Rental Legislation Changes in 2025: What Landlords Need to Know

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changed where you own property, so you can stay compliant without digging through multiple government sites.

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New South Wales

NSW rolled out the largest set of reforms in the country, with changes taking effect progressively through late 2024, 2025, and early 2026.

• Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months. Applies to all leases, including those with fixed terms of less than 2 years. You must clearly record the date of the last increase and cannot issue another increase within 12 months, even if a new agreement is signed.
• New pet laws (from May 2025). Owners must respond to pet requests within 21 days, or they are automatically approved. Only specific refusal reasons are allowed, such as property unsuitability or legal/strata restrictions.No additional “pet rent,” higher bond, or extra pet fees are permitted.
• No-grounds terminations removed. Owners must give a valid reason when ending a tenancy (e.g., moving in, selling with vacant possession, major renovations, or breach). You must supply supporting documents and meet the correct notice periods. Some grounds include re-letting restrictions, meaning you cannot advertise the property immediately after ending a tenancy unless the grounds were genuine.
• No extra application or payment fees. You cannot require tenants to pay third-party application fees, processing fees, or platform charges. At least one fee-free rent payment option (such as bank transfer) must be available.
• Mandatory Bond Online survey (from July 2025). When claiming or releasing a bond through Rental Bonds Online, you must complete a short survey identifying who ended the tenancy, the reason it ended, and the bond claim outcome. This information becomes part of NSW’s new rental data reporting system.

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Victoria

Victoria already had strong renter protections, and 2025 brings another major update, with changes beginning 25 November 2025 and further requirements rolling into 2026.

• Rent increases are still capped at once every 12 months. From 25 November 2025, rental providers must give at least 90 days’ notice for a rent increase, and the notice must meet strict form requirements.
• No-grounds evictions eliminated (from 25 November 2025). You must always provide a valid reason to end a tenancy. At the end of a fixed-term agreement, renters can stay unless both parties agree to a new fixed term. Otherwise, the tenancy becomes periodic automatically.
• Stricter application and privacy rules. Rental providers and agents will only be allowed to request certain types of personal information. Sensitive information (such as employment history, bank statements, or identity documents) can only be requested in limited, lawful circumstances.
• Standard rental application form introduced (from 31 March 2026). A mandatory, statewide application form will be introduced. You cannot request additional personal information beyond what the form allows. Third-party businesses will also be restricted from charging renters application or payment fees.
• New minimum rental standards. Additional safety and amenity standards will apply, including mandatory annual smoke alarm checks, blind and curtain cord safety requirements (from 1 December 2025), and updates to electrical and gas safety obligations

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Queensland

Queensland’s newest rental law updates strengthen privacy protections, clarify what information can be requested during applications, improve transparency around rent payments, and update entry notice periods. These changes are now part of the state’s ongoing rental reform package.

• Stronger privacy and personal information rules. Owners and agents can only collect personal information that is genuinely required for tenancy purposes. Information must be stored securely and destroyed once it is no longer needed. You must not request unnecessary or intrusive information.
• Clear limits on what can be requested in rental applications.
  Owners can request documents needed to assess an applicant, but cannot ask for detailed bank statements showing daily spending, excessive personal references, or sensitive information without lawful justification. Applicants must be given at least one free way to apply.
• A fee-free rent payment option must be provided. Tenants must have at least one method of paying rent that does not attract any additional fees. If you receive financial benefits from your chosen payment provider, this must be disclosed.
• Updated entry notice periods. New minimum notice periods now apply, including 48 hours for inspections, 24 hours for repairs, and 24 hours for cleaning (unchanged). Entry must be reasonable and cannot occur excessively.
• Tighter rules on using and sharing personal information. Information collected in applications must only be used for tenancy-related purposes. You cannot share personal details with third parties unless authorised or required by law.

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South Australia

South Australia’s rental reforms are now in effect, introducing major updates to how rent increases, pets, ending tenancies, inspections, and bond rules operate. The reforms aim to improve stability for renters while giving landlords clearer, more consistent processes.

• Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months. Rental providers can only increase rent once within a 12-month period, regardless of whether a new lease is signed. Notice periods must be followed, and increases must meet form and timing requirements.
• Rent bidding prohibited. Landlords and agents cannot encourage or solicit offers above the advertised rent. Properties must be listed at a fixed price, without rent ranges or “offers from” wording.
• Grounds now required to end a tenancy. “No-grounds” terminations are no longer allowed. Ending a tenancy requires a valid reason, such as selling, moving in, a change of use, or significant repairs. Non-renewal of fixed-term agreements generally requires 60 days’ notice.
• Routine inspections have been reduced to four per year. Rental providers may now conduct no more than four inspections annually, providing renters with more certainty and less disruption.
• Updated rules for pets. Pet requests must be considered fairly, and refusal must be based on reasonable grounds. Conditions can be included (such as extra cleaning at the end of the tenancy), but blanket “no pets” rules are no longer supported.
• More accessible and transparent bond processes. The bond system has been modernised, allowing online lodgements and easier refunds. Clearer rules apply to how and when landlords can claim part or all of a bond.
• Improved protections around domestic and family violence. Renters experiencing domestic violence have clearer pathways to end a tenancy or make changes to keep the property secure.

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Western Australia

Western Australia is rolling out a ‍multi-stage package of rental reforms. Several key changes are already in effect, with others being phased in. The reforms aim to make renting more transparent, stable, and predictable for both landlords and tenants.

• Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months. Rent can only be increased once in a 12-month period, for both fixed-term and periodic tenancies. You must provide the required written notice and follow the correct timing rules.
• Fixed-price advertising required. Listings must show a single fixed rental amount. Advertising rent ranges, “from” prices, or inviting competitive offers is no longer allowed.
• Ban on solicited rent bidding. Landlords and agents cannot invite, encourage, or solicit offers above the advertised rent. This includes verbal suggestions, written prompts, or listing wording that implies negotiation above the stated price.
• Changes to tenants’ rights to make minor modifications. Tenants can now make certain small, reversible changes without needing formal approval, as long as they follow the permitted modification rules. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse requests for minor, low-risk improvements.
• Clearer rules for pets. Tenants may request to keep a pet, and landlords can only refuse on specific, reasonable grounds. Conditions can be applied, such as cleaning or professional treatment at the end of the tenancy.
• More flexible termination pathways for landlords. Some termination grounds have been updated, and new notice periods apply depending on the reason. Landlords must provide the appropriate evidence and follow the correct notice periods when ending a tenancy.
• Improved dispute resolution access. Tenants and landlords will have clearer, more accessible pathways to resolve disagreements through updated Consumer Protection processes.

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Tasmania

Tasmania’s 2025 rental reforms focus on improving safety standards in rental homes and beginning the move toward fairer, clearer rules for pets.

• Stronger safety and maintenance requirements. Rental homes must meet updated minimum standards for electrical, gas, and smoke alarm safety. Landlords must ensure properties remain in good repair and address hazards or urgent repairs quickly.
• Work underway to allow pets in rentals. The Tasmanian Government has begun consulting on reforms that would make it easier for renters to keep pets. Details are still being shaped, but the aim is to shift away from blanket “no pets” bans and move toward reasonable, evidence-based decision-making.

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ACT and Northern Territory

No major rental law changes were introduced in the ACT or Northern Territory for 2025. Both jurisdictions continue to operate under their existing tenancy frameworks, with ongoing discussions about future reforms but no confirmed legislative updates for this year.

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Read more: Knowing The Right Time To Increase The Rent

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The national trend is unmistakable: more structure, more documentation, and clearer processes. Almost every state now limits rent increases, restricts rent bidding, and expects landlords to justify decisions with proper records.

For self-managing owners, staying compliant largely comes down to keeping things organised:

• Track rent increases properly
• Keep records of notices, communication and inspection photos
• Use clear processes for pets, applications, and bond claims

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