Pets in rental properties

New laws make it easier for tenants to have pets. These new laws do not apply to students renting in purpose-built student accommodation.

When applying for a property with a pet, or making a request to get a pet during a tenancy, the landlord has 21 days to provide a written response to your request. If no response is provided, your request is automatically approved.

The landlord may only refuse pets for the following reasons:

• there would be more than 4 animals at the property and the number is unreasonable
• the property is unsuitable for the animal because of the fencing, lack of open space, or because it would harm the animal’s welfare
• it is highly probable the animal will cause more damage than the bond could repair
• the landlord lives at the property
• keeping the animal would break other laws, local council rules, strata or community scheme by-laws, or a residential community rule
• the tenant did not agree to a reasonable condition for keeping the animal.

Strata by-laws that ban all pets are not valid and cannot be used as a reason to refuse a pet.

Conditions for keeping a pet

There are limits on the kinds of conditions a landlord may ask for. For example, a landlord cannot ask a tenant to increase the bond or the rent as a condition for allowing the pet.

The landlord could impose a reasonable condition, such as professional carpet cleaning, if it’s appropriate to the type of pet you own, such as a dog or cat.

Tips for applying for rental properties with a pet

Remember: these laws don’t force a landlord to accept your tenancy application with a pet.

To improve your application when applying for a property with a pet, you may want to consider including a pet resumé. The resumé could include:

• information on your pet’s training
• how well they interact with other animals and humans
• vaccinations your pet has received
• a previous rental reference.

Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service June 2025.

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