Here you can get answers to your rental questions – realestate.com.au

From rent increases to the termination of a lease and even maintaining a pet, rental rules in NSW have undergone some important changes. Here you can read how you can know the advice that you will receive is accurate.

If you followed the news, you would have seen a series of recent changes in the state’s rent laws.

But if you ask a friend, browse through social media or trust outdated information, you could be wrong.

The rental landscape has been shifted thanks to a series of reforms introduced by the NSW government.

And for tenants that means stronger protection and a much better idea of where you stand.

But only if you get your information from the right source.

What has changed

Most changes have been rolled out in phases.

From 31 October 2024, for example, the rent increases are limited to once a year for all lease types, and extra costs at the start of a lease (such as background checks or the preparation of the lease) are prohibited for all lease applicants.

From 19 May 2025, landlords must offer a valid reason to terminate a lease, requests from pets can only be refused on limited land and tenants must be offered the option to pay rent through bank transfer.

From 20 June 2025, simplified requirements must apply to the documentation that landlords must offer when you terminate a lease for renovations or repairs.

And from July 1, 2025, NSW Fair Trading collects information about rental covering through rental bonds online.

Many changes are already being rolled out in NSW to better protect tenants. Make sure you understand how they can influence you. Photo: Getty

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That is a lot to take, especially if you are new when renting or navigating for the first time in the state.

Where to find the facts

NSW rental commissioner Trina Jones says that one of the largest trials that tenants fall in is acting on outdated or anecdotal advice.

“Trusting tips from friends or social media can cause tenants to agree to things they don’t have to do or miss the protection what they are entitled to,” she says.

Think that your lease can be terminated for no reason (no longer legal).

“Some tenants correspond to reimbursements that they are illegally charged for things such as getting a paper invoice. Others believe that they cannot ask for repairs if they are behind, which is not true,” says Trina.

Common myths

There are many misunderstandings about your rights as a tenant, says Trina.

One of the greatest common myths is that landlords can increase the rent as often as they want. That’s not true. From October 31, 2024, the rent increases are limited to once a year for all lease types.

Another is that tenants have to pay for professional carpet cleaning at the end of your lease. This is not true either.

You only have to return the property in one similar If you are withdrawn, and special conditions such as professional carpet cleaning are prohibited, unless it is a reasonable condition to keep a pet in the house.

New laws to make it easier for tenants to keep pets have started. Photo: Getty

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There are also the days that your landlord can kick you without an explanation. From 19 May 2025, all Lease terminations require a valid reason and landlords may have to provide documentation.

Do you have a hairy friend? According to the new laws, landlords now have 21 days to respond to a request for pets. If they don’t, it is automatically approved. And there are only a handful of reasons why a landlord can say no, as if the landlord lives in the rental home.

In addition, landlords and agents must offer rental payments per bank transfer, and they cannot demand that you use specific apps.

If you’re not sure, just ask

“The NSW Fair Trading website is regularly updated with accurate information and our team is here to help,” says Trina.

“It’s great to check with friends, but the best way to protect yourself is against Immediately go to the official source. “