Changes to rental laws

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Keeping a pet

The new laws will make it easier for renters to keep pets in their home. A landlord will only be able to refuse a pet for certain reasons.

Landlords will need to provide a written response to a pet request within 21 days. If they do not respond, the request will be automatically approved.

Landlords will be able to refuse the request if:

  • there would be too many animals at the property

  • the property is unsuitable for the animal because of the fencing, or lack of open space, or because it would harm the animal’s welfare

  • the animal is likely to 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 renter did not agree to a reasonable condition for keeping the animal.

There will be limits on the kinds of conditions a landlord may ask for. For example, a landlord will not be able to ask a renter to increase the bond or the rent as a condition for allowing the pet.

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

If a renter disagrees with a decision, they will be able to apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. 

Once consent to keep a pet has been given, consent continues at that property for the life of the animal, even if the landlord or agent changes.

Landlords and agents will also not be able to state in an advertisement that no pets are allowed at a rental property. 

These changes do not apply to purpose-built student accommodation. 

The changes to keeping pets in rental homes will start on 19 May 2025.