By Sharon Lew, Proprietor – Pinpoint Property Management
Rental laws in New South Wales are changing again and these reforms are some of the most significant we’ve seen in years. As a landlord, understanding what’s new and how it affects your responsibilities is crucial. At Pinpoint Property Management, our job is to help you stay ahead of these changes and protect your investment.
Coming Soon (from 19 May 2025)
1. ‘No Grounds’ Terminations Are Ending
Landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a valid reason. This change brings NSW in line with other states and is intended to increase security for tenants.
Under the new rules, landlords can only terminate a tenancy for one of the following prescribed reasons:
- You are selling the property (and contracts have been signed)
- You or a family member intend to move into the property
- You plan to carry out extensive renovations or repairs that make it impractical for the tenant to stay during the works
- You plan to demolish the property
- You’re changing the property’s use (e.g., converting it to a business premises or using it for short-term holiday accommodation)
Each of these grounds requires supporting documentation. For example, if you plan to sell the property, you’ll need a signed contract of sale. If you’re moving in, you’ll need a statutory declaration. Importantly, false or misleading notices could result in fines or legal action, so professional guidance is highly recommended.
2. Pet Ownership Requests Must Be Considered Fairly
Tenants will soon have the right to request to keep a pet. Landlords can only refuse based on specific grounds, such as property damage risk, strata by-laws, or if the animal is not suitable for the property type. If you don’t respond within 21 days, consent is assumed. Landlords and agents cannot advertise a “No Pet Policy” on rental listings.
3. At Least One Fee-Free Way to Pay Rent
Landlords must offer tenants a way to pay rent that doesn’t incur any fees — such as a direct bank transfer. This ensures tenants aren’t penalised for how they choose to pay.
Why Good Property Management Matters More Than Ever
These changes mean landlords need to be more thorough, responsive, and informed than ever before. Having a professional property management team on your side can make all the difference — from ensuring compliance with the law to handling tenant communication and documentation properly.
At Pinpoint Property Management, we’re already preparing for these reforms across our portfolio. We handle the paperwork, manage tenant requests and ensure that every termination or lease adjustment is implemented legally and fairly.
Need Support?
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your rental property or what updates you need to make to your leases, we’re here to help.
I personally take pride in working closely with landlords to protect their investments and make property ownership as stress-free as possible.
Reach out any time for advice, guidance, or a no-obligation review of your property management setup. With the right support, you can stay ahead of the law — and ahead of the market.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. For full details, please visit NSW Fair Trading or speak with a qualified legal professional.