Tenancy Information

We provide different tenancy agreements depending on your housing type. These may be fixed term, ongoing, or linked to funded programs. All are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and reviewed regularly to confirm ongoing eligibility and compliance.

Your lease is a binding contract under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), outlining:

• Tenancy length and lease term.
• Notice requirements if you plan to move out early.
• Penalties for breaking your lease.
• Rent payment obligations, including how and when to pay. Find out more on our About Your Rent page.
• Whether you’ll be responsible for water charges.

At the beginning of your tenancy, you’ll receive:

• A signed copy of your lease.
• A digital Property Condition Report along with instructions on how to complete. 
• A copy of the NSW Fair Trading Tenant Information Statement.

Paying Rent: methods and due dates

• Rent must be paid on time and in full, usually on a fortnightly basis. Find out more on our About Your Rent page.
• If you’re unsure about when your rent is due, how to pay, or any other matter – please get in touch with your Tenancy Manager.
• If you are experiencing financial hardship – please let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss a plan that ensures you do not fail to meet your tenancy obligations. 

Learn more:

• Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW)

Paying rent is one of your key responsibilities as a tenant. For Social and Affordable Housing, we also conduct Rent Reviews (usually every 6-12 months depending on your housing type) to make sure your rent or subsidy is calculated correctly. Your subsidy depends on the information you provide during these reviews.

See About Your Rent for more information.

Tenants are responsible for paying for water usage in all NRH properties. Water charges will be calculated in line with the NRH Water Usage Charges Policy and the current NSW Community Housing Water Charging Guidelines 2021. Water usage is billed quarterly.

If you do not understand or agree with a water charge, please get in touch with us.

NRH conducts rent review every six months, in line with the NSW Community Housing Rent Policy (CHRP) and our NRH Rent Review Policy. Rental subsidies may apply based on your gross household income.

If you would like additional information or advice on this process, please get in touch with us.

In addition to rent and water usage, tenants may be charged for:

• Tenant Responsible Maintenance – where damage is caused by you, your household, visitors, or pets.

Learn more:

• About Your Rent
• Centrelink / Subsidy Fact Sheet
• Make a Payment
• Water Usage Charges Policy
• Rent Review Policy

We are responsible for keeping your home in a safe and habitable condition. It is your responsibility to advise us of any repairs or maintenance issues as soon as possible.

Different repairs have different time frames depending on urgency and some maintenance tasks are also your responsibility as a tenant.

See About Repairs for more information.

We understand that sometimes tenants may want or need to make changes to their home – whether it is to improve accessibility, support daily living needs, or enhance security and comfort, we are here to help guide the process.

All changes to your home must be approved by us before any work begins. This is to make sure the proposed changes are safe, compliant with housing standards and won’t impact future tenants.

There are two types of changes you can apply for:  

• Alterations: Personal or aesthetic changes that help make your space feel more like home (e.g., garden beds, painting walls, installing security lights, or shelving). 
• Modifications: Changes that support access, mobility, safety, or independence – often related to disability, injury, or ageing (e.g., such as hand or grab rails, lowered light switches, bathroom, or kitchen adjustments).

Learn more about the process, including what you’ll need to provide us with, who pays and how to apply here: Alterations and Modifications page.

Social Housing Tenants Only

You must tell us if your circumstances change, as this may affect your rental subsidy. Examples include:

• New household members (including babies).
• Someone moving out.
• Changes to income or employment.
• Extended absences.
• Changes to health or disability.

You can update your circumstances online here (or download the form to complete).

We understand that from time to time your situation may change. When this happens, it’s important to let us know. These matters are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). If you don’t let us know, you may be in breach of your lease.

• Under occupancy – If your home is larger than your household needs, we may review your tenancy and discuss options that better match your circumstances.

• Absenteeism – If you are going to be away from your home for more than six weeks (check this), (for example for travel or medical treatment), you must let us know in writing. At present, this can be done by emailing your tenancy manager.
• Succession – If a household member wishes to take over the tenancy when the original tenant leaves or passes away, they must complete the Application for Succession of Tenancy Form.

What you need to do:

1. Complete the correct application form (where required)
2. Wait for a written response – no change is confirmed until we approve it.

We want you to feel safe, comfortable and confident in your home. Part of this is what to expect around inspections, safety requirements, shared spaces, pets and assistance animals and other common responsibilities such as mould prevention and waste management.

Common purposes for requiring access to the property include routine inspections, maintenance checks, or safety audits. During inspections, Tenancy Managers will assess for required repairs, cleanliness and lease compliance.

