New insights from the Department of Customer Service have revealed that the state's renters are feeling empowered, protected and confident in the first year of the Minns Labor Government's landmark reforms.
Over the last 12 months, the Government has made renting fairer by banning no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once per year, ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay rent, banning illegal fees for background checks, making it easier to have pets in rentals and announcing the launch of Smart Rental Bonds later this year.
The new laws are working - and renters are now feeling the effects. An exclusive survey by the Department has revealed that:
- Almost three in four renters feel better protected with the reforms.
- 76% of renters stated the reforms provide more security and stability.
- Nearly four in five renters stated they feel safe knowing they will not be evicted from their property without a valid reason thanks to the Government's ban on no-grounds evictions.
Renters have lauded these changes, with 85% happy with fee-free ways to pay their rent, 82% glad they no longer have to pay for a background check, and 82% pleased that rent increases are limited to once per year.
Renters are increasingly seeking information about their rights and reporting potential breaches as well, with visits to the NSW Government's rental website increasing tenfold.
The NSW Rental Taskforce has also worked hard to enforce new cost-saving laws, refunding around $180,000 to renters stung by illegal rent payment and background check fees over the past year.
84% of renters have also responded positively to the planned roll-out of Smart Rental Bonds in mid-2026, which will save them thousands of dollars each time they move by allowing them to transfer their bond from one property to the next.
The 2.3 million renters across NSW are set to receive more certainty in the coming months thanks to Government's laws making it easier for victim-survivors to leave rental properties. The Government also has legislation before NSW Parliament to protect renters' privacy and crack down on rental ads that have been digitally altered to mislead them.
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to create a fairer, more transparent property market and make renting fairer.
To find out more about rental reforms and how they benefit renters, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/news/changes-to-rental-laws
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"One year ago, the Minns Labor Government delivered historic reforms to make renting fairer.
"Now, we're seeing the results.
"This new data shows overwhelmingly that our rental reforms are making a real difference, giving renters greater security, more certainty and putting money back in their pockets.
"Because we've pulled every lever and done the hard yards to deliver a system that works for renters in every corner of NSW.
"The Liberals gave renters broken promises. Only a Labor Government can deliver results."
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:
"Nearly three in four renters are telling us these reforms are working because they feel more protected, more secure, and more confident in the system.
"We're also seeing strong support from landlords, with around two‑thirds saying changes like Smart Rental Bonds are positive. That's exactly what good regulation should deliver clearer, fairer rules and greater certainty for everyone in the rental market."
