Adopt that dog: New law reforms make it easier for renters to keep pets while banning no-grounds evictions

Waiting until you own a home before adopting that dog? New laws introduced by the NSW government will soon mean the wait is no longer necessary.

Following 2024 law reforms that put a limit on rent increases to one per year and made sure tenants could not be charged for background checks, the state government’s campaign to create a “fairer” rental market will now focus on renting with pets as well as no-grounds eviction.

🐾 Renting with pets harder for landlords to deny

From May 19, renters with pets will find it easier to be accepted as landlords will only be able to refuse applications on specific grounds, like if the owner is living on the property, or if keeping a pet at the rental home does not 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.

These applications will also be automatically approved in three weeks if the landlord does not respond.

👍 Good reasons required for no-grounds eviction

From May 19, landlords in NSW will also find it harder to evict renters without grounds. Under the new laws, they must provide a “valid” reason to end all lease types, like a breach of the tenancy agreements.

Landlords can still end a lease in the case of significant renovation, if they propose to sell the property, or demolish it all together, or if they wish to live in the property themselves.

In those cases where eviction is valid, longer notice periods will be required to allow tenants more time to find a new property. But, if those tenants happen to find a new rental quickly after receiving the eviction notice, they will be able to end a lease early.

🔐 Renting for longer and securing rental safety

The changes will allow renters to "make a house a home," NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Tuesday. 

"More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer," the Premier said.

According to the state government, the changes have been made following consultation with community stakeholders, including both landlords and tenants, investors, tenant advocates, real estate agents and animal welfare groups.

"We've inherited a rental system that was never designed for long-term tenants — this reform starts to lay new foundations for a fairer system," Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said.

🤳 Fee-free ways to pay rent

As part of the recent key changes, renters will have access to free electronic payment options such as direct bank transfer, getting rid of potential extra fees.

“You can’t tackle the housing crisis without fixing renting,” Jackson said.

“This is a vital step toward a system that delivers real stability and security for the millions of people in NSW who rent.”

Further rental law reforms will be introduced later this year, such as stronger privacy protections for renters. 

"Housing security shouldn't be a privilege, it should be the baseline,” Jackson said.