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Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
NSW Rental Laws Take Effect: No-Grounds Evictions Ended, Pet Rules Eased
Millions of renters across New South Wales (NSW) will gain stronger protections under new reforms that end no-grounds evictions, and force landlords to accept pets. Landlords will now be required to provide a valid reason to terminate a lease—such as a property sale, major renovations, the landlord moving in, or a breach by the tenant. Termination notices must include evidence, with penalties applying if landlords provide false or misleading reasons. 'Renters have been the forgotten people in NSW for too long and that ends now,' said Premier Chris Minns as the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, came into effect. 'This brings the rental market into the 21st century. These are sensible reforms. With more than 2 million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right.' Chris Minns, premier of New South Wales attending an Australia Day event in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 26, Notice Periods For fixed-term leases, the notice period for ending a tenancy will increase to 60 days for leases six months or shorter, and 90 days for those longer than six months. Related Stories 3/24/2025 12/11/2024 Periodic agreements remain under existing notice rules. The aim is to give tenants more time to find new housing in a tight and expensive rental market. Tenants' Union CEO Leo Patterson Ross called the changes historic. 'The end to no-grounds evictions is the single most significant change to residential tenancy law. Millions of renters have felt the impact—whether it was hesitating to ask for repairs or having to find a new home without justification.' NSW Greens housing spokesperson Jenny Leong credited activists for pushing the government to act. 'These changes start to correct the power imbalance between landlords and renters. Credit belongs to all the organisations and activists who've dragged the government kicking and screaming to these reforms.' Pets Now Allowed With Conditions The laws also make it easier for tenants to have pets. Landlords can no longer impose blanket bans and may only refuse a pet request for limited, specific reasons, such as property suitability, risk of damage, or legal restrictions. If landlords don't respond within 21 days, the request is automatically approved. 'Renters shouldn't have to choose between a place to live and keeping their companion animal,' said Housing Minister Rose Jackson. 'These changes put common sense into the rental system and end the blanket ban on pets.' Landlords must now also offer fee-free rent payment methods such as direct bank transfers. NSW joins Victoria, South Australia and the ACT in banning no-grounds evictions entirely, while Queensland and Tasmania restrict them only for fixed-term leases. Property Sector Warns Landlords Will Need to Adapt Real estate professionals say the new legal framework in NSW will require landlords to be more cautious and informed when ending leases. 'For landlords, ultimately this change will require careful planning and an acute understanding of what constitutes legitimate grounds for ending a tenancy to avoid potential penalties and disputes. So, it's natural to feel overwhelmed or concerned by these developments,' said Shead, a NSW-based property agency. The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) previously warned such legislation could erode landlords' rights and incentives, meaning less homes available for rent, citing other jurisdictions. New Zealand's 2021 ban on 'no grounds' evictions drastically reduced rental supply, prompting the introduction of a bill to restore landlords' rights to reclaim possession of their properties. 'The removal of landlords' rights under the guise of populist rental reforms has had a clear negative impact on renters,' said REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin in a statement. He said the best solution for the rental crisis was to increase supply. 'This means new development, eradicating planning delays, and making it attractive to investors to invest in residential property.' AAP contributed to the article.
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- The Advertiser
NSW Law Week offers easy-to-understand legal solutions for everyday problems
If you've ever felt confused about your rights when it comes to things like traffic fines, rental problems, or family matters after a separation, you're not alone - and help is on the way. This year, NSW Law Week will be running from May 19 to May 23. The initiative is a collaboration among Legal Aid NSW, Community Legal Centres, the Tenants' Union and the State Library. During Law Week, Legal Aid NSW is hosting Lunch and the Law webinars every day at midday for an hour. These free, easy-to-understand webinars will be around everyday legal issues, and are designed to take the jargon out of the law and help people feel more confident about where they stand. "This year we are focusing on everyday legal problems that affect many Australians," said Legal Aid NSW's Natalie Neumann. "We are hoping these sessions will help dispel the complexities of the law and empower people with an understanding of what their rights are." Many people will be surprised to learn that there may be a legal solution to their problems - and that help is available even when they are not in trouble with the police. "For example, there will be a webinar on your rights when buying used vehicles, whether it's from a dealer or online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With the rising cost of living, more people are turning to secondhand cars, but they may not know what protections they have or what to watch out for. You can learn about your consumer rights and the risks involved," Ms Neumann said. The webinar on mobile phones and the law will focus on whether people can record you, whether you must hand your phone to police if they ask, and what to do if you think someone is tracking your phone. "Nearly everyone has a phone, but there is limited understanding among the general public about people's legal rights when using a phone," Ms Neumann said. Recent changes to NSW rental laws, effective from May 19, 2025, will also be covered in a webinar about rental rights. People will be able to learn about new rules, making it easier to keep pets, as well as other changes limiting rent increases, and rental agreement terminations when there is no valid reason given. In a separate session, an experienced family lawyer will talk about parenting after separation and laws around parenting and how parenting orders are made. If you are struggling with paying unpaid fines, it can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it