Rental increases capped under reforms introduced to NSW parliament
Rental increases will be capped to once a year across NSW, under new reforms introduced to state parliament today.
The reforms into rental laws will also end "no ground evictions", meaning landlords will need to give "reasonable and sensible reasons" to end a fixed term or periodic lease.
Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the move would provide "greater certainty and protection for renters".
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Cap rent increases to one per year under reforms to rental laws to be introduced into NSW Parliament today. Nine
Current protections against multiple rent hikes do not apply to fixed-term leases of less than two years, or when there is a change in the type of lease, such as from periodic to fixed term.
The government said the new rules would also close a loophole in the existing legislation.
It's also believed the changes will make it easier to have pets in rentals, with landlords only able to decline on certain grounds.
Landlords must respond within 21 days, with grounds for refusal including if it would contravene other laws, the property is unsuitable, or the landlord lives at the same property.
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Renters will also have the right to appeal the decision.
"We are now one step closer to a fairer and more affordable rental market in NSW," Chanthivong said.
"By ending no grounds evictions, making it easier to have pets, and ensuring people can pay their rent without hidden charges, these landmark reforms will make it fairer for the state's 2.2 million renters."
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