Tenants applying to keep a pet in a rental premises can no longer have their application refused unless the refusal is based on a ground listed in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995.
A landlord or agent can’t state ‘no pets allowed' - unless pets are specifically prohibited in the property's strata, community title, rooming house or residential park rules - or charge a separate pet bond, although they can impose reasonable conditions regarding the type of pet and nature of the premises.
It's a potential ground for termination if a non-approved pet (except exempt pets, like a guide dog) is kept without landlord’s approval.
Strata or community title properties, rooming houses and residential parks are governed by their own by-laws or rules which occupants will be required to follow.
Local council laws may also limit the number or types of animals that can be kept on a premises.
Information and what is and isn’t allowed can be read on Renting with pets - rights and responsibilities
Pet application and response
Tenants must seek approval from a landlord or agent to keep a pet and landlords or agents must respond within 14 days of receiving a request. Tenants must use the following application form to apply to keep a pet at a rental premises:
The response can include reasonable conditions for approval or reasons for refusal, which must be based on one of several specific grounds set by the law.
