What Landlords Must Know in 2025: A Breakdown of the New NSW Landlord Information Statement

If you’re a landlord in Wagga Wagga—or anywhere in NSW—the latest changes to the Landlord Information Statement released in May 2025 are essential reading. Updated by NSW Fair Trading, this document is no longer just a formality—it outlines legal obligations you must meet before, during, and after a tenancy. And yes, penalties apply if you don’t comply.

Here’s what’s changed, and what you need to know before leasing your property in 2025.

🔑 Before the Tenancy Starts

Every landlord must now sign an acknowledgment that they’ve read and understood the Landlord Information Statement. This is to be included with the residential tenancy agreement. If you don’t? You risk fines and legal delays.

You’re also responsible for ensuring that the property is:

  • Fit to live in – with adequate lighting, ventilation, plumbing, electricity, and structurally sound rooms.

  • Legally compliant – meaning it meets safety codes for pools, smoke alarms, balcony railings, and doesn’t breach zoning laws.

  • Safe and secure – including working locks, lighting, and access control.

Before the lease is signed, you must tell tenants if the property:

  • Is on the market or subject to repossession.

  • Has been affected by floods, bushfire, violent crime, drug activity, or loose-fill asbestos.

  • Has major repairs planned or strata rectification orders pending.

Transparency is the new baseline.

🧾 Written Agreements and Tenant Rights

All tenancies must use the standard NSW tenancy agreement—no shortcuts, no custom clauses that override tenant protections. For example, you cannot:

  • Require carpet cleaning or fumigation unless pets are involved.

  • Force a tenant to use a specific utility provider.

  • Pass on preparation or lease-signing fees.

  • Demand insurance from the tenant.

💡 During the Tenancy

The revised statement outlines strict rules about ongoing responsibilities:

  • You must provide working smoke alarms and test them annually.

  • Repairs—especially urgent ones—must be actioned swiftly or tenants can handle them and bill you (up to $1,000).

  • Water efficiency standards must be met before you can charge tenants for water usage.

  • Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months, even across lease renewals.

Tenants now have the right to:

  • Request minor modifications (e.g. wall hooks, safety anchors).

  • Keep a pet—your refusal must be justified within 21 days.

  • Pay rent via EFT, BPAY, or Centrepay (later in 2025), and you can’t charge them extra for it.

🚪 Ending a Tenancy

Termination rules are tighter too. You must:

  • Give formal notice with a valid reason and supporting documentation.

  • Provide a Termination Information Statement with every notice.

  • Never evict without a tribunal-approved process. Lockouts are illegal and carry heavy fines.

Tenants escaping domestic violence can now terminate agreements without penalty—and landlords can’t pursue damage claims in these cases.

🏡 What This Means for Wagga Wagga Landlords

Wagga Wagga’s market is strong, but with high demand comes high standards. Tenants are well-informed—and legislation now reflects that balance of power.

This new statement is about accountability, transparency, and safe renting. As your trusted team at PRD Wagga, we help landlords stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and build respectful relationships with long-term tenants.

Need help reviewing your rental processes? Thinking of leasing your investment property? Contact our Property Management team today—we’re here to guide you through the details so you can rent with confidence.

Download the full Landlord statement here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2025-05/landlord-information-statement.pdf

Notice of rent increase: https://prdwagga.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/notice-of-rent-increase-may-2025.pdf

Tenants’ information statement: https://prdwagga.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tenant-information-statement-1.pdf

Termination information statement: https://prdwagga.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/termination-information-statement-1.pdf

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