A tenancy agreement does not automatically end as a result of a natural disaster (e.g. flooding, cyclone, bushfire), even if the property is damaged or non-liveable.

Goods and documents left behind after a tenant/resident has moved out must be returned or disposed of according to a specific set of rules.

A General tenancy agreement (Form 18a) is the agreement between a tenant and a lessor/agent which sets out the terms that apply to the tenant’s stay in general tenancies such as houses, units and townhouses.

The owner/manager must take reasonable steps to ensure tenants have quiet enjoyment of their rented home. This means the owner/manager must not interfere with the tenant’s reasonable peace, comfort and privacy in using the premises.

When a fixed term tenancy ends and the tenant will continue to remain in the rental premises, the property manager/owner and tenant need to decide on the future tenancy arrangements.

A property manger/owner who believes that a property is abandoned must formally end the agreement before they can take possession of the property and deal with any goods left behind by the tenant. This fact sheet contains information and a summary of how Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) applies but should not be relied upon as legal advice for specific cases.