Access Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)

Access Canberra is the Australian Capital Territory’s whole-of-government regulatory and service delivery agency, sitting within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. For residential tenancy matters it administers the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Australian Capital Territory) — including the once-per-12-months rent-increase cap, the modification request framework with 14-day deemed-consent rule, the ceiling insulation minimum housing standard (R5 by 30 November 2026 for most rental properties), and the prescribed termination grounds.

Bonds are held by the Office of Rental Bonds, a function operated by Access Canberra. Tenancy disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties — including bond release, rent, repairs, termination, and unconscionable conduct — are heard by the Australian Capital Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), an independent tribunal whose decisions are legally binding.

Records an Australian Capital Territory lessor or agent should keep aligned to Access Canberra published guidance: written residential tenancy agreement meeting the Act’s required terms, condition report at start and end of tenancy, Office of Rental Bonds lodgement and refund records, rent-increase notice honouring the 12-month interval and required notice period, ceiling insulation compliance evidence or exemption documentation, modification and pet request decisions with reasons, and ACAT orders where applicable.