only makes things worse. "We often talk to people who owe thousands of dollars in unpaid fines, but there are plenty of options available. For example, if you are eligible, there are programs like Work and Development Orders (WDOs), which let you reduce fines through things like volunteering or counselling. Support is available and it can be life-changing once people reach out," Ms Neumann said. During the webinars, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions live to lawyers. You need to register to attend the webinars, and you can do that by visiting If you need help with a legal issue, you can also call 1300 888 529. If you've ever felt confused about your rights when it comes to things like traffic fines, rental problems, or family matters after a separation, you're not alone - and help is on the way. This year, NSW Law Week will be running from May 19 to May 23. The initiative is a collaboration among Legal Aid NSW, Community Legal Centres, the Tenants' Union and the State Library. During Law Week, Legal Aid NSW is hosting Lunch and the Law webinars every day at midday for an hour. These free, easy-to-understand webinars will be around everyday legal issues, and are designed to take the jargon out of the law and help people feel more confident about where they stand. "This year we are focusing on everyday legal problems that affect many Australians," said Legal Aid NSW's Natalie Neumann. "We are hoping these sessions will help dispel the complexities of the law and empower people with an understanding of what their rights are." Many people will be surprised to learn that there may be a legal solution to their problems - and that help is available even when they are not in trouble with the police. "For example, there will be a webinar on your rights when buying used vehicles, whether it's from a dealer or online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With the rising cost of living, more people are turning to secondhand cars, but they may not know what protections they have or what to watch out for. You can learn about your consumer rights and the risks involved," Ms Neumann said. The webinar on mobile phones and the law will focus on whether people can record you, whether you must hand your phone to police if they ask, and what to do if you think someone is tracking your phone. "Nearly everyone has a phone, but there is limited understanding among the general public about people's legal rights when using a phone," Ms Neumann said. Recent changes to NSW rental laws, effective from May 19, 2025, will also be covered in a webinar about rental rights. People will be able to learn about new rules, making it easier to keep pets, as well as other changes limiting rent increases, and rental agreement terminations when there is no valid reason given. In a separate session, an experienced family lawyer will talk about parenting after separation and laws around parenting and how parenting orders are made. If you are struggling with paying unpaid fines, it can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it only makes things worse. "We often talk to people who owe thousands of dollars in unpaid fines, but there are plenty of options available. For example, if you are eligible, there are programs like Work and Development Orders (WDOs), which let you reduce fines through things like volunteering or counselling. Support is available and it can be life-changing once people reach out," Ms Neumann said. During the webinars, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions live to lawyers. You need to register to attend the webinars, and you can do that by visiting If you need help with a legal issue, you can also call 1300 888 529. If you've ever felt confused about your rights when it comes to things like traffic fines, rental problems, or family matters after a separation, you're not alone - and help is on the way. This year, NSW Law Week will be running from May 19 to May 23. The initiative is a collaboration among Legal Aid NSW, Community Legal Centres, the Tenants' Union and the State Library. During Law Week, Legal Aid NSW is hosting Lunch and the Law webinars every day at midday for an hour. These free, easy-to-understand webinars will be around everyday legal issues, and are designed to take the jargon out of the law and help people feel more confident about where they stand. "This year we are focusing on everyday legal problems that affect many Australians," said Legal Aid NSW's Natalie Neumann. "We are hoping these sessions will help dispel the complexities of the law and empower people with an understanding of what their rights are." Many people will be surprised to learn that there may be a legal solution to their problems - and that help is available even when they are not in trouble with the police. "For example, there will be a webinar on your rights when buying used vehicles, whether it's from a dealer or online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With the rising cost of living, more people are turning to secondhand cars, but they may not know what protections they have or what to watch out for. You can learn about your consumer rights and the risks involved," Ms Neumann said. The webinar on mobile phones and the law will focus on whether people can record you, whether you must hand your phone to police if they ask, and what to do if you think someone is tracking your phone. "Nearly everyone has a phone, but there is limited understanding among the general public about people's legal rights when using a phone," Ms Neumann said. Recent changes to NSW rental laws, effective from May 19, 2025, will also be covered in a webinar about rental rights. People will be able to learn about new rules, making it easier to keep pets, as well as other changes limiting rent increases, and rental agreement terminations when there is no valid reason given. In a separate session, an experienced family lawyer will talk about parenting after separation and laws around parenting and how parenting orders are made. If you are struggling with paying unpaid fines, it can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it only makes things worse. "We often talk to people who owe thousands of dollars in unpaid fines, but there are plenty of options available. For example, if you are eligible, there are programs like Work and Development Orders (WDOs), which let you reduce fines through things like volunteering or counselling. Support is available and it can be life-changing once people reach out," Ms Neumann said. During the webinars, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions live to lawyers. You need to register to attend the webinars, and you can do that by visiting If you need help with a legal issue, you can also call 1300 888 529. If you've ever felt