6 November 2024

 

THE Government's recently passed suite of new laws will ensure that renters' get a fair go.

 

The bill passing, however, does not mean that the law has changed yet. Some parts will come into effect very soon. Others will wait for the regulations that attach to the legislation need to be written and discussed. This is a crucial process as it adds important detail to the new laws, particularly in relation to the evidence requirements of termination notices.

 

It is expected that this process will be finalised over summer for this law to become effective in early 2025.

 

The changes come off the back of the current rental market in NSW, which is the toughest that renters have seen for decades, with historically low vacancy rates, which has been coupled with median rent prices increasing by around 7 per cent over the last 12 months, and a system that previously left renters vulnerable to eviction at any time.

 

Premier Chris Minns said, “This moment has been a long time coming for the millions of renters and many owners across the State who are calling out for much needed change.

 

“These reforms respond to key issues raised by the people around NSW that change is required to better protect renters in their homes, and give owners have more certainty about how to get the best out of their investments.”

 

The State Government’s rental package includes:

 

• No grounds evictions will be banned - The banning of no grounds evictions will give renters and owners more clarity by requiring property owners to have valid reasons to end a fixed term or periodic lease.

 

• Rent increases now limited to one per year – This will include a limit of one rent increase per year across all lease types – including fixed-term and periodic leases.

 

• Easier to have pets in rentals - The changes to make it easier to have pets in rentals will mean a tenant can apply to keep a pet, with landlords only able to decline on certain grounds.

 

• Ensures tenants have a free way to pay rent – Tenants will now have easy and free ways to pay their rent by requiring property owners and agents to offer zero-fee ways to pay their rent, such as bank transfer and Commonwealth Centrepay.

 

• Banning fees for background checks – Renters will no longer be being charged for background checks when they’re applying for a rental property.

 

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong said, “These landmark reforms are a huge leap forward and will create a fairer and more affordable rental system for the 2.2 million renters in this state.

 

“By limiting rent increases to only one a year, banning no grounds evictions, making it easier to have pets in rentals, and ensuring people can pay their rent without hidden fees, these historic reforms will make it easier for renters in NSW.

 

“We want a thriving rental market in NSW where landlords have certainty and tenants have security, and these reforms do just that.”

 

These important changes come alongside other key initiatives from the State Government:

 

• Portable bond scheme – Investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme. This means eligible renters can move homes and digitally transfer their existing bond with them.

 

• Establishing Rent Check – A new, free tool renters can use to help check whether the rent they’re being asked to pay is fair.

 

• Rental Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading – The Government will invest $8.4 million for a taskforce with investigators, inspectors, and support teams to help renters and act on serious breaches of rental laws.

 

The passing of these laws follows extensive and detailed discussions with renter advocates, industry stakeholders and tenancy experts, as well as a ‘Have Your Say’ public consultation process which received more than 16,000 submissions and survey responses.

 

David Harris, Member for Wyong said, “Renting on the Central Coast can be challenging, the new laws will ease the pressure for renters to live in a comfortable home and provide that sense of security.”

 

Liesl Tesch Member for Gosford said that the reforms will provide genuine support to the thousands of renters across the Central Coast.

 

"They create a fairer rental market that gets the balance right between improved protections for renters with the rights of owners,” Ms Tesch said.

 

Yasmin Catley Member for Swansea said, “Our Government has acted to make our rental system fairer by ending no-grounds eviction, we argued for this reform to deliver a better deal for renters on the Coast in Opposition and have delivered in Government.”

 

David Mehan Member for The Entrance said, “These reforms provide well needed stability for renters in this current climate, providing them with the protections they have long been asking for.

 

“As a former Chairperson of Central Coast Tenants’ Advice & Advocacy Service, I am pleased to be part of a Labor government making renting fairer.”

 

Sidonie Shaw, Manager Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service commented on how the rental reforms will bring security to renters who can now look to making a house a home.

 

“Whilst now is a time to celebrate, there is still more to do. Central Coast Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Service looks forward to working closely with the Member for The Entrance and his Labor colleagues to ensure further reforms.” she said.

 

The Central Coast has the following number of renters in each electorate:

 

• Gosford – 11412

 

• Wyong – 9020

 

• The Entrance – 8124

 

• Swansea – 6617

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