From Monday 19 May 2025, important changes to NSW tenancy laws will come into effect, aimed at providing greater fairness and transparency for both renters and landlords. These reforms follow extensive public consultation with tenants, landlords, real estate professionals, and industry bodies. The changes cover key areas such as ending a tenancy, notice periods, re-letting restrictions, pet ownership, rental payment options, and advertising standards.
Here’s a summary of what you need to know:
- Notice period for fixed-term leases
Renters must be given more notice:
- 60 days for leases 6 months or less.
- 90 days for leases longer than 6 months.
- Keeping a pet
Renters can request to keep a pet:
- Landlords must respond within 21 days or the pet is automatically approved.
A new Pet Application Form will be available from the 19th of May.
6. Advertising restrictions
Landlords cannot advertise “no pets” in rental listings.
1. Ending a Tenancy
Landlords must provide a valid reason for ending a tenancy (no more “no-grounds” terminations).
- Supporting documents required, with penalties for false terminations.
- Tenants will receive a Termination Information Statement.
NSW Fair Trading will collect data on tenancy terminations starting 1 July 2025.
3. Re-letting restrictions
New leases can’t be entered for certain reasons (e.g., sale, renovations) after ending a tenancy.
Landlords can apply to NSW Fair Trading to relet under special circumstances.
5. Fee free ways to pay rent
Renters must be offered fee-free, electronic payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, BPay). Tenants cannot be required to use a particular service provider to pay rent.
Centrepay will need to be offered, later in 2025.
- Landlords only need to register for Centrepay if the tenant chooses it as a payment method.
For further information
You can find more information about the changes the NSW Government website or by calling 13 32 20.