The voices of more than 16,000 people, including NSW renters and owners have been heard following extensive public consultation on rental reforms being developed by the NSW Government.

A third of people rent their home across the State and the NSW Government committed to changing rental laws to give more stability to renters and certainty to owners on matters of lease termination, pets in rentals, personal information, and bonds.

The record number of responses to the Government’s ‘Have Your Say’ survey on rental laws revealed most renters are in favour of change, while most owners and real estate agents oppose reforms.

Here are three key points from the research:

• Renters vs. Owners – A Clash of Perspectives: The NSW Government surveyed over 16,000 people on rental reform and uncovered a stark divide – 93% of renters support changes like easier pet ownership, while only 28% of owners do. This sets the stage for a potential battleground in upcoming legislative changes.
   

• A Pet's Right to Rent: Landlords in NSW might soon need a very good reason to deny a renter's pet. This reform could bring big changes, especially since landlords could also be required to go to a tribunal to officially refuse a pet.
   

• Your Rental Data – Who Has It? Both renters and owners generally agree that there should be stricter rules about how personal information from renters is used and shared. This could lead to safeguards offering more privacy within the rental process.

Read the full details here.