Leasing your property without a real estate agent in New South Wales (NSW) is not only possible—it’s a practical way to save money and retain full control over your rental. If you're confident in managing your own investment, you can successfully lease property privately NSW by following a few clear steps. With the support of trusted platforms like For Sale By Home Owner, many landlords are handling their rentals independently while staying compliant with NSW tenancy laws.
Whether you're a first-time landlord or just looking to avoid management fees, here's how you can lease your property privately in NSW and ensure you're doing everything legally and effectively—from listing your property to tenant screening in NSW.
Step 1: Prepare the Property for RentBefore you list the property, make sure it’s clean, safe, and ready for a new tenant. This includes:
Fixing any outstanding maintenance issues Checking that smoke alarms are installed and working Ensuring all locks and windows function properly Complying with NSW minimum housing standardsA well-presented property attracts better-quality tenants and reduces vacancy time.
Step 2: Advertise Your Property OnlineOne of the biggest advantages of using For Sale By Home Owner is access to major rental websites like realestate.com.au and Domain—without needing to go through a traditional agent. You can list your property, upload photos, set your rent price, and manage inquiries directly through the platform.
When creating your listing, include key details such as:
Weekly rent Bond amount Lease term (e.g., 6 or 12 months) Inclusions (e.g., water usage, garden maintenance) Inspection timesA clear, honest listing helps attract serious and qualified applicants.
Step 3: Handle Enquiries and Organise InspectionsOnce your ad is live, potential tenants will start reaching out. Answer questions promptly and arrange private viewings or open homes. Be professional, courteous, and make notes about each applicant’s background and level of interest.
This is your opportunity to meet candidates face-to-face and start thinking about tenant screening in NSW, which is a critical part of the leasing process.
Step 4: Tenant Screening NSWWhen it comes to tenant screening NSW, landlords must be thorough and fair. Ask applicants to complete a rental application form that includes:
Proof of income (e.g., payslips, bank statements) Employment details Rental history and references Photo identificationYou can also run a tenancy database check to see if the applicant has previously breached lease agreements. Always seek permission to contact references, including previous landlords, and verify the applicant’s ability to pay rent on time.
Good screening ensures you choose a responsible tenant and reduces the likelihood of future issues.
Step 5: Prepare and Sign a Lease AgreementOnce you’ve selected your tenant, you’ll need to prepare a written lease. In NSW, this is called a Residential Tenancy Agreement. It must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and should include:
Names of both parties The agreed rent and bond Lease start and end dates Conditions such as repairs, pets, and rent reviewsYou’ll also need to provide your tenant with the NSW Fair Trading tenancy information statement and lodge the bond with the NSW Rental Bond Board.
Platforms like For Sale By Home Owner often offer downloadable lease templates and guidance to help private landlords stay compliant.
Step 6: Conduct an Entry Condition ReportBefore handing over the keys, complete a detailed condition report outlining the state of the property. This protects both you and the tenant in the event of damage or bond disputes later on.
Take photos, record the condition of each room, and give the tenant a copy to sign and return.
Final ThoughtsYou don’t need a property manager to lease successfully in NSW. When you lease property privately in NSW, you gain more control over your investment and save on ongoing fees. From advertising to tenant screening in NSW, every step can be managed directly with the right preparation and tools.
With support from For Sale By Home Owner, you can confidently handle the entire leasing process while staying compliant and protecting your property.

