NSW Bans No-Grounds Evictions, Eases Pet Rules in Major Rental Overhaul

NSW joins other states, including the ACT and South Australia, in banning no-grounds evictions for both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

New South Wales Labor Premier Chris Minns speaks to media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 29, 2025. AAP Image/Steven Saphore

Renters in New South Wales (NSW) will soon benefit from new laws that end no-grounds evictions and introduce clearer rules for keeping pets.

The government said the new reforms, which take effect on May 19, aim to create a fairer rental market by boosting tenant security, simplifying pet ownership rules, and eliminating extra rental payment fees.

“With more than two million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right,” said Premier Chris Minns.

NSW joins other states, including the ACT and South Australia, in banning no-grounds evictions for both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

Under the new rules, landlords in NSW will be required to justify lease terminations, offering tenants greater stability.

Those who receive an eviction notice but secure alternative accommodation earlier will have stronger rights to end their lease without additional penalties.

In Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania, landlords must already provide valid reasons for ending periodic leases.

Easier Pet Ownership

Keeping pets in rental homes will become easier under the new rules.

Tenants can apply to have a pet, and landlords can only refuse under specific conditions, such as violating council laws.

If a landlord does not respond within 21 days, approval will be granted automatically.

Additionally, renters will no longer face extra costs when paying rent, with free electronic payment options such as direct bank transfers now required.

These reforms build on previous changes introduced in October 2024, which limited rent increases to once a year and banned application background check fees.

Landlords Ordered to Refund Illegal Background Check Fees

The reforms come after nearly $50,000 was refunded to renters who were wrongly charged for background checks, despite a ban on such fees introduced last year.

Some online rental platforms had encouraged applicants to pay between $25 to $40 for background checks, claiming it would improve their chances of securing a property.

Following an investigation by the rental task force, an online platform was found to have charged 2,372 rental applicants $19.95 each for background checks, totalling $47,321.

The company has since refunded affected customers and removed the feature from its platform to ensure compliance.

Opposition Criticises Minns Government’s Record

As the NSW Labor government marks two years in power, the opposition has criticised its record, arguing that the Minns government has failed to deliver on key promises.

Opposition leader Mark Speakman claims Labor’s handling of infrastructure, healthcare, and housing has been inadequate, pointing to stalled metro projects, worsening hospital wait times, and an escalating housing crisis.

He argues that the government has relied on “announcements and re-announcements” without taking meaningful action.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited momentum, progress, and ribbons to cut from the Liberals and Nationals, but now all it delivers are delays, reviews, and spin,” Speakman said on March 25.

He also accused Minns of following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approach, focusing on media appearances rather than policy results.