No fees for background checks: A renter can only be required to pay a deposit, bond, rent, or registration fee when looking for or starting a lease. Other costs when searching for, applying for, or starting a lease, such as background checks or showing a property, are not allowed.
Rent increases limited to once per year: This now applies to all rental agreements, regardless of duration. Different rules apply for fixed-term leases of 2 years or less that were entered into before 31 October.
Changes starting in 2025 (not yet started)
Requiring a reason to end a lease: Landlords will need to provide a reason to end a tenancy. Supporting documents or information will need to be provided for certain grounds. Penalties apply where the reason given for ending the tenancy is not genuine.
Extended notice periods for renters in fixed-term leases:
60 days’ notice for leases of 6 months or less
90 days’ notice for leases longer than 6 months.
Keeping pets in rental homes: Landlords will only be able to decline a renter’s request to keep a pet based on specific reasons. Renters and landlords will need to use a standard process to apply to keep a pet and respond to a renter’s application.
Free rent payment options: Landlords and agents must offer tenants an approved bank transfer and Centrepay as ways to pay their rent without additional fees. How to start preparing for this change.
 "Changes to Rental Laws")
