Pets allowed: New rental laws in NSW

LANDLORDS can no longer evict tenants or reject pets without a valid reason in NSW, under sweeping new tenancy laws aimed at delivering greater stability and security for the state’s 2.3 million renters.

The reforms, which came into effect last Monday, 19 May 2025, are part of a broader push to make renting fairer, following one of the most significant overhauls of NSW tenancy laws in decades.

From now on, landlords will be required to provide a valid reason when ending a lease, with extended notice periods giving renters more time to relocate — or end the lease early if they find a new home after receiving notice.

Previously, landlords could terminate a periodic lease at any time with 90 days’ notice, or give just 30 days’ notice to end a fixed-term lease of less than six months.

The new laws put an end to so-called no-grounds evictions. They also introduce re-letting restrictions — meaning if a lease is ended for certain reasons, a new tenancy can’t start immediately.

Premier Chris Minns said the reforms reflect the reality that more people are renting — and doing so for longer.

“These reforms bring the rental market into the 21st century and make renting fairer,” he said. “More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer.”

The changes also introduce new rights for tenants who want to keep pets — a move welcomed by animal welfare advocates and renting families alike.

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Landlords can no longer reject pet applications without a valid reason. Grounds for refusal include cases where the animal breaches local council regulations or if the property is also the landlord’s principal place of residence.

A standardised application process has been introduced, and if a landlord fails to respond within 21 days, the pet request is automatically approved.

Once a pet is approved, consent carries over for the life of that animal — even if the managing agent or property owner changes.

Landlords are also prohibited from increasing the rent or bond as a condition of allowing a pet, and any property listings that advertise “no pets” must also be updated to comply with the law.

Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said the reforms acknowledge the vital role animals play in people’s lives.

“These reforms recognise that pets are part of people’s families. Renters shouldn’t have to choose between a place to live and keeping their companion animal,” she said.

“These changes put common sense into the rental system and end the blanket ban on pets.”

© The Junee Bulletin

Another key change requires all landlords and agents to offer tenants a fee-free rent payment method, such as a direct bank transfer.

Real estate agents or landlords who fail to comply with the new laws face fines of up to $11,000 per offence, while agencies could be penalised up to $71,500.

A newly funded Rental Taskforce is being tasked with enforcing the changes and investigating serious breaches.

The changes are part of a broader suite of reforms introduced by the NSW Government since late 2023, including capping rent increases at once per year, and banning background check fees for applicants.

The upcoming Portable Rental Bonds Scheme will also allow eligible renters to transfer their bond digitally when moving homes.

To support the rollout, the NSW Government has invested $8.4 million in education and enforcement, including a state-wide awareness campaign and in-person information sessions for tenants, landlords, and agents.

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said the changes reflect extensive community consultation with more than 100 groups — including renter advocates, property owners and animal welfare organisations.

“Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the new rental laws will help avoid penalties and disputes,” Ms Jones said. “There’s no need to rely on guesswork — the NSW Fair Trading website has all the up-to-date information.”

For full details about the changes and how they affect tenants and landlords, visit nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/changes-to-rental-laws