Rental Arrears and Non-Payment of Rent

Law Tram’s Tenancy Law Consultation simplifies the process by connecting you with licensed Australian lawyers who can offer tailored legal advice specific to your rental situation. This free, fully online, and obligation-free service ensures you receive expert guidance every step of the way.

What Happens If Rent Is Late or Not Paid

Falling behind on rent can happen for many reasons, including unexpected expenses or income loss. However, both tenants and landlords must follow the correct legal process when dealing with rental arrears. Unpaid rent does not automatically mean eviction, and landlords must give proper notice before taking action.

A lawyer can explain your options, help you negotiate a repayment plan, or represent you in a tribunal if the dispute escalates. For landlords, legal guidance ensures all notices, timeframes, and procedures comply with tenancy law to avoid penalties or invalid claims.

Law Tram connects you with experienced tenancy lawyers who can help you handle rent arrears calmly, lawfully, and with a clear plan forward.

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Why Choose Law Tram

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How It Works

Confidential and Secure Questionnaire

Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your tenancy, payment history, and any notices received or issued.

Confidential Legal Snapshots

Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal summary of your matter while keeping your personal and tenancy details private.

Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers

Your confidential legal summary is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your situation to determine how they can assist.

Connect with a Lawyer

If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.

No Obligation

You are under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you are confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.

What Others Are Saying

Law Tram User

I lost my job and fell behind on rent. The lawyer helped me negotiate a payment plan so I could stay.

Law Tram User

My lawyer guided me through serving a valid breach notice and recovering unpaid rent.

Law Tram User

The landlord tried to evict me without proper notice. The lawyer explained my rights and stopped it.

Legal Information Only – Not a Substitute for Advice

This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Rental arrears laws differ between states and depend on the tenancy agreement. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner before taking or delaying any action.
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Take the First Step Toward Resolution

Law Tram’s Tenancy Law Consultation offers a secure, efficient, and supportive way to connect with expert legal help. Whether you are behind on rent or managing a tenant who has fallen into arrears, our platform ensures you receive tailored advice from qualified lawyers.

Start your free, confidential consultation today. Please note that Law Tram does not assist in finding legal aid lawyers. If you are seeking legal aid, visit our dedicated legal aid page for more information.

Take the first step toward resolving your rent arrears issue and protecting your rights.

Note: “Free service” refers only to Law Tram’s platform and process, not the legal advice itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

This varies by state, but usually a formal notice can be issued after 7 to 14 days of non-payment.
No. The landlord must follow the proper legal process and give notice before applying to the tribunal.
Contact your landlord immediately and consider getting legal advice to negotiate a payment plan.
Yes, but only after the tenancy ends and through the proper bond refund process.
Yes. In some cases, government or tribunal assistance may be available for tenants in genuine hardship.
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