Changes to the residential tenancy laws start on 23 March 2020, with amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (the Act) and the new Residential Tenancies Regulation 2019 (the new Regulation).

The changes aim to reduce disputes over repairs and maintenance, increase protection and certainty for tenants and clarify the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.

All NSW landlords are required to ensure that their rented properties meet the minimum standards and that these standards are met at the start of each tenancy and must be maintained throughout the tenancy.

From 23 March 2020, a tenant will be able to end their tenancy agreement by giving at least 14 days’ notice if the landlord or agent fails to comply with any of the information disclosure obligations.

A tenant can also apply to the Tribunal for an order to end the tenancy. The Tribunal will also have the discretion to order the landlord to compensate the tenant for any costs incurred as a result of ending the tenancy agreement.

For more information, please refer to NSW Fair Trading – Changes to the Residential Tenancy Laws