Make a rent arrears payment plan

Behind on rent in NSW? Work out what you can pay back, then get the letter and the agreement for your landlord or agent. It takes about 4 minutes.

In NSW, paying all you owe, or fully keeping to a repayment plan your landlord agreed, can mean you don't have to leave. There are exceptions. What NSW law says

Nothing you type is sent anywhere, and nothing stays on this phone unless you choose to keep your plan. No sign-up.

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Tenants' Advice Line
Advice for renters in NSW
1800 251 101
Homes NSW Housing Response Centre
Help with rent
1800 422 322
Link2home
Emergency housing, any time
1800 152 152
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support
13 11 14
1800RESPECT
24/7 family and sexual violence support
1800 737 732

What NSW law says

Paying in full, or keeping an agreed plan, can stop it

You do not have to leave if you pay all the rent and charges you owe, or agree a repayment plan with your landlord and fully keep to it. This still applies after NCAT has made an order, as long as you still live there. It does not apply if NCAT finds you have often paid late. The termination notice itself must tell you this.

The exceptions

If NCAT finds you have often paid late, it can end the tenancy even if you pay everything you owe or keep to a plan. The law does not say how often counts.
A plan your landlord hasn't agreed to doesn't count, even if you keep paying it.
This doesn't cover boarders and lodgers, people in a land lease community or a holiday park, or crisis accommodation. Different rules apply to them.

An example, with made-up numbers

Rent: $550 a week
Owe: $1,300, about 17 days behind
Spare in a low fortnight: $150
Offer: $55 a week on top of rent
Cleared: in 24 payments

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules vary by state and change over time. A registered financial counsellor can check your options properly. Free, independent, confidential. National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.

NSW rules from TEKVA's rules library, checked 19 October 2026. Not in NSW? What to do in your state.

What NSW law says

Paying in full, or keeping an agreed plan, can stop it

The exceptions

If NCAT finds you have often paid late, it can end the tenancy even if you pay everything you owe or keep to a plan. The law does not say how often counts.
A plan your landlord hasn't agreed to doesn't count, even if you keep paying it.
This doesn't cover boarders and lodgers, people in a land lease community or a holiday park, or crisis accommodation. Different rules apply to them.

Rent Arrears Payment Plan

Prefer to talk to someone?

What NSW law says

Rent Arrears Payment Plan

Prefer to talk to someone?

What NSW law says