The Residential Tenancies Act 1994 provides tenants and lessors with rights and responsibilities regarding the payment and collection of rent. As a tenant it is important to understand the legal requirements affecting your rent payments.

The Act sets out certain approved ways to pay rent. If your tenancy agreement states how your rent is to be paid this cannot be changed unless you agree in writing to the change. The Act also sets our rules for other charges you may be liable for such as excessive water use or shared utility costs. Your liability for these charges should be noted in your tenancy agreement.

It is always a good idea to keep a record of your rent payments. When you pay rent in cash or cheque your lessor must provide you with a receipt. If you pay rent in another way the lessor must keep a rent record of all rent payments. Your lessor must provide you with a copy of your rent record if you request one.
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