How much rent in advance can a landlord ask for? Limits by state (2026)
Updated 13 October 2026
At the start of a tenancy, a landlord can ask for some rent upfront as well as the bond. In most states the limit is 2 weeks. Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have different rules.
| State or territory | Most rent in advance at the start |
|---|---|
| NSW | 2 weeks |
| Victoria | 1 month, or 14 days if rent is paid weekly. No limit if rent is over $900 a week. |
| Queensland | 2 weeks for a periodic lease; 1 month for a fixed-term lease. |
| Western Australia | 2 weeks |
| South Australia | 2 weeks, even if rent is paid monthly |
| Tasmania | One rent payment period, and no more than 4 weeks |
| ACT | 2 weeks (you can choose to pay more) |
| Northern Territory | One rent period |
Worked examples
Queensland, fixed-term lease, rent $600 a week. Up to 1 month can be asked for: $600 / 7 x 365 / 12 = $2,607.14. On a periodic lease the most would be 2 x $600 = $1,200.
Victoria, rent $600 a week, paid weekly. Rent paid weekly means the limit is 14 days: $1,200.
South Australia, rent $2,400 a month. Still only 2 weeks. Weekly rent is $2,400 x 12 / 365 x 7 = $552.33, so the most is about $1,104.66.
Upfront cost at three rents
The most you can be asked for at the start: bond plus rent in advance. This assumes rent is paid weekly and, in Queensland, a fixed-term lease. It doesn't include a WA pet bond.
| State or territory | Rent $500 a week | Rent $650 a week | Rent $800 a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW, WA, SA, ACT | $3,000 $2,000 + $1,000 | $3,900 $2,600 + $1,300 | $4,800 $3,200 + $1,600 |
| Victoria | $3,172.62 $2,172.62 + $1,000 | $4,124.40 $2,824.40 + $1,300 | $5,076.19 $3,476.19 + $1,600 |
| Queensland (fixed term) | $4,172.62 $2,000 + $2,172.62 | $5,424.40 $2,600 + $2,824.40 | $6,676.19 $3,200 + $3,476.19 |
| Tasmania, NT | $2,500 $2,000 + $500 | $3,250 $2,600 + $650 | $4,000 $3,200 + $800 |
Bond first, then rent in advance. Victoria's bond is one month (weekly rent / 7 x 365 / 12) and, with rent paid weekly, rent in advance is 14 days. In Tasmania and the NT, one rent period is one week when rent is paid weekly. In South Australia, rent above $800 a week allows up to 6 weeks' bond.
Try it: Bond and rent in advance calculator: see the most you can be asked for upfront in your state.
How much cash to have ready
Add the bond and the rent in advance together. For a $600-a-week place in NSW that's up to $2,400 bond plus $1,200 rent in advance: $3,600 before removalists, connections or the overlap with your old rent.
Common questions
Is rent in advance extra money on top of rent?
No. It's your first rent payment (or payments) made early. You still pay the bond separately.
Can I offer to pay more than the limit?
In Queensland, a landlord can't ask for, accept or invite more than the limit at the start of a tenancy, even if you offer. In the ACT you can choose to pay more if you want to, and you can say no if asked. In other states the rules don't clearly allow it, so check with your state's rental authority before paying more.
What about the bond?
That has its own limit, usually 4 weeks' rent. See maximum rental bond in every state.
Plan the whole move
The Renters Moving Budget works out bond and rent in advance for your state and lists 22 moving costs, including overlap rent and the gap before your old bond comes back.
See the Renters Moving BudgetOfficial sources
- NSW Government: paying rent in advance
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: rent payments and rent in advance
- Residential Tenancies Authority (QLD): rental law changes
- Residential Tenancies Authority (QLD): rent payments
- Consumer Protection WA: rental bonds and rent in advance
- Consumer and Business Services SA: rent payments (PDF)
- Tasmanian legislation: Residential Tenancy Act 1997
- ACT Government: during a tenancy
- NT Government: paying rent and other costs
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: rent calculator (how a month is worked out)
Last checked 13 October 2026. Rules change, so check your state's rental authority before you pay. General information only, not legal or financial advice.