NSW Bans Rental Photoshopping in Australia: What Renters Need to Know

The NSW Government is cracking down on misleading property listings, officially banning rental photoshopping in Australia. Under the new regulation, real estate agents and landlords will no longer be allowed to digitally enhance or manipulate property photos in ways that hide visible damage, poor conditions, or features that could mislead potential renters.

The change was announced after widespread concern that vulnerable renters were being deceived, particularly in cases where photos showed clean, well-lit homes, while the reality included mould, wall cracks, broken fixtures, or overall slum-like conditions. Some agents were even editing out power lines, rubbish bins, and graffiti, creating a completely false impression of a property’s state or location.

Why Rental Photoshopping in Australia Was Banned

According to Fair Trading NSW, digitally altering property images to hide faults is now considered a form of false and misleading advertising  and it comes with consequences.

Under consumer law, agents and landlords who violate this new regulation can face penalties of up to $11,000 per breach for individuals, and up to $550,000 for corporations.

The intent behind the ban is to restore transparency and trust in the rental process, especially as more renters rely on online listings when choosing where to live. It’s part of a wider push to protect renters from the kinds of issues that go beyond just photos, including unclear timelines, miscommunication, and silent rejections. This article breaks down the common challenges renters face after applying and what might really be happening behind the scenes.

Why This Affects You as an International Student

For international students and newcomers to Australia, this is especially significant. Many renters apply before they’ve even seen the property in person, relying heavily on online photos to make decisions. Edited images can lead to wasted time, disappointment, and in some cases, being locked into a lease that doesn’t reflect what was promised.

This new regulation marks an important shift toward greater honesty and transparency in the rental market, something renters across NSW have long needed.

Still Struggling to Find a Place That Matches What You See Online?

Unfortunately, even with better rules, the approval process remains challenging for many renters, especially those with no rental history, limited local documentation, or unstable income.

If you’ve ever applied for a rental and never heard back, this article explains why your application might be ignored.

And if you’re unsure about timing or planning ahead, this guide helps you understand when to start applying and how long approvals usually take.

Find My Home: No Rental Photoshopping, No Hidden Surprises

At Find My Home, we’ve always prioritised honesty, no fake promises, no heavily edited listings, and no unexplained rejections. We help international students, visa holders, and first-time renters get approved for long-term rentals, even without a rental history.

We apply on your behalf under our business, communicate with agents, and ensure your application is actually reviewed, so you’re not left wondering what went wrong.

Visit findmyhomeaus.com or chat with us on WhatsApp to get started.