From today, people who rent or will start renting properties in Lismore and the Northern Rivers will face regulation changes that will give them more security.

Three key changes of legislation come into force as a result of the NSW Government’s reforms to make renting fairer in NSW.

Delivering on a key election commitment to the state’s 2.3 million renters, from today the following legislation comes into force:

• Ending of no-grounds evictions – owners will now be required to provide a valid reason to end all lease types, set out in legislation, increasing security and transparency for renters. Longer notice periods will apply for some leases, giving renters greater certainty and time to find a new home, while ensuring investors can still effectively manage their properties. Renters who find a new property after receiving an evictions notice will also have improved rights to end a lease early.
• Pets in rentals – tenants will be able to apply to keep a pet in their rental home, with owners only able to refuse for specific reasons, such as the owner living at the property or failure to comply with local council laws. A standard application form and process has been developed to make the system clearer and more efficient for both renters and owners. Approval will be automatic if owners do not respond to pet applications within 21 days.
• Fee-free ways to pay rent - owners and agents must enable renters to pay their rent using certain fee-free rent payment methods such as direct bank transfer, ensuring there are convenient and modern payment methods available without extra cost.

These important changes come alongside other key initiatives from the state government:

• Limiting rent increases to once per year – Rent increases are limited to once per year across all lease types – including fixed-term and periodic leases.
• Ending tenants having to pay for their own background checks - Clarifying that rental applicants can’t be charged fees before entering a tenancy, for example costs for background checks.
• Portable Rental Bonds Scheme – The Minns Labor Government is investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme. This means eligible renters can move homes and digitally transfer their existing bond with them. The scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.
• Rent Check – A new, free website – Rent Check helps renters to understand how the rent they’re being asked to pay compares to other similar homes.

Penalties are now in place for agents or owners who do the wrong thing, with the changes to be enforced by the NSW Government’s Rental Taskforce, with inspectors and support teams to help renters and act on serious breaches of rental laws.

People are encouraged to visit the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on the new rental laws and their rights and obligations here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live   

The Government says it has undertaken a comprehensive consultation and engagement process to inform and communicate these new reforms.

Premier Chris Minns said, “Today marks a significant change which brings the rental market into the 21st century and makes renting fairer.

“More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer, so these reforms improve security and fairness in the rental market.”

“These are sensible reforms, and with more than 2 million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right."

Acting Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Paul Scully said, “The implementation of these reforms creates a fairer, more balanced rental market that gives tenants greater security while making sure owners have clear and transparent processes to follow.

“We’ve listened to renters, owners, and industry experts to shape these changes, and have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the transition is smooth and well understood.

“Agents and landlords who choose to flout the laws should be aware the Rental Taskforce will act on serious breaches of the new rental laws.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said, “Our team at Fair Trading has engaged extensively with industry and communities across NSW to make sure these reforms are well understood and practical.

“We have new information and resources on the NSW Government Website providing clear, reliable information to help renters, landlords and agents navigate these changes with confidence.”

“Our focus now is on successful implementation and dedicating our efforts to prevent and act on breaches of the law.”