onlytherent

Northern Territory

An alternative method for paying rent that is free of any costs must exist, and agents cannot insist on the exclusive use of a third-party rent collector.

What the law requires

The Act itself is narrower than the Territory’s guidance. It provides that the manner and place of payment is a term of the agreement:

It is a term of a tenancy agreement that the tenant must pay the rent specified in or under the agreement in the manner and at the place: (a) specified in the tenancy agreement; or (b) agreed in writing between the landlord and the tenant.

LegislationResidential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT), s 35 · NT Legislation

The requirement for a free alternative comes from the Territory’s renting guidance, not the statute:

Some landlords use a third party to manage and collect rents from tenants. However, it is important to know that a landlord or agent CAN NOT require a tenant to exclusively use a third party. They must always offer an alternative method for paying rent that is free of any costs.

Government guidanceNT Consumer Affairs, Guide to Renting in the NT (guidance, not legislation) · Guide (PDF)

What cannot be charged

Renters cannot generally be required to make payments beyond rent, bond and other amounts expressly permitted by legislation.

What methods must be offered

The agreement sets out the method. Where a third-party collector is used, a free alternative must exist - agents cannot present the collector as the only option.

What about inconvenient alternatives?

Requires reviewThe Act contains no “reasonably convenient” or “reasonably available” wording equivalent to SA, QLD or NSW. The Territory’s position rests on the renting guide, so a convenience argument here should be put as guidance-based rather than statutory.

Relevant guidance

How to dispute it

Start with the written request. If that fails, contact NT Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319, and the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).

Unresolved questions