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New NSW Rental Laws: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know (Effective 19 May 2025)
Big changes are here for renters and landlords in New South Wales! As of Monday, 19 May 2025, significant amendments to New South Wales (NSW) rental laws have come into effect, providing greater security for tenants and clearer guidelines for property owners. Whether you’re a long-term renter, looking for a new place, or a landlord managing properties, it’s crucial to understand these updates.
Let’s break down the key changes:
1. No-Ground Evictions Banned: Greater Security for Tenants
This is a monumental shift for renters across NSW. Previously, landlords could evict tenants without providing a specific reason once a fixed-term lease ended. This often left tenants feeling insecure and vulnerable.
What’s new? Landlords must now provide a valid reason to evict tenants. This means no more “no-fault” evictions. Valid reasons include circumstances such as:
- The landlord or a close family member is moving into the property.
- Extensive renovations require the property to be vacant.
- The tenant is breaching the terms of their lease agreement (e.g., consistent late rent payments, property damage).
This change aims to provide tenants with more stability and certainty in their living arrangements, fostering a stronger sense of home.
2. Pet Requests Automatically Approved After 21 Days: A Win for Pet Owners
For many, a pet is part of the family, and the ability to have one in a rental property has often been a point of contention. The new laws introduce a streamlined process for pet approvals.
What’s new? Tenants can now formally request to keep a pet. If a landlord does not respond to this request within 21 days, the request is automatically considered approved.
Furthermore, landlords who wish to refuse a pet request must meet strict criteria for their refusal to be considered reasonable. This means arbitrary rejections are less likely. This change is a significant step forward for pet-owning tenants, making it easier to find and secure suitable rental accommodation with their beloved companions.
3. Fee-Free Rent Payment Now Required: No More Hidden Charges
Paying rent should be straightforward and free from hidden charges. The new laws address a common grievance among tenants regarding payment fees.
What’s new? Landlords are now mandated to offer at least one method of rent payment that does not incur fees for the tenant. This could include options like:
- Direct bank transfer.
- BPAY (if the landlord absorbs the fee).
This change ensures that tenants are not burdened with additional costs simply for paying their rent, promoting fairer and more transparent financial dealings between landlords and tenants.
What Do These Changes Mean for You?
For Tenants: These new laws offer enhanced security, greater flexibility, and fairer treatment. It’s important to understand your rights and the new processes, especially regarding evictions and pet requests.
For Landlords: While these changes introduce new obligations, they also provide clearer guidelines. Understanding the valid reasons for eviction, the pet approval process, and the requirement for fee-free payment options is crucial to ensure compliance and maintain positive tenant relationships.
The NSW government’s aim with these reforms is to create a more balanced and equitable rental market. As these laws are now in effect, it’s a good time for both tenants and landlords to familiarise themselves with the specifics to ensure smooth and lawful tenancies moving forward.
For more information or guidance on how these new NSW rental laws may impact your property investments or tenancies, feel free to reach out to Ash Buyers Agency, your trusted partner and the Best Buyers Agent Sydney.
Call us today at +61 434 111 200. We’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence and clarity.
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