NSW: the May 2025 reforms
New South Wales passed significant changes to the Residential Tenancies Act that took effect in May 2025:
No-grounds evictions abolished: Landlords in NSW can no longer end a tenancy 'without grounds' at the end of a fixed-term lease. They must now provide a specific ground — such as wanting to sell, move in themselves, or undertake major renovations — and must give the required evidence and notice period.
Longer notice periods for end-of-lease: When a fixed-term lease ends and is not renewed, tenants must now receive 90 days notice (up from 30 days).
Rent bidding banned: NSW made it illegal for agents and landlords to solicit offers above the advertised rent, building on earlier restrictions.
Pets: The reforms include clearer processes for pet approvals, with landlords required to respond to pet applications within 15 days and provide specific grounds for refusal.
VIC: November 2025 and ongoing changes
Victoria introduced a package of reforms that built on its 2021 rental law overhaul:
RDRV (Residential Disputes Resolution Victoria) mandatory pathway: From June 2025, most tenancy disputes — including bond disputes, compensation claims, and repair orders — must go through RDRV before they can be heard by VCAT. RDRV is free and typically resolves disputes within two to four weeks.
Minimum standards enforcement: Rental providers (landlords) are now subject to proactive inspection and enforcement of minimum rental standards, including heating, insulation, draught sealing, and hot water. This is a significant shift from the previous complaint-only model.
Pets: Victoria's existing protections against blanket pet bans continued to be enforced, with clearer VCAT pathways for tenants whose reasonable pet applications are rejected.
Rent increase limits: VIC introduced further restrictions on the frequency and basis for rent increases under periodic tenancies.
QLD: the 2024 reform package
Queensland's Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2024 brought major changes:
Break lease cost cap: From September 2024, break lease costs in QLD are capped at one week's rent (reletting fee) plus lost rent capped at 26 weeks. A significant improvement for renters.
Entry notice period increased: Landlords must now give 48 hours notice (up from 24 hours) before entering for most reasons, including routine inspections.
Rental bidding prohibited: Openly soliciting or accepting above-advertised rent bids is now illegal, with fines.
Minimum housing standards: A package of minimum standards — covering ventilation, natural light, privacy screens, vermin-proofing — now applies to new leases and from September 2024 to all tenancies.
What is still different in WA and TAS
Western Australia and Tasmania have not followed the eastern states in abolishing no-grounds evictions. As of 2026:
WA: Landlords can still give 60 days notice to end a periodic tenancy without providing a reason. No-grounds evictions remain legal. The WA government has consulted on reform but has not passed legislation.
TAS: Similarly, no-grounds periodic tenancy terminations remain legal. The 90-day notice requirement for end-of-fixed-term evictions does not apply.
If you rent in WA or TAS, your protection against non-renewal is significantly weaker than in NSW, VIC, or QLD. This is a known legislative gap. RenterSay flags WA as a high-risk jurisdiction for this reason.
What has not changed everywhere: the fundamentals
Despite all the reform, some core principles remain consistent across Australia:
The fundamentals have been solid for years. The 2024–2025 reforms have strengthened the protections around them.
- Your bond must be lodged with an independent authority — your landlord cannot hold it
- You must receive written notice for all rent increases, inspections, and evictions
- Fair wear and tear cannot be charged against your bond
- Your landlord must make urgent repairs promptly
- You have the right to a condition report at the start of your tenancy