Ending "No Grounds" Terminations:
-
Landlords must now provide a valid reason to end a tenancy, rather than ending a lease without one.
-
This applies to both fixed-term and periodic leases.
-
The goal is to provide tenants with more stability and security in their homes.
Easier Pet Ownership:
-
Tenants can now apply to keep a pet, and landlords can only refuse for specific reasons, such as the landlord living on the property or the pet violating local council laws.
-
A standard application form and process have been introduced to streamline the process.
-
If a landlord doesn't respond to a pet application within 21 days, consent is automatically granted.
Rent Increase Limits:
-
Rent increases are now limited to once per year for all lease types.
-
Landlords must also wait 12 months between rent increases.
Fee-Free Rent Payments:
-
Tenants must be offered a free and convenient way to pay rent, such as bank transfer.
-
Landlords cannot force tenants to pay rent through specific apps or services that incur extra fees.
Other Key Changes:
-
Background check fees are prohibited.
-
The NSW Rental Commissioner is now part of the Rental Bond Board.
-
New prescribed grounds for tenancy termination have been introduced.
-
Changes to notice periods for lease terminations, both for landlords and tenants.
Future Reforms:
-
Further reforms, including stronger privacy protections for renters and the introduction of a portable rental bond scheme, are planned for later in 2025.