New laws ban landlords from refusing renters pets without ‘sensible reason’
Landlords and real estate agents will no longer be able to charge renters extra fees when they pay their weekly rent or refuse pets without a good reason under proposed new laws.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Landlords and real estate agents will no longer be allowed to charge renters extra fees when transferring rent, with the Minns government set to introduce the ban among a suite of housing reforms next month.
Under the proposed laws, landlords and their agents will have to offer renters a free way to transfer their rent, which does not incur additional charges or bank fees. These can be options such as a bank transfer or the use of Centrepay.
Currently the law does require landlords to provide one fee-free rent payment method, but does not stipulate free electronic methods. Industry leaders say this has resulted in some agents only offering inconvenient methods such as a cash payment.
Premier Chris Minns said the new legislation was designed to create a fairer rental market.
“You don’t pay additional fees every time the mortgage comes out and you shouldn’t have to pay, to pay the rent,” he said.
“We believe this bill makes things a bit less stressful for renters, while getting the balance right.”
The move will be welcome relief for renters, who have copped soaring rents and fewer options to rent, with low vacancy rates amid a critical housing shortages gripping the state.
Since 2016, the number of renters in NSW has grown 17.6 per cent. The rental market in NSW is the toughest that renters have seen for decades, with median rent prices increasing by about 7 per cent over the last 12 months.
New laws making it harder for landlords to deny renters with pets will also be among the tranche of reforms to be introduced in October.
Property owners will no longer be able to refuse a pet without a good reason and must apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal if they believe the property is unsuitable for animals or if there would be too many animals at the location.
Other reasons a landlord could still refuse a pet under the new laws include if keeping that pet would breach another law or if the landlord also lives at the property and does not want to live with the animal.
Animal welfare groups have been in favour of the changes with the RSPCA reporting that one in five animals in NSW has been given up because the owner was worried they would not get a place to rent.
The new rental reforms will be introduced to parliament alongside measures banning no grounds evictions, requiring landlords to have a valid reason to evict tenants for both periodic and fixed term leases.
Other measures included banning landlords and agents for charging renters for background checks when they apply for a property.
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said the reforms were an important step to a more affordable rental experience in the state.
“We are working closely with renters, landlords, the RSPCA, animal welfare organisations, agents and advocates to ensure these proposed reforms can be implemented successfully,” she said.
Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as New laws ban landlords from refusing renters pets without ‘sensible reason’
Splashdown! Day of disaster for Aussies in women’s America’s Cup
The women’s America’s Cup dream of an Australian crew is over after just two days of racing, a disastrous touchdown, a broken start penalty and erratic conditions. How it played out.
Council awarded more than $600k in compo battle over park, golf club
A Sydney council has secured a legal win against the NSW Government after disputing the amount of compensation it would receive for land forcibly acquired for a major tunnel project.