Renting in Wollongong 2026: Costs, Bond and Your Tenant Rights Explained

Wollongong Rental Market Overview

Wollongong has long attracted renters priced out of Sydney, maintaining solid demand. In mid-2026, median weekly rents are approximately $570-630 for houses and $440-490 for apartments. Beachside suburbs like Thirroul, Austinmer, and North Wollongong attract premium prices; the Gong CBD and southern suburbs offer more moderate options.

More Affordable Areas

Suburbs like Warrawong, Unanderra, Fairy Meadow (away from the beachside), Dapto, and Figtree tend to sit below the Wollongong median. Further south, Kiama and Gerringong offer a sea-change lifestyle with rents that can still be competitive with Sydney despite the premium setting.

Tenant Rights in NSW

The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 covers all Wollongong rentals. Key rights:

• Bond: Maximum 4 weeks rent; lodged with NSW Fair Trading's Rental Bond Board.
• Rent increases: Once per 12 months; 60 days written notice required.
• Entry: 24 hours notice required for routine inspections.
• Repairs: Urgent repairs (hot water, power, security) within 24 hours.
• Condition report: Must be provided on move-in; photograph everything.

University of Wollongong Renters

The UOW area (Gwynneville, Keiraville, and the ring around campus) has high demand from students. These areas can be competitive during February and July (semester start). UOW's Student Accommodation team has resources for students seeking rental advice.

Getting Help

NSW Fair Trading (fairtrading.nsw.gov.au) and the Tenants' Union of NSW (tenants.org.au) provide free advice and dispute resolution.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.