NSW Rental Reforms for Northern Beaches Landlords
The NSW Government has introduced some important changes to rental laws. If you’re a landlord in the Northern Beaches, it’s essential to understand how these reforms will affect your business.
As of 19 May 2025, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 is in full swing, bringing in new rules around ending leases, notice periods, and pet ownership.
If you’re a landlord, here’s what you need to know, and prepare for:
1. Reasons to End Leases: No More ‘No Grounds’ Terminations
Previously, landlords could terminate leases without providing a reason. That’s about to change.
From early this year, landlords must have a legitimate reason to end a tenancy. Acceptable reasons include:
Selling the property with vacant possession
Significant repairs or renovations requiring the property to be vacant
The property no longer being used as a rental
The landlord or their family intends to move in
The tenant no longer qualifying for transitional or key worker housing
More importantly, landlords will need to provide evidence supporting their termination notice. False claims would mean penalties, so it’s vital to work with a competent property manager to ensure you’re following these.
2. Extended Notice Periods for Lease Terminations
If you’re planning to end a fixed-term lease, you’ll need to provide more notice than what was set previously. The new rules state:
For leases six months or less, the notice period increases from 30 days to 60 days.
For leases longer than six months, the notice period increases to 90 days.
Periodic leases remain unchanged.
For landlords, these extended notice periods highlight the importance of securing reliable tenants from the outset. Partnering with a property management professional ensures you attract great tenants who are more likely to commit to long-term agreements, reducing turnover and vacancy risks.
3. Changes to Pet Rules: Easier for Tenants to Have Pets
Pet ownership has long been a contentious issue in rental properties. Under the new laws, tenants can apply to keep a pet, and landlords can only refuse for specific reasons. From early 2025:
Landlords must respond within 21 days to a pet request. If they fail to do so, the pet is automatically approved.
Acceptable grounds for refusal include property suitability, excessive damage risks, or conflicts with strata by-laws.
Landlords cannot charge additional bonds or increase rent due to pet ownership.
If a tenant disputes a landlord’s refusal, they can escalate the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
With more tenants seeking pet-friendly housing, landlords should consider how this change affects their property’s marketability. If you’re concerned about potential damage, strong lease agreements and thorough tenant screening can mitigate risks.
Why These Changes Matter
These rental reforms aim to balance the rights of tenants and landlords, creating greater stability for renters while ensuring property owners maintain control over their investments. However, the new requirements could be a bit technical on paper that can be difficult if being dealt with alone.
A trusted property management team is your best asset in ensuring your property follows the rules and regulations while securing good tenants. Having a knowledgeable property manager means you’re always in control even come changes in legislation.
Be Informed and Get Specialist Guidance
With NSW Fair Trading overseeing enforcement, it has become more vital right now for landlords to know the legislation changes, especially as NSW Fair Trading states, “A new Rental Taskforce has been created within Fair Trading with dedicated inspectors and compliance officers who will focus on preventing and responding to breaches of rental laws.”
If you’re not sure how these reforms affect your property, this is the time to avail of the services of a specialist property manager who can guide you with what to do. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you start your preparations and adjustments for legislation changes.