No More Surprise Evictions: How NSW's New Rental Laws Empower You in 2025
As of May 19, 2025, significant reforms to New South Wales' rental laws have come into effect, aiming to create a fairer and more secure environment for the state's 2.3 million renters. These changes, part of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, address longstanding concerns and introduce new rights and protections for tenants.
🛑 End of No-Grounds Evictions
Landlords are now required to provide a valid reason when terminating any lease, whether fixed-term or periodic. Acceptable reasons include property sale, major renovations, or the landlord moving in. This change offers tenants greater stability and reduces the risk of sudden, unexplained evictions.
🐾 Simplified Pet Approval Process
Tenants can now apply to keep a pet in their rental property using a standardized form. Landlords have 21 days to respond; if they fail to do so, the pet request is automatically approved. Refusals are only permitted for specific reasons, such as property suitability or legal restrictions.
💰 Rent Increase Limitations
Rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months for all lease types. This measure aims to provide tenants with more predictable housing costs and prevent frequent, unexpected rent hikes.
💳 Fee-Free Rent Payment Options
Landlords must offer tenants at least one fee-free method to pay rent, such as direct bank transfer. This ensures tenants are not burdened with additional costs simply for paying their rent.
🐶 Portable Rental Bonds Scheme
Later in 2025, a new Portable Rental Bonds Scheme will be introduced, allowing tenants to transfer their bond from one rental property to another. This initiative aims to ease the financial strain of moving by eliminating the need to pay a new bond before receiving the old one back.
🏠 Additional Reforms
Ban on Application Fees: Landlords and agents can no longer charge tenants for background checks or tenancy agreement preparations.
Extended Notice Periods: Landlords must now provide longer notice periods when ending leases, giving tenants more time to find alternative accommodation.
Enhanced Privacy Protections: Upcoming reforms will strengthen tenants' privacy rights, ensuring their personal information is better protected.
These reforms represent a significant shift in NSW's rental landscape, prioritizing tenant rights and aiming to create a more balanced relationship between landlords and renters. For more detailed information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website or consult with a legal professional specializing in tenancy law.