The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 is set to roll out new rules on 19 May 2025, making renting fairer and more transparent for both landlords and tenants. Whether you’re a property owner or a renter, here’s what you need to know—no legal jargon, we promise!
No More ‘No Grounds’ Evictions
Landlords will now need a legitimate reason to end a tenancy—no more vague, last-minute notices. If they don’t provide valid evidence, they could face penalties.
Rent Increases? Once Per Year, Max.
From October 31, 2024, rent hikes are limited to once a year across all lease types.
Pets Are (Mostly) Welcome
Renters can apply to have a pet, and if the landlord doesn’t respond within 21 days, it’s automatically approved. Landlords can only refuse based on strict criteria—like unsuitable property conditions or council regulations.
Banning Excessive Fees
Tenants can’t be charged for background checks or lease prep fees.
Water Efficiency Standards
From March 23, 2025, landlords must ensure properties meet updated water efficiency requirements if they want to pass water charges onto tenants.
Longer Notice Periods for End of Lease
Fixed-term renters now get:
60 days’ notice (if the lease is 6 months or less)
90 days’ notice (if the lease is over 6 months)
New Rules on Paying Rent
Landlords must offer a no-fee electronic payment option like bank transfer or Centrepay. They can’t force renters to use a third-party app that charges fees.
For Renters → More security, less stress. No more random rent hikes, fewer hidden fees, and a fairer system for keeping pets.
For Landlords → Clearer rules mean fewer disputes and a more structured approach to managing tenancies. Stay compliant to avoid fines and keep good tenants happy.
Stay in the know—check out the full breakdown of changes on the NSW Fair Trading website.
And if you’ve got questions about how this affects your property, hit us up at FOUND. We’re across all the updates and here to make it easy for landlords and tenants alike.
