The lease term

A lease (residential tenancy agreement) will usually be valid for a specified period of time and this will be noted on the lease itself. This period can be 3, 6, 12 months or longer and is called the fixed term of the lease. Once the fixed term ends the tenancy itself continues and it becomes a continuing or periodic agreement. If you choose to stay in the place under a continuing or periodic agreement you must still abide by the terms and conditions of the lease.

If you live in NSW, the amount of notice that you must give to end the tenancy will depend on whether you are still in the fixed term of the lease or if it has become a continuing agreement. The different notice periods are contained in the Renting Guide booklet. This booklet must be given to you by the landlord or agent when you start the tenancy. It is also available from the Office of Fair Trading.

If you live in Victoria, the amount of notice you must give to end the tenancy is contained in the booklet 'Renting a Home - a guide for landlords and tenants'. This booklet must be given to you by the landlord or agent when you start the tenancy. It is also available from Consumer Affairs Victoria.