My rental agent in NSW says we are now responsible for putting out the bins. Is this a breach of contract?

While residential rental laws in NSW, Victoria and Queensland include provisions for reasonable repairs, maintenance or housing standards, it is unlikely these cover responsibility for garbage bins. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

I am renting a one-bedroom unit in a large building of 12 units. Our real estate agent told us we have a “change of arrangement” – from tomorrow tenants are fully responsible for garbage bins (collection day, removal in and out kerbside, cleaning of bins). They assigned bins for each unit. I’ve been renting in different buildings in New South Wales and this is always the manager’s responsibility (unless it’s a stand-alone house/townhouse). Can I consider this a breach of my lease contract? Is it legal to make a change to a lease like this?

Firstly, I’m sorry you’ve had an unexpected change made to your living arrangement. You’re absolutely right to question whether the agent can make this unilateral change on the landlord’s behalf without notice.