The NSW housing shake-up that will change nearly 3 million lives

The NSW government has announced that from May 19, its reforms including an end to no-grounds evictions and more rights for tenants with pets will come into force.

The reforms, announced in October, are the result of long-awaited promises by successive Labor leaders. Following caps on the frequency of rental increases which came into effect last year, Premier Chris Minns said the changes will cater to more than 2.2 million renters in NSW. The state also has at least 600,000 landlords.

“Today we are letting renters and owners know these major changes will begin in under two months’ time,” he said.

“By banning no-grounds evictions, this will give renters much-needed housing security. This will let them make a house a home.”

What are the new rental laws?

From May 19, it will no longer be legal for a landlord to evict a tenant without a valid reason. Longer notice periods for evictions will also apply to certain leases so tenants have more time to organise new housing after an eviction.

Those evicted will have more rights to end a subsequent lease earlier if they find a new property.

Prospective tenants will be able to apply to have a pet in a rental and can be rejected only for specific reasons such as when the type of animal is not normally kept inside, when it would be inhumane or when keeping the animal is likely to cause more than reasonable damage.

Greater rights for pet owners will be introduced in May.Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Approval will automatically be granted if property owners do not respond to the new standard pet application form within 21 days.

Rent payment methods free of fees such as bank transfers will also be accessible to renters under the legislation.

How did we get here?

No-grounds eviction reforms have been promised by several NSW Labor leaders and have been a part of the government’s workload since July 2023.

The laws were passed in October 2024 and include other reforms that came into effect last year such as preventing landlords from increasing rent more than once per year.

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones engaged with more than 100 stakeholders, including tenant advocates, property owners and animal welfare groups.

“From regional roadshows to industry round tables, our team has been on the ground meeting with stakeholders across NSW, holding 41 engagement sessions this financial year alone to ensure diverse voices are reflected in the way we communicate and implement these changes,” Jones said.

How will they be enforced?

NSW Fair Trading will enforce the rental reforms through its rental taskforce, and $8.4 million has been allocated to ensure compliance. Tenants can also apply to the tribunal if a landlord has unreasonably withheld consent to have a pet on the property.

When do they start?

The rental reforms will be enforceable from May 19, 2025.

Other additions will be introduced later this year, including greater privacy protections for renters and a portable rental bond scheme.

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