Court Victories
NSW has finally eliminated "no grounds" evictions as of May 19 2025
Bondinator Team· Content Team
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After decades of tenant advocacy, NSW has finally eliminated "no grounds" evictions as of May 19, 2025, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for ending tenancies and giving renters unprecedented security in their homes.
The End of Arbitrary Evictions
Before May 19, 2025, NSW landlords could end any tenancy for any reason or no reason at all, as long as they provided the required notice period. This "no grounds" system left tenants feeling vulnerable and insecure, often forced to move despite paying rent on time and maintaining properties well.
The new law completely eliminates this practice, making NSW the latest state to recognise that stable housing is fundamental to community wellbeing and economic security.
Valid Reasons for Eviction
Landlords can now only end tenancies for specific legally valid reasons, including:
Important Note: If you received a termination notice before May 19, 2025, the old eviction laws still apply to your situation.
Stronger Documentation Requirements
The new system requires landlords to provide supporting evidence for termination claims. For renovation/repair terminations, landlords must supply detailed supporting documents including contractor quotes, council permits, and project timelines.
This documentation requirement creates opportunities for tenants to challenge invalid termination notices through NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
Other Major Changes in Effect
Pet Rights Expanded: Tenants can now formally request to keep pets, and if landlords don't respond within 21 days, the request is automatically approved. Strata by-laws banning all pets are no longer valid grounds for pet refusal.
Rent Payment Protections: Landlords must offer fee-free rent payment options, including bank transfer and Centrepay for eligible tenants, eliminating exploitative payment charges.
Annual Rent Increase Limits: All leases are now limited to one rent increase per year, providing greater cost predictability for tenant budgeting.
Your Rights Under the New System
If you receive a termination notice, you have the right to challenge it at NCAT if you believe the reason is invalid or the supporting documentation is insufficient. The burden is now on landlords to prove their termination grounds are legitimate.
Tenants can also apply to NCAT for compensation if landlords provide false termination reasons or fail to follow proper procedures.
Protecting Yourself with Documentation
The enhanced rights system increases the importance of maintaining comprehensive tenancy records. Keep detailed documentation of all rent payments, maintenance requests, and property conditions to protect against invalid termination claims.
Bondinator helps you capture comprehensive evidence throughout your tenancy, creating professional reports that demonstrate your responsible tenancy. Document property conditions at move-in and exit with timestamped photos to counter any false claims about property damage or lease violations.
With NSW's strongest-ever tenant protections now in place, use Bondinator to create easy reports that significantly increase your chances of getting your bond back in full while building evidence to challenge any invalid eviction attempts.