2025 has brought in some of the biggest shifts to rental legislation NSW has seen in years. If you’re managing a property in Maitland, you need to be across them.
With the latest NSW rental law changes last 2025, it’s never been more important for Maitland landlords to stay up to date. These reforms impact everyone, but especially first-time investors and self-managing landlords who may not have the systems in place to adapt quickly.
This article covers what’s changed, how it affects your rental property, and how Rubix Realty helps landlords stay on top of compliance and ahead of the curve.
Short on time? Here’s the legal landscape in under 30 seconds
- ‘No-grounds’ evictions have been removed
- Rent increases are now limited to once per year
- Tenants can request to keep pets, and landlords must have a valid reason to say no
- No more upfront application or holding fees
- Misleading or heavily filtered rental ads are no longer allowed
Let’s break these changes down and explain what they mean for you.
The End of ‘No-Grounds’ Evictions
Landlords must now provide a valid reason when ending a tenancy. You can no longer terminate a lease without clear grounds, whether during or at the end of the agreement.
Landlords must now provide specific grounds when issuing a termination notice, ensuring that tenants are not unfairly evicted without cause.
This makes clear lease agreements and consistent documentation more important than ever. At Rubix Realty, we ensure every lease is watertight, inspections are thorough, and end-of-lease planning is done well in advance. Our systems take the stress out of compliance.
Rent Increases: Now Capped at Once a Year
Whether you have a fixed-term or periodic lease, rent increases can only happen once every 12 months.
This matters more than ever in high-demand areas like Rutherford and East Maitland, where rental prices are growing steadily. If you miss your review window, you may fall behind the market.
We recommend setting yearly reminders to review rents in line with lease dates and market data.
Tip: Rent increases are still allowed, but they need to be fair, reasonable, and compliant.
Pets in Rentals: Default Permission, With Conditions
Tenants can now request to keep a pet, and landlords must respond within 21 days. If you want to decline, you must provide a valid reason such as strata by-laws or property suitability.
At Rubix, we help you create pet-friendly policies that protect your investment. We recommend including pet clauses, requesting pet references, and adjusting bonds as needed.
Deceptive Advertising Is Now Illegal
Using filters to hide defects or wide-angle lenses that distort room sizes is now against the rules. Listings must accurately represent the property.
This change protects tenants, but it also protects you. Honest listings attract the right applicants from the start.
Rubix Realty uses clear photography, accurate descriptions, and 360 virtual tours. We don’t believe in sugar-coating, and our clients appreciate the transparency.
No More Upfront Application Fees
Landlords and agents can no longer charge holding deposits or admin fees before a lease is signed.
You can still request a bond and the first rental payment after the lease is in place, but the upfront barrier for tenants has been removed.
We already follow this approach. It helps build trust and attracts serious, high-quality applicants.
Your Compliance Action Plan for 2026
Here’s what you need to review:
- Lease agreement templates
- Rent review schedules
- Pet request processes
- Advertising standards and photo guidelines
- Tenant application procedures
Rubix Realty has already updated our internal systems to reflect every one of these changes, so our landlords stay compliant without lifting a finger.
Maitland Market Insight: Local Knowledge is Key
Tenant expectations vary suburb by suburb. For example, families in Thornton want space for pets, while younger renters in Maitland CBD prioritise modern finishes and open communication.
These changes don’t apply the same way everywhere. That’s why we customise our approach for every property and every landlord.
Need Help Understanding the New Laws?
You don’t have to manage all of this on your own. At Rubix Realty, we offer one-on-one service, proactive compliance updates, and a service guarantee that gives you peace of mind.
If you’re not satisfied with our service in the first six months, we refund your management fees.Make sure your property is legally sound. Book a chat with Pat today.
