Renting? It’s Important To Know Where You Stand

These are just a few changes brought in to not only protect tenants, but to act as a clear guideline for landlords. Here’s a quick summary of just some of the changes:

End of “No Grounds” Evictions: Landlords must now provide a valid reason to end a tenancy, as outlined in the legislation. 

Easier Pet Ownership: It’s now simpler for tenants to keep pets in their rental properties. 

Rent Increase Cap: Rent increases are limited to once per year. 

Payment Flexibility: Tenants can now pay rent by bank transfer. 

STRA Registration: Short-term rental accommodation properties must be registered and renewed annually with the NSW government. 

Portable Bond Scheme: This scheme will allow tenants to transfer their existing rental bond to a new property, eliminating the need for a second bond. 

Rentals must have dual flush toilets with at least a 3-star WELS rating; otherwise, landlords cannot charge for water usage (as reported in Property Update last month).

This is the result of the current NSW Government’s commitment to improve rental laws to support tenants, landlords and the community. It sets up better renting rules that will help give more stability for tenants and certainty for landlords. 

These changes require landlords to provide a reason to end a lease – ending ‘no grounds’ terminations for tenants make it easier to keep a pet in a rental home limit rent increases to once per year for all lease types prevent extra fees at the start of a tenancy, including fees for background checks and for preparing a tenancy agreement ensure tenants can pay rent by bank transfer.

From 20 June 2025, the supporting documents a landlord must give to a tenant where they are ending the tenancy due to significant renovations or repairs to the property changed. Information on the supporting documents that are now required is available on the Landlords ending a tenancy page. 

If you are about to renew a lease, enter a new lease or wish to clarify your rental cap with the landlord, we recommend you discuss the issues with your property manager (in the first instance). They are trained property professionals that can give clear and independent advice.

For further information and details on changes to the law, feel free to contact the NSW Government’s Department of Fair Trading. Full details on the changes can be found here

Source: NSW Dept Fair Trading