The ACT Government has launched an online rent increase calculator to help Canberrans navigate rent increases. The free, user-friendly tool is designed to make sure rent increases are legal and fair for both tenants and landlords.
This calculator allows users to determine the maximum permissible rent increase based on their circumstances. Canberrans can input their current rent, proposed rent, and relevant dates to receive advice.
“We’ve listened to Canberrans’ concerns about the complexity of rent increase calculations, and we’ve taken action,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said. “This new calculator is a direct response to community feedback, designed to make renting in the Territory more straightforward and equitable.
“With the cost of living on everyone’s minds, this rent increase calculator empowers renters to confidently advocate for their rights and budget effectively. At the same time, it helps landlords ensure their rent increases are fair and comply with the law.”
“The ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia to protect tenants by putting a specific limit on rent increases. The ACT uses a formula based on the consumer price index that defines when a rent increase is excessive, but we know that working out the permissible increase can be complicated for both landlords and tenants.”
Mr Rattenbury said the calculator was part of a suite of initiatives to ease the burden of rising living costs and promoting a fair, transparent rental market, including the rent relief fund ($2,500 grants to help renters and low-income occupants facing rent stress or financial hardship) and minimum standards consultation (open until 2 September).