Managing a rental property in Australia has changed a lot over the past few years. With new laws coming into effect, tenants expecting more from their homes, and ongoing shifts in the rental market, landlords need to be more hands-on than ever.
Whether you’re stepping into property investment for the first time or have been managing rentals for years, these tips will help you protect your investment, make day-to-day management easier, and keep your tenants happy and settled for the long term.
1. Stay Informed About Rental Laws
Tenancy laws in Australia change regularly, and each state has its own rules. Recently, many states have made stricter regulations about rent increases, lease terminations, and property inspections.
If you don’t stay updated, you could face costly fines or legal issues. More importantly, tenants today are well aware of their rights, so keeping your leases compliant shows you’re a fair and responsible landlord.
Tip: Make it a habit to check your state’s tenancy authority website. For example, NSW Fair Trading or the Victorian Residential Tenancies Authority. You can also consult professionals like ISM Accountants, who can help you understand tax laws and make sure your lease agreements meet all legal requirements.
2. Screen Tenants Properly
Finding the right tenant is one of the most important steps in rental property management. A reliable tenant means steady rent, fewer conflicts, and less stress.
Here’s how to screen tenants effectively:
- Check employment and income: Make sure the tenant has a stable job and can afford rent.
- Talk to previous landlords: Learn about their payment history and how they treated the property.
- Review rental history: Look for red flags like unpaid rent or frequent moves.
- Check references: Personal or professional references can give extra insight.
Good tenant screening may take some time, but it will spare you from issues like late payments, property damage, and even legal disputes in the future.
Recommended Read: Best Accountant Near Me
3. Have a Clear Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is your most important document as a landlord. It protects both you and your tenants by clearly stating expectations.
A strong lease should include:
- The rent amount and when it must be paid
- Maintenance responsibilities (who fixes what)
- Rules about pets, subletting, and guests
- Lease termination conditions
Rather than using generic templates, have an expert examine your lease. Experts such as ISM Accountants can assist you in ensuring that your agreement is legally solid, thereby lowering the possibility of conflicts. Explore our all services and get help for any types of business services.
4. Maintain Your Property Regularly
A well-maintained property not only keeps tenants happy but also increases its long-term value. Landlords should carry out routine inspections and fix issues quickly.
Some key maintenance checks include:
- Appliances (stoves, heaters, air conditioners)
- Plumbing (leaks, taps, toilets)
- Safety features (smoke alarms, locks, lighting)
5. Keep Open Communication
Effective communication increases trust between landlords and tenants. Make it obvious to tenants how they can reach you (by email, phone, or property app), and respond quickly when they do.
Simple activities, such as checking in on a regular basis or asking if everything is running properly, can make a significant difference. Tenants who feel heard and valued are more inclined to take good care of the property and renew their lease.
6. Use Technology to Stay Organised
Managing a rental property can be frustrating if you have to deal with paperwork, rent payments, and repair requests manually. Property management software makes this process considerably simpler.
- Using the proper tools, you can:
- Track rent payments automatically.
- Receive and manage maintenance requests online.
- Maintain digital records of leases and expenses.
This saves time, reduces stress, and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Recommended Read: Australian Tax Law
7. Ensure Safety and Compliance
Safety is one area you cannot compromise on. Australian tenancy laws require landlords to keep their properties safe and compliant.
This includes:
- Installing and testing smoke alarms
- Getting regular electrical and gas inspections
- Meeting pool safety standards (where applicable)
Not only is this the law, but it also protects your tenants and your property investment.
8. Make Your Property Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is becoming more important to tenants in Australia. Many renters now prefer homes that are environmentally friendly because they help reduce energy bills.
Simple upgrades can make your property stand out, such as:
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Solar panels
- Water-saving taps and showerheads
9. Manage Your Finances Carefully
Monitoring revenue and expenses is another aspect of managing a rental property in addition to collecting rent. Tax returns, budgeting, and future investment planning are all aided by having accurate financial records.
Save the receipts for all expenses, including repairs and property management fees. You can then claim tax deductions in this manner. Experts like ISM Accountants can help you prepare for expansion and optimise your tax returns.
10. Be Prepared for Vacancies
Vacancies are normal, so plan ahead. Keep some savings aside for mortgage, insurance, and maintenance during empty periods. If it feels too stressful to manage alone, a property manager can handle tenants, inspections, and paperwork for you.
Additional Tips
The ten main strategies already cover the essentials of property management, but there are a few extra steps that can make things even smoother:
- Market your property well by writing clear, detailed listings and using high-quality photos to attract the right tenants.
- Be ready for emergencies by having trusted tradespeople on call and keeping your insurance updated.
- Connect with other landlords to share experiences, get advice, and learn from their successes (and mistakes).
Legislative Updates & Compliance: What Australian Landlords Need to Know in 2025
It is essential for landlords to be in compliance with changing tenancy legislation. The most recent legislative changes in the major Australian states are broken down as follows:
New South Wales (NSW)
- No-Grounds Evictions Banned: Landlords are prohibited from ending leases without a good reason beginning of May 19, 2025. Significant remodeling, demolition, or a decision to not rent the property for a minimum of 12 months are all acceptable reasons. Penalties are imposed for non-compliance, and supporting paperwork is necessary.
- Pet-Friendly Renting: Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep pets. Landlords must provide a valid reason if refusing the request.
- Entry Notice Periods: The minimum notice period for property entries has increased from 24 hours to 48 hours for general tenancies.
Queensland (QLD)
- Extended Entry Notice: From May 1, 2025, landlords must provide 48 hours’ notice before entering a rental property, up from the previous 24 hours.
- Disclosure of Financial Benefits: It is now mandatory for property managers and landlords to notify tenants of any related expenses and to reveal any financial gains they may obtain from rent payment methods.
National Trends
- Rental Market Tightening: With national vacancy rates remaining stable at 1.2% in May 2025, Australia’s rental market is still tightening, suggesting that tenants are still under pressure and that there is no chance of relief.
- Rental Price Increases: By 2030, average rental rates in capital cities are predicted to increase by 24%. Most two-bedroom flats will probably cost more than $700 per week, and one in three may cost more than $1000.
Landlords can guarantee compliance, lower legal risks, and preserve good relations with tenants by remaining informed and making adjustments to these statutory changes.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, running a rental property in Australia has certain difficulties, but it can also be quite lucrative if done correctly. Long-term success depends on being current with the legislation, keeping lines of communication open with tenants, and keeping your property in good condition. You may further safeguard your investment and draw in great tenants by preparing for vacancies, adopting technology, and making eco-friendly improvements.
For landlords who want peace of mind and expert support, ISM Accountants provide guidance on property management, financial planning, and compliance. Contact us today!!
FAQ's
The main challenges include staying updated with new tenancy laws, meeting tenant expectations, handling rising costs, and ensuring safety and compliance while maintaining profitability.
Yes, the landlords can increase rent provided they follow the legal requirements; for instance, giving notice with a grace period of at least 60 days from most states, among others, to ensure that the increase is fair and justifiable.
While it is not compulsory, highly recommended landlord insurance provides financial protection against losses resulting from tenant damage, legal disputes, or loss of rental income.
In most states in Australia, landlords can conduct an inspection every 3 to 6 months, providing notice to the tenants beforehand.
Yes, in Australia, property management fees are a deductible expense.
Properties with eco-friendly features, regular maintenance, good communication, and modern amenities like energy-efficient appliances or solar panels are highly appealing to tenants in 2025.
