NSW Parliament has passed a new package of rental reforms that will introduce significant changes for landlords, property managers and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Protection of Personal Information) Bill 2025 (NSW) passed on 24 September 2026 and is currently awaiting Royal Assent, with most reforms expected to commence in early 2027.
While much of the discussion has focused on tenant protections, landlords should be aware of several important changes that could impact how rental properties are advertised, leased and managed.
Stronger Privacy Requirements
One of the most significant reforms relates to how tenant information is collected and stored.
Under the new legislation, landlords, agents and businesses handling rental applications will be required to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles. Rental applications will also move to an approved format, with expected restrictions on the personal information and supporting documents that can be requested from applicants.
The reforms will also require identity verification information to be collected only after a landlord intends to proceed with an applicant and has notified them in writing. Information collected incorrectly may need to be destroyed within two business days.
New Pet Provisions
Landlords should also be aware of changes relating to pets.
If a tenant applies to keep a pet within seven days of entering into a tenancy agreement, they may be permitted to keep the animal at the property while awaiting the landlord’s written response. This particular reform is expected to commence as soon as the Bill receives Royal Assent, ahead of the remaining changes.
Where consent is refused, additional timeframes may apply, including circumstances where a tenant seeks a ruling through NCAT.
Rental Advertising Rules Tightened
The reforms also introduce new disclosure requirements for rental advertisements.
Properties advertised using digitally generated or altered images in a way that could potentially mislead prospective tenants will need to disclose this within the advertising material. In addition, landlords may need to disclose restrictions relating to pets and whether the landlord resides at the property.
Properties connected to embedded or exclusive supply networks, including electricity, gas, hot water or internet services, will also require additional disclosure before tenants enter into a tenancy agreement.
New Rent Record Requirements
When a tenancy ends, landlords or property managers will be required to provide tenants with a written rent record within seven days of the tenancy ending, unless another prescribed timeframe applies.
Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Bill introduces higher penalties across a range of obligations, including privacy breaches, tenancy databases, rental advertising, rent payment requirements and rent records. Landlords and agents should review their current processes to ensure they remain compliant once the reforms take effect.
Preparing for the Changes
While further details are expected through supporting regulations, these reforms signal a continued focus on transparency, privacy and consumer protection within the NSW rental market.
At Morton, our Property Management team closely monitors legislative changes to help landlords remain compliant while maximising the performance of their investment properties.
If you’d like advice on how these reforms may affect your investment property, contact the Morton Property Management team today.
Information in this article has been sourced from REINSW’s article, New rental reforms passed: what property managers need to know (published 2 October 2026).
Warm regards,
Betty Drennan | Director
Morton Property Management