Sweeping Rental Reforms to Enhance Tenant Security

New South Wales is set to implement landmark rental reforms in May 2025, marking a significant shift in tenant rights and landlord obligations. The changes, stemming from a bill amendment passed in October 2024, eliminate no-grounds evictions and introduce stricter regulations on pet ownership in rental properties—fulfilling key promises from the Labor government’s 2023 election campaign.

Ending No-Fault Evictions: A Move Toward Fairness

Under current laws, landlords in NSW can terminate periodic leases with 90 days’ notice or end a fixed-term lease (under six months) with just 30 days’ notice—without providing a reason. The new legislation removes this provision, requiring property owners to justify lease terminations.

Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the reform aligns with modern housing needs, as more Australians rent long-term. “With over 2 million renters and 600,000 investors in NSW, these changes strike a balance between tenant security and property management flexibility,” he stated.

Stronger Protections for Renters Facing Eviction

The reforms also introduce:

• Longer notice periods for certain lease terminations, giving tenants more time to secure new housing.
• Early lease termination rights if a renter finds a new home after receiving an eviction notice.
  

Housing Minister Rose Jackson described the changes as foundational to addressing Australia’s housing crisis. “The existing system wasn’t designed for long-term renters—this reform lays the groundwork for a fairer, more stable rental market,” she said. 

Pet-Friendly Rentals: Easier Approvals, Clearer Rules

Tenants will now have the right to request pets, with landlords only able to refuse under specific circumstances, such as:

• Violations of local council laws.
• If the landlord also resides on the property.
  

A standardized pet application process will streamline approvals, with automatic consent granted if landlords fail to respond within 21 days..

Additional Tenant Benefits

• Free electronic rent payments (e.g., direct bank transfers) to avoid extra fees.
• A Rental Taskforce under NSW Fair Trading to enforce compliance.
• Upcoming reforms, including portable bonds and privacy protections, expected later in 2025.

Staying Informed to Avoid Disputes

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones urged renters and landlords to familiarize themselves with the new laws. “Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps prevent disputes and penalties,” she advised, directing stakeholders to NSW Fair Trading for guidance.

Conclusion: A Shift Toward Long-Term Rental Stability

These reforms reflect a growing recognition of renting as a long-term housing solution rather than a temporary arrangement. By balancing tenant protections with landlord rights, NSW aims to create a fairer, more transparent rental market—setting a precedent for other states to follow.

For further updates on rental laws, consult NSW Fair Trading.