NSW Renters Report Greater Security After Landmark Reforms
New survey shows rental reforms delivering greater confidence and stability.
A year after the NSW Government introduced sweeping rental reforms, new survey data suggests renters are feeling more secure in their homes, with strong support for measures aimed at improving fairness, transparency and long-term housing stability.
New insights released by the Department of Customer Service indicate the Minns Government’s rental reforms are having a positive impact on the state’s 2.3 million renters, with many reporting greater confidence in the rental system and stronger protection under the new laws.
The survey found almost three in four renters believe they are better protected as a result of the reforms, while 76 per cent said the changes have improved security and stability in the rental market.
One of the strongest responses related to the ban on no-grounds evictions, with nearly four in five renters saying they feel safer knowing they cannot be asked to leave a property without a valid reason.
The reforms introduced over the past 12 months include banning no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once each year, providing fee-free options for paying rent, prohibiting charges for tenancy background checks and making it easier for tenants to keep pets in rental properties. The Government has also announced the introduction of Smart Rental Bonds, which are scheduled to begin rolling out later this year.
The survey also found widespread approval for several of the reforms. Around 85 per cent of renters supported the introduction of fee-free rent payment options, while 82 per cent welcomed the removal of background check fees and the limit of one rent increase per year.
Interest in tenant rights has also grown significantly, with visits to the NSW Government’s rental information website increasing tenfold as renters seek more information about the new laws.
Meanwhile, the NSW Rental Taskforce has actively enforced the reforms, recovering approximately $180,000 for renters who had been charged illegal rent payment and background check fees over the past year.
The planned Smart Rental Bonds initiative also received strong support, with 84 per cent of renters responding positively to the new system. The program will allow tenants to transfer their rental bond directly from one property to another, reducing the upfront costs associated with moving home.
The Government is continuing to expand its rental reform agenda, with legislation before Parliament to strengthen privacy protections for renters and prevent misleading rental advertisements that have been digitally altered. Additional measures are also being introduced to make it easier for victim-survivors of domestic violence to leave rental properties safely.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the survey results demonstrate the reforms are delivering greater certainty and putting money back into renters’ pockets.
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said the findings showed renters feel more protected, secure and confident, while many landlords also support reforms such as Smart Rental Bonds because they provide greater certainty across the rental market.
