The Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulation 2025 was formally approved by the NSW Executive Council last Wednesday and will commence next month. From 19 May, landlords will have to provide a valid reason to end a lease and at least one way to pay rent that does not incur a fee. Legislation will also make it easier for people who rent their home to keep a pet and includes amendments regarding rent payment options, standard tenancy agreements, and other administrative updates. 

Read the NSW Government media release here. 
 
This is a major reform towards making renting fair and adequately balancing the rights and responsibilities of landlords and people who rent their home. Shelter NSW has advocated for ‘no-grounds’ evictions reform and better tenancy legislation for decades. We are delighted to finally witness significant progress.  
 
There is so much more to be done so everyone in NSW has access to a safe, secure, affordable home, but for now, let us rejoice.  
 
Shelter NSW, along with other tenant advocates and policy specialists, will be monitoring the implementation of the reforms and providing advice to government agencies and other stakeholders on how it is working in practice. Please do contact us if you have feedback on the effects of the reforms after commencement.  

Interested in more detail about the tenancy law changes? Fair Trading provides further explanation on recent and upcoming legislative changes. The Tenants Union of NSW will also be developing detailed guidance shortly.