With the cost of living crisis, many Australians have resorted to renting property to call their home.

However, renting has become increasingly tough thanks to skyrocketing rents, fierce competition for properties, and a lack of affordable options.

After years of calls for reform, significant changes to laws are about to come into effect in a few days.

Many Aussies have found themselves in stressful situations to keep a roof over their heads.

One of the most significant changes for tenants was the reality of 'no grounds' evictions.

Over recent years, landlords could tell tenants to leave the property at the end of a lease or even during a periodic agreement without giving any reason.

Tenants and landlords in New South Wales should observe these new rules next week. Image Credit: Pexels/Ivan Samkov

Landlords only had to provide the required notice.

This rule meant renters could be forced out simply for requesting repairs, asking about a pending rent hike, or for no valid reason at all.

For over two million renters in New South Wales, there's big news on the horizon.

These changes could make a real difference to their rights and security.

Starting Monday, 19 May, that's all about to change thanks to new laws designed to give tenants more stability, security, and choice.

Landlords now need a valid, legal reason to evict a tenant.

Along with the notice, they need to provide evidence to back the eviction up.

What counts as a valid reason for eviction?

According to the Tenants' Union of NSW, landlords could only evict tenants for the following reasons:

• Major renovations, repairs, or demolition that require tenants to move out
• The property will no longer be used as a rental
• The owner or their family wants to move in
• The landlord is selling the property and needs it vacant
• Tenants are no longer eligible for affordable, transitional, or student housing
• The property is required for a key worker under a government scheme
• Breach of agreement by the tenant
• The end of an employee or caretaker agreement

This change should be a massive win for renters, who could now assert their rights confidently without the fear of losing their homes.

Another big change in renter rules revolves around pets.

Landlords could refuse pets for any reason or no reason at all.

Starting Monday, tenants should have the right to request permission to keep a pet.

Landlords could only refuse pet permissions for specific, valid reasons.

Valid reasons for refusing a pet include:

• The property's suitability for pets (e.g., fencing, space)
• Allowing the pet would mean too many animals on the property
• Possible damage beyond the bond amount
• The landlord lives at the property
• Possible breach of laws, by-laws, or council rules
• Refusal of reasonable conditions set by the landlord

Landlords must respond to the tenant's request in writing within 21 days, or consent should be automatically granted.

Landlords also cannot increase the rent or bond for tenants having a pet, but they can set reasonable conditions for keeping pets on the property.

Have you ever been stung by extra fees just for paying your rent?

Under the new rules, landlords and agents must provide at least one fee-free, accessible way to pay rent, such as bank transfers or Centrepay.

Tenants forced to pay by cheque or through real estate offices with cash should be able to transact more efficiently with the upcoming change.

In addition, the Portable Bonds Scheme is scheduled to roll out later this year.

This scheme should let tenants transfer their existing bonds to a new property instead of saving for a second bond while waiting for their refund.

The Portable Bonds Scheme should make moving houses less stressful and more affordable for tenants.

For many renters, these changes are a long time coming.

Whether it's for a retiree downsizing their home, a grandparent helping the kids out, or just someone who wants to feel secure in their rented house, these new rules are worth celebrating.

Key Takeaways

• Major changes to NSW tenancy laws will begin on Monday, 19 May, effectively giving two million renters more rights and security.
• The new rules should scrap 'no grounds' evictions, meaning landlords will need valid reasons and proof to evict tenants.
• Tenants should also have the right to request pets in their homes, and landlords can only refuse based on specific reasons.
• Landlords and agents must now provide tenants with a genuine, fee-free rent payment option, and a Portable Bonds Scheme will soon allow tenants to transfer bonds to a new property.

Have you been affected by unfair rental practices in the past? Would you like to see similar changes rolled out in your state or territory? We would love to hear your stories and thoughts about these changes in the comments section below.

 

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BLOODY MARVELLOUS IS ALL I CAN SAY......