Lease responsibilities and breaches

When you sign a lease with Mission Australia Housing (MAH), you enter into a legal agreement that outlines both your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. These responsibilities help ensure your home is safe, well-maintained, and that the community remains respectful and fair for everyone.

It’s important to understand what’s expected under your lease so you can maintain a successful tenancy. If something in the agreement isn’t followed, it may be considered a breach.

What is a breach?

A breach means that a condition of your lease agreement has not been met. This can happen for a range of reasons, and we’ll always aim to work with you early to resolve the issue together.

Examples of breaches include:

• Money matters: Rent not paid on time
• Property care: Damage to the home, making changes without approval
• Neighbours and noise: Disturbing others, keeping pets without permission
• Access and safety: Refusing access for repairs or inspections, ignoring health and safety rules
• Household changes: Allowing someone to move in without approval from MAH

• Talk things through: We’re here to listen and find solutions together
• Link you to support services: Like financial counselling, mental health support, or community help
• Help with payment plans: If you're behind on rent or non-rent account payments, we can discuss options
• Provide clear information: So, you understand your rights and responsibilities
• Work with you on next steps: Whether it’s resolving or avoiding a breach

If you’re unsure about something or need help, please talk to us early — we’re here to support you.

If something in your lease agreement isn’t followed, it may be considered a breach.

If the issue isn’t resolved, you may receive a formal notice.

This could be:

• A warning notice asking you to fix the issue
• A breach notice outlining what needs to be addressed and by when
• In more serious or ongoing cases, a termination notice may be issued

Each notice will:

• Explain what the issue is
• Let you know how long you have to resolve it
• Outline what may happen next if it’s not resolved

We may apply to the Residential Tenancy Tribunal or Court.

They may:

• Order you to resolve the issue (called “remedying the breach”)
• Ask that certain behaviour stops
• Ask for unpaid rent or non-rent debt to be repaid
• In serious cases or ongoing breaches, consider ending the tenancy.

We’ll always explain your rights clearly and do our best to avoid this outcome by working with you first.

If you’re worried about a breach notice or need help understanding your rights, you can speak to a local tenant advocacy service or Legal Aid. These services offer free, confidential advice and can help you understand your options, respond to notices, or prepare for a hearing.

See our Breach of Tenancy Policy for more information.