If you have any issues or concerns, you can also raise them with your Tenancy Manager during a routine inspection.

If you lose your keys, you’ll need to cover the cost of a lock smith to gain entry and for a replacement key. We recommend keeping a spare key with a trusted family member or friend.

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms are required in all homes and are there to keep you safe.

In our homes they are tested annually, in line with legislative requirements.

If your alarm is beeping or not working, call the Repairs Hotline immediately.

Disabling or removing a smoke alarm is a breach of your lease agreement and you will be responsible for the cost of a replacement.

• Keep the fire exits clear.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Don’t overload power points.
• Keep electrical devices off beds and couches.
• Extinguish candles and cigarettes properly.
• Don’t use portable gas stoves indoors or on balconies.
• Ensure heaters are safe and serviced.
• Plan your households fire escape route.

Mould can grow anywhere there’s excess moisture and poor airflow. Tenants are responsible for ventilating rooms, using exhaust fans, drying clothes outside where possible and reporting leaks promptly. Landlords are responsible for repairing structural faults.

Controlling moisture (reducing humidity and preventing condensation) is the most effective way to prevent mould.

Learn more:

• Preventing Mould Fact Sheet
• Mould in a rental property | NSW Government

Shared spaces should be safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Please:

• Only park in your allocated space or designated visitor areas.
• Do not block driveways, pathways, or emergency vehicle access.
• Supervise children and pets in common areas.
• Respect gardens and facilities.
• Use clotheslines where provided (avoid hanging items on railings and balconies).
• Keep noise and rubbish under control.

Separating waste correctly helps protect our environment, is cheaper in the long run and keeps our community clean. Tenants are responsible for placing the right items in each bin.

See our Waste Management Fact Sheet for detailed information on what goes in each council bin, as well as disposal options for items that cannot put into red, yellow, or green bins (e.g, e-waste, chemicals, furniture, paint, etc).

For more information visit:

• Managing household waste policy for Homes NSW tenants | NSW Government
• Waste Management In NSW | Zero Waste Services
• Reducing your household waste: Reducing your household waste | EPA
• Food Smart – At Home: At home | Love Food Hate Waste
• Recycling:
  • Return and Earn: Return and Earn | EPA
  • Find a Community Recycling Centre (CRC): Community Recycling Centres | EPA

All NRH properties require written approval before you can have a pet. This helps make sure your home is suitable and your pet is well cared for.

Apply for a pet – Apply to keep a pet in a rental property form

If approved, tenants are required to conduct a pest spray at the end of tenancy.

For Lease hold properties, requests are referred to the property owners or agents, who will determine the outcome in writing.

Tenants who rely on Assistance Animals (such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, or other animals trained to support a person with disability or medical condition) do not need approval.

Assistance animals are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). We may ask for supporting evidence to confirm your animal meets the definition of an assistance animal.

For more information, visit:

• NSW Fair Trading – Tenants and Pets: Keeping a pet in a rental property | NSW Government
• Tenants Union of NSW – Pets Factsheet: pdf

Assistance animals | Office of Local Government

To end your tenancy, send written notice (time frames vary by agreement). We will confirm your dates – rent continues until your vacate date and all keys are returned.

On move out, you must return all keys and leave the property reasonably clean and remove all belongings. We’ll complete a final inspection against your Entry Condition Report.

For notice periods or other queries, please get int ouch with your Tenancy Manager.

Find out more via our Ending your Tenancy Fact Sheet.

NRH does not provide crisis or emergency accommodation directly. If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, support is available through the NSW Government Temporary Accommodation Scheme.

This service provides short term accommodation through local providers. To access this assistance, contact the NSW Housing Centre at 1800 152 152, available 24/7.

If you are currently in our housing and facing an urgent issue affecting your ability to remain in your home, please contact your Tenancy Manager or call us on (02) 6627 5300.

If you’re experiencing an emergency or natural disaster event, your local council’s emergency dashboard is the best place to start. These dashboards provide up to date alerts, road closures, evacuation centre locations and other critical contacts.

Check your local Dashboard:

• Ballina Shire Council
• Byron Shire Council
• Clarence Valley Council
• Kyogle Council
• Lismore City Council
• Richmond Valley Council
• Tweed Shire Council

If you’re unhappy with a decision or our service, you can lodge a complaint or appeal. We aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly, and you also have the right to independent review.

Learn more on the Complaints and Appeals page.