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The rental landscape in New South Wales is undergoing a significant transformation. With the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 now in effect, landlords must adapt to a new set of rules that aim to create a fairer, more transparent rental market. From ending 'no grounds' terminations to limiting rent increases to once per year and making it easier for tenants to keep pets, these reforms are reshaping the landlord-tenant dynamic

While these changes are designed to bring balance, they also introduce new complexities—especially for landlords with substantial investments in rental properties. At the same time, many traditional landlord insurance policies are scaling back, often excluding critical protections like rental default and malicious damage. This leaves landlords more exposed than ever, just as tenant expectations and regulatory scrutiny continue to rise.

In this evolving environment, ARAG’s Residential Landlord Legal Expense Insurance offers a much-needed safety net. Designed for real-world disputes, our policies cover a wide range of issues—from property damage and bond recovery to boundary disputes and tenancy breaches.
With access to expert legal advice and representation from the first phone call through to court proceedings, landlords can protect their investments and resolve disputes with confidence.

With ARAG, you’re not just covered—you’re prepared.

 
Here’s what’s changed and what it means for you:
What's changed
What it means for you
Landlords can no longer end your lease without a valid reason Landlords can no longer end your lease without a valid reason. This is for periodic leases and at the end of a fixed-term lease. Landlords must give a valid reason and may need to give supporting documents.
Rent increases are limited to once per year for all lease types Your rent cannot go up more than once every 12 months, no matter what type of lease you have. If you stay at the same property and sign a new lease, rent cannot be increased again within 12 months of the last increase.

Social housing tenants may be subject to review of rent rebates more than once per year.
Landlords may only refuse your request to keep a pet if certain reasons apply You can apply to keep a pet using a standard application form. Landlords must respond in writing within 21 days. If they don’t, your request is automatically approved. Landlords can only say no to a pet for specific reasons. If you already have a pet approved in your rental home, you don’t need to apply again for approval through this process.
Extra fees at the start of a tenancy are banned for all renters, including rental applicants You can’t be charged fees for things such as background checks or preparing a tenancy agreement.
Certain free rent payment methods must be offered You must be allowed to pay rent by bank transfer. You cannot be made to use any particular service provider to pay rent.
Longer notice periods to end a fixed-term lease If your landlord ends your lease at the end of a fixed term, they usually must give you at least 60 to 90 days’ notice, depending on the length of the agreement. The termination date must be after the end of the fixed term.
Restrictions on re-letting after some terminations If a landlord ends your lease for certain reasons, they may not be able to rent out the property again for up to 12 months.
 
 

Don’t let your clients face legal challenges alone.
Email us today via to find out how Landlord LEI can offer them the support they need.

 

ARAG Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 14 627 823 198) (ARAG) has been granted delegated authority by the Insurer to enter into, vary or cancel Policies and handle Claims on their behalf. In providing these services, ARAG acts on behalf of the Insurer and not as Your agent. ARAG is authorised to provide financial services in accordance with its Australian Financial Services Licence (AFS Licence number 513547). Any advice provided by ARAG in relation to this product is general in nature and does not take into account Your individual circumstances.
The Insurer is detailed in your policy documents.

All enquiries should be addressed to ARAG.

Any advice contained on this website is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing or renewing a product we recommend that you consider if it is suitable for your circumstances and read the policy terms and conditions.