tenancy advice.
Sources for this guide (3)
- Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT), section 15 and Schedule 1 clauses 24–33 (republication R84) (ACT Legislation Register)
- The Renting Book, January 2026 (ACT Government)
- Housing Crisis Support Fund (Care Inc.)
This guide is general information about ACT renting law as at the date above. It isn't legal advice. Laws and notices change and details matter, so check your own situation with a free advice service before you rely on it.