Property managers in NSW will need to acquaint themselves with the Minns’ government series of reforms, which is aimed at improving conditions for renters.
These reforms include easing restrictions on pet ownership for tenants, introducing a tool to compare rental prices using bond data, and ending “no grounds” evictions.
The changes come as the rental market faces rising costs and increasing demand.
Pet ownership
One of the most significant changes involves making it easier for renters to own pets. Currently, many tenants face obstacles when trying to keep pets, as landlords have the right to refuse permission without giving specific reasons.
The reforms would limit landlords’ ability to reject pet requests without proper cause, allowing renters to enjoy pet ownership without the fear of arbitrary refusal.
Premier Chris Minns, who made a pre-election promise to make pet ownership easier for renters, said his government had a mandate to “modernise the rental market.”
“We believe this bill makes things a bit less stressful for renters, while getting the balance right,” he said.
Introducing Rent Check
In addition to the changes surrounding pet ownership, the NSW government is also launching a new online tool called “Rent Check.”
This free service will allow both tenants and landlords to compare real-time rental prices for comparable properties in their area.
Unlike current rental websites that rely on advertised prices, Rent Check uses data from rental bonds, offering a more accurate and up-to-date comparison.
Renters can enter details such as postcode, type of property, number of bedrooms, and the current rent they pay or are willing to pay.
The tool will then provide the median market rental range for the specified area and indicate if the current price is above or below this range.
Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong highlighted the importance of the tool in promoting transparency in the rental market.
“Rent Check offers renters the only option to compare rent based on bond data. For future renters, it may help them find a location suited to their budget,” he said.
He also noted that the tool could help landlords better understand the range of rent being charged for similar properties, leading to fairer pricing practices.
The Minns government is also moving to ban no-fault evictions and intend to introduce the legislation to parliament next month.
The change would bring NSW in line with other states and territories, including the ACT, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Under the proposed changes, landlords would be forced to meet one of several thresholds to evict someone:
- The property is no longer being used as a rental
- The sale of the property or the offer for sale with vacant possession
- When the owner or their family members intends to move in
- Existing rules for breach of lease, including non-payment of rent and damage to the property
- Significant repairs, renovations, or demolition.
These reforms come at a time when rent prices are a major issue in NSW, particularly in Sydney, where rental prices have surged due to increased demand and limited supply.
With more people renting long-term and spending a large portion of their income on housing, Premier Minns said the government’s initiatives are designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures on tenants.
