The NSW Government has made major updates to rental laws to give tenants more stability and make renting fairer for everyone. These changes affect lease terminations, rent increases, pet rules, fees, and how rent is paid.
🚫 No More “No Grounds” Evictions
From 19 May 2025, landlords can no longer end a lease without a valid reason. Approved reasons include selling the property, moving in themselves, major renovations, or tenant breaches.
Landlords must:
- Give supporting documents if required.
- Follow new notice periods (up to 90 days).
- Respect re-letting restrictions—for example, they can’t re-rent the property for 6–12 months depending on the reason it was ended.
🔗 Landlord Ending a Tenancy – NSW Fair Trading
🐾 Easier to Keep Pets
Tenants can now request to keep a pet, and landlords can only say no for specific reasons (like local council rules or property suitability).
- If the landlord doesn’t respond within 21 days, the request is automatically approved.
- Landlords can’t charge extra rent or bond for pets.
- Once approved, consent stays valid for the life of the pet at that property.
🔗 Pets in Rentals – NSW Fair Trading
💸 Rent Increases: One Per Year
Since 31 October 2024, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, no matter what type of lease you’re on.
This also applies to leases that started before the change, with some exceptions for short fixed-term leases signed before 13 December 2024.
🔗 Tenants and Rent Increases – NSW Fair Trading
🚫 No More Upfront Fees
From 31 October 2024, tenants can’t be charged for:
- Background checks
- Lease preparation
- Other “application” costs
This applies to all new tenancies.
🔗 Costs at the Start of a Tenancy – NSW Fair Trading
🏦 Rent Payments by Bank Transfer
From 19 May 2025, landlords must allow rent payments by bank transfer, with no extra fees.
In future, they’ll also need to offer Centrepay as an option. Tenants can still agree to other payment methods, but they can’t be forced to use specific apps or platforms.
🔗 How and When to Pay Rent – NSW Fair Trading
Why These Laws Changed
These reforms were based on community feedback and are part of the NSW Government’s promise to make renting fairer and safer.
🔗 Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 – NSW Legislation
If you’re renting or managing property and need advice on how these changes affect you, Urban Family Lawyers can help. Contact us at reception@urbanfamilylawyers.com.au or call us on 02 9580 9011.