confused about your rights when it comes to things like traffic fines, rental problems, or family matters after a separation, you're not alone - and help is on the way. This year, NSW Law Week will be running from May 19 to May 23. The initiative is a collaboration among Legal Aid NSW, Community Legal Centres, the Tenants' Union and the State Library. During Law Week, Legal Aid NSW is hosting Lunch and the Law webinars every day at midday for an hour. These free, easy-to-understand webinars will be around everyday legal issues, and are designed to take the jargon out of the law and help people feel more confident about where they stand. "This year we are focusing on everyday legal problems that affect many Australians," said Legal Aid NSW's Natalie Neumann. "We are hoping these sessions will help dispel the complexities of the law and empower people with an understanding of what their rights are." Many people will be surprised to learn that there may be a legal solution to their problems - and that help is available even when they are not in trouble with the police. "For example, there will be a webinar on your rights when buying used vehicles, whether it's from a dealer or online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. With the rising cost of living, more people are turning to secondhand cars, but they may not know what protections they have or what to watch out for. You can learn about your consumer rights and the risks involved," Ms Neumann said. The webinar on mobile phones and the law will focus on whether people can record you, whether you must hand your phone to police if they ask, and what to do if you think someone is tracking your phone. "Nearly everyone has a phone, but there is limited understanding among the general public about people's legal rights when using a phone," Ms Neumann said. Recent changes to NSW rental laws, effective from May 19, 2025, will also be covered in a webinar about rental rights. People will be able to learn about new rules, making it easier to keep pets, as well as other changes limiting rent increases, and rental agreement terminations when there is no valid reason given. In a separate session, an experienced family lawyer will talk about parenting after separation and laws around parenting and how parenting orders are made. If you are struggling with paying unpaid fines, it can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it only makes things worse. "We often talk to people who owe thousands of dollars in unpaid fines, but there are plenty of options available. For example, if you are eligible, there are programs like Work and Development Orders (WDOs), which let you reduce fines through things like volunteering or counselling. Support is available and it can be life-changing once people reach out," Ms Neumann said. During the webinars, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions live to lawyers. You need to register to attend the webinars, and you can do that by visiting If you need help with a legal issue, you can also call 1300 888 529.
Local Spain
01-04-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
40 cities in Spain brace for mass housing protests on Saturday
Under the slogan "Let's end the housing business" (Acabemos con el negocio de la vivienda), tens of thousands of Spaniards struggling to pay their rents or afford to buy a property will rally in Spain this Saturday to call for change. In Madrid, the march will begin at Atocha at 12pm, while in Barcelona the rally will start at Plaza Espanya at 6pm. Valencia's protest will start at 6.30pm in the Town Hall Square, in Palma de Mallorca it will kick off at midday from Plaça Espanya and in Málaga it'll begin at 11.30pm in Plaza de la Merced. Nearly all of Spain's major provincial capitals and major cities will join the call for decent and affordable housing. These include Alicante, Albacete, Cuenca, Seville, Granada, Cádiz, El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez, Tarifa, Almería, Murcia, Badajoz, Cáceres, Guadalajara, Castellón, Valladolid, Salamanca, Zaragoza, Logroño, Burgos, San Sebastián, Santander, Gijón, A Coruña, Santiago, Vigo, Ourense, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Ibiza, San Isidro in Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Mahón in Menorca. Organisers are demanding an immediate drop in rents, that something be done with the more than 3.8 million empty homes in Spain, that eviction companies be outlawed and that vulnerable families cannot be evicted if they don't have alternative housing, and lastly that the country's housing protest movement not be silenced. Rents in Spain have increased by 78 percent in the last decade according to recent data by leading property website Fotocasa, and property prices by at least a third. Spain's Tenants' Union, one of dozens of groups and unions that have called the mass protests, have said that "exorbitant rents are the main cause of impoverishment of the working class and a barrier to accessing housing," adding that a small "rent-seeking" minority is enriching itself at the expense of "economically suffocating a large part of society." In January, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presented a raft of measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis, including a proposed ban or supertax on non-resident non-EU buyers. Some of these measures need parliamentary approval before coming into force, while others don't. Spain's Socialist-led government has already attempted to control the rise in prices by putting rent caps in place for existing tenants and banning prices from increasing in 'stressed rental markets', the latter being up to regional governments to decide whether to implement. PSOE's amended Housing Law has been criticised by many who argue it's had the adverse effect of reducing stock and thus bumping up prices, as many landlords are taking their properties off the market due to these price controls and rent caps, no longer considering renting to long-term tenants remunerative. April 5th's nationwide protests could be the biggest rallies related to housing rights in recent memory in Spain. In 2024, there were numerous protests across the country but they were held on different dates in different cities, and the focus was sometimes more on mass tourism than it was on Spain's housing crisis. In truth, the messaging has often been mixed due to the fact that some of the places where rents and property prices have risen the most are also those where tourism numbers have spiked in recent years. There's a growing sense among many Spaniards that they're being priced out of their own cities, as more affluent foreigners can more easily afford Spanish rents and properties, and highly profitable tourist lets in residential buildings have become extremely common.
