Here’s our rulebook for renting with pets

Article by Sinead Clarke Communications Manager 16 September 2024

Pets, there’s no question that we couldn’t live without them. But when it comes to rentals, the question of whether we can actually live with them looms. From concerns about noise, fur and potential wear and tear, many apartment buildings and townhouses have strict rules around our furry friends. With 69% of households calling their place home to a pet, it’s only natural that you might be considering getting one yourself. But can you and if so, how can you make sure your environment is safe and a place for them to thrive? 

Let’s get started with legislation, because it’s best to be educated. We’re going to channel our inner Elle Woods for a second, put our pink glasses on and break it down for you. The legislation varies from state to state, so take a look at any that are applicable below.

New South Wales (NSW): Unless the pet is an assistance animal, landlords are allowed to decide whether a tenant can keep a pet on their property. They do not need a particular reason to refuse. They can add a clause restricting pets in the residential tenancy agreement.

Victoria: Tenants can keep a pet if they receive landlord approval, but if a landlord wants to refuse, they must seek permission from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and provide a reasonable argument.

Queensland: Tenants must request written consent to keep a pet, but landlords cannot refuse without a valid reason. Any refusal must be based on specific grounds, such as lease conditions or property type.

Western Australia: Tenants can have pets, but landlords have the right to refuse requests. Additionally, WA allows landlords to charge a “pet bond” to cover potential damage.
South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory: These states and territories follow similar guidelines where tenants must request approval, but landlords can refuse with reason.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Tenants are allowed to keep pets unless there is a specific clause in the lease prohibiting it. A landlord who wants to refuse must apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for permission.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are our top tips for renting with a pet. From searching for a pet-friendly rental to bringing one into your existing home, we’ve got it all covered!

When searching for a new place

1. Assess the space

Straight off the bat, it’s important to assess any potential new rental. While you can get a good sense of the space from the online photos, there’s nothing quite like walking through the property to get a feel for it. Things to look out for when assessing a rental include:

Stairs

Are there stairs? If so do they have any gaps or holes in the balustrade that animals could fit through? 

Flooring

Are there any rooms with easily cleanable flooring options, like hardwood floors or tiles? 

Outdoor space

Does the space offer a backyard or pet-friendly balcony or patio for your furry friend to use? 

Windows and doors 

Are all windows and doors sealed and able to be fully closed and or locked?

2. Create a pet profile

When applying for a rental with a pet, it can be quite stress-inducing as you may fear that the landlord will overlook you in favour of an applicant with no pets. So as a rule of thumb, we recommend providing as much information as possible. The more the landlord knows about your pet, the better since they can gauge its temperament and behaviours. This is a simple yet effective document to include when applying for your rental, as it shows the landlord that you’re organised, respectful and responsible.

3. Gather references

Similarly to the step above, creating a list of references is another way to give yourself a leg up when applying for a rental. We’d suggest splitting your references into two categories. The first is those who can attest to the condition you’ve left previous properties in when renting with a pet. This could be a previous landlord or Property Manager. The second is those who can attest to the behaviour of your pet and the training you’ve provided. This could be a past trainer, vet or pet-accommodation specialist.

Bringing a pet into your existing rental

1. Let your Property Manager know in advance

You’ve probably heard the saying, ask for forgiveness instead of permission. While that may work in some circumstances, we’d recommend being very up-front when it comes to your intentions to bring a pet into your home. Your Property Manager can advise you of any paperwork you need to sign, as well as hurdles that may present themselves. Not only is it unethical to withhold information, but it’s also illegal in many cases, which could result in your tenancy agreement being terminated.

2. Inform your neighbours

In the same vein, it’s a good idea to keep your neighbours informed. New pets come with a few unexpected noises or barks, so it’s great to let your neighbours know while you get through the toddler stage. Beyond that, it’s great to have people close to you, keeping an ear and eye out for your furry friend while you’re at work or out for the day. It could also pay off, as your neighbours may even offer to pet-sit when you go on a holiday.

3. Pet-secure the space

Before moving your new best friend in, make sure your place is pet-proofed and secure. This includes ensuring all of your doors and windows close and lock correctly, any holes or gaps in the balcony or staircases are covered over and any appliances that could be deemed dangerous are sectioned off. In many cases, if you’re training a puppy or kitten, it could be worthwhile investing in baby gates, or plastic mesh to create safe spaces or no-go zones for your new pet.

4. Perform routine check-ins

Lastly, once you’ve done all of the groundwork to make sure your pet is not only safe and sound but thriving it’s important to check in. This includes ensuring that any of your pet-secure spaces have not been subjected to any general wear and tear and cleaning any odour-trapping surfaces. If you’ve opted for a larger pet, like a dog we’d also recommend checking in after a year to ensure your pet has not outgrown the space, as if they have it might be time to look at upsizing.

Disclaimer: 

While this blog provides general information about renting, it is not a substitute for professional legal or financial advice. Rental laws and regulations vary by state and territory in Australia. Tenants need to conduct their own research and seek advice from relevant authorities or professionals when making decisions about renting.