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Guides · Papua New Guinea

Tenancy or lease renewal in Papua New Guinea

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with No single government authority directly 'renews' private tenancy agreements; these are contractual matters between parties. However, legal frameworks are established by the Department of Justice and Attorney General and enforced by the National Court or District Court if disputes arise.. Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing a tenancy or lease agreement in Papua New Guinea typically involves a mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant, often resulting in a new agreement or an extension of the existing one. The process focuses on reviewing terms, negotiating changes, and formalizing the continued occupancy.

Your timing

It is generally advisable for both landlords and tenants to initiate discussions about renewal several months before the current lease expiry. This allows ample time for negotiation of new terms, arrangements for any inspections, and if renewal is not agreed upon, for the tenant to find new accommodation or for the landlord to secure new tenants without disruption.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time allows for discussions and negotiations regarding new terms, potential rent adjustments, and any necessary property inspections or maintenance. It also provides time for either party to make alternative arrangements if a renewal is not agreed upon.

The process

  1. 1Review the existing tenancy or lease agreement, paying close attention to any clauses regarding renewal, notice periods, and rent review.
  2. 2Landlord or tenant initiates communication to express interest in renewal and to discuss potential new terms, such as rent adjustments, duration of the new term, and any changes to conditions.
  3. 3Negotiate and agree upon the new terms for the renewed tenancy.
  4. 4Prepare a new tenancy agreement or an addendum/extension to the existing agreement, incorporating all agreed-upon changes.
  5. 5Both the landlord and tenant sign the new agreement or addendum.
  6. 6Ensure all parties retain a copy of the fully executed renewed agreement.

What to bring

  • Current tenancy or lease agreement
  • Identification documents for both landlord and tenant (e.g., National Identification card, passport)
  • Any relevant correspondence or records of discussions regarding the renewal

Who handles it

No single government authority directly 'renews' private tenancy agreements; these are contractual matters between parties. However, legal frameworks are established by the Department of Justice and Attorney General and enforced by the National Court or District Court if disputes arise.

There is typically no official government fee for renewing a private tenancy agreement. However, parties may incur costs for legal advice if they choose to have a lawyer draft or review the new agreement, or for stamp duty if the new agreement is formally stamped, which varies based on the value of the lease.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all new terms are clearly documented in writing and signed by both parties to avoid future misunderstandings.
  • Be aware of notice periods specified in the original agreement for termination or non-renewal; failure to adhere to these can lead to complications.
  • Any significant changes to the terms, especially rent increases, should be reasonable and agreed upon by both parties.
  • If the property is managed by an agent, ensure all communications and agreements are processed through them according to their procedures.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Other documents in Papua New Guinea

Tenancy or lease renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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