PHOTO: FILE
In a landmark move set to impact over 2.3 million renters, New South Wales has introduced sweeping rental reforms effective from May 19, 2025. These changes aim to provide greater security and fairness in the rental market, addressing long-standing concerns of tenants across the state.
🚫 No-Grounds Evictions Abolished
One of the most significant changes is the abolition of no-grounds evictions. Landlords are now required to provide a valid reason for ending any tenancy, whether fixed-term or periodic. Acceptable reasons include breach of agreement, sale of the property, or the landlord moving in. This reform is designed to offer tenants greater stability and protection from arbitrary displacement.
‘Common sense’ rental reforms will give tenants more security and end blanket bans on pets
🐾 Pet Ownership Made Easier
Tenants can now apply to keep pets in their rental properties, with landlords only able to refuse under specific circumstances, such as if the pet breaches local council regulations or if the landlord resides on the property and objects. If a landlord does not respond to a pet request within 21 days, approval is automatically granted. This change acknowledges the importance of pets in many households and aims to reduce unnecessary barriers to pet ownership.
💸 Rent Increases Capped and Fee-Free Payment Options
To further protect tenants, rent increases are now limited to once per year for all lease types. Additionally, landlords and agents must provide at least one fee-free method for rent payment, such as direct bank transfer or the Commonwealth Government’s Centrepay system. This ensures tenants are not burdened with extra costs simply for paying their rent.
🛡️ Enhanced Tenant Protections and Enforcement
The NSW Government has established a Rental Taskforce within Fair Trading, backed by an $8.4 million investment, to enforce these new laws. This taskforce will focus on preventing and responding to breaches, ensuring both tenants and landlords are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the new regulations.
📣 Government and Advocacy Group Responses
Premier Chris Minns hailed the reforms as bringing the rental market into the 21st century, emphasizing the need for fairer treatment of renters. Housing Minister Rose Jackson highlighted the significance of these changes in providing stability and security for tenants. The Tenants’ Union of NSW described the reforms as a historic win, while also noting the importance of vigilant enforcement to prevent potential misuse of the new regulations.
🔍 Looking Ahead
These reforms align NSW with other Australian jurisdictions that have implemented similar tenant protections. As the rental market adapts to these changes, both tenants and landlords are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new laws to ensure compliance and to take full advantage of the protections and responsibilities they entail.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL