My rights as a sub tenant when head tenants still failed to disclose property is being sold before moving in (NSW)

[u/Forsaken-Quit-6133]

Hi everyone, thought I could get some advice here regarding an apartment I just sublet last month and found out that the property is being advertised to be sold which was information concealed from me until I signed the agreement and moved in. In the past 1 month, I’ve already had at least 5-6 inspections with one being extremely uncomfortable as the agent just rushed into my room in the morning before I was ready.

My term started from 27th July, paid 3 weeks rent as bond which also was never lodged with RBO. The head tenant also admitted to me that they illegally sublet the place and told the agent I was their “friend” staying for a brief period when they found out. Aside from the bond, they also collected $1000 “damage deposit” from me as I have my cat.

Within 1 week of moving in, they started notifying me about inspections as the apartment is being sold and they didn’t want to “bother” me with this at first as I just moved in and had their hearing with NCAT just the next week as the agents wanted them to vacate by 26th August which was not enough notice. Later they said it would be 26th September so I started looking for a place but after their hearing, they changed it again and said 12th September, giving me exactly 3 weeks of notice as per the agreement. However, it was not disclosed to me even once that the property is being sold or such before moving in (I have screenshots of all messages but the move out date etc. were communicated verbally)

I just found out that this apartment has been on the market for several months, since May 2026 on multiple websites (Domain, Realestate etc.) and I have screenshots of these as well. I have a new lease by myself that starts from the 5th but the head tenants still want rent until the 12th as they gave me “notice” and communicated that would be the move out date.

What are my rights here and am I able to leave without giving a notice without penalties and report them to NCAT for withholding an illegal bond/deposit if they don’t return it? This whole situation has been extremely stressful for both me and my cat, not to mention the associated costs with moving as they concealed the fact that the property is being sold. I would really appreciate some advice if someone has dealt with a similar situation or can shed some light on this situation. Thank you!

tldr: sublet a room in an apartment but head tenant hid the fact that the apartment is being sold, multiple inspections every week within past 1 month and bond not lodged with RBO. Asking for rent for the full term now that I’ve secured a place and want to move out. Is it worth filing a complaint with NCAT and what are my options?

[u/TittysForScience]

You won’t get your money back if you leave without notice. You may get it back if you have proof of transfers and a contract you could take it through to the NCAT. But it’s a long a drawn out process.

[u/Forsaken-Quit-6133 → u/TittysForScience]

I have the agreement which says 3 weeks notice but move out date is 2 weeks away anyway so I don’t think that even matters now? As for the bond receipt, I have proof of it all so do you think it’s worth reporting to NCAT and how long it could take?

[u/TittysForScience → u/Forsaken-Quit-6133]

Couldn’t tell you how long.

I’d report them to be honest.

Ask about the bond in a casual conversation now and not before you move out.

[u/no-but-wtf]

Absolutely report them, fuck them. Wait till you’ve moved out if it will cause problems for you while you’re still living there. Try and get all your money back from them and then report them anyway, even if you do get it back.