The laws for renting with a pet
A state-by-state guide to the laws around pet ownership and rental properties
The laws covering pets and rentals vary across the country. Here is a summary of the key characteristics of the laws in each state.
Higher bonds cannot be charged for tenants with pets or children.
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/renting/starting-a-tenancy#what
A renter requesting approval for a pet will need to complete the consent form (Word, 583KB)
If a rental provider believes that it is reasonable to refuse consent to a pet living in the property, they will have to seek an order from VCAT to refuse the pet.
Before renting a property, a tenant should seek permission from the property manager/owner to keep a pet.
A tenant can only keep a pet on the property if the tenancy agreement states pets are allowed. It may also state the number and type of pets that may be kept and whether the pet can be kept inside or outside the property.
Tenants should consider if the property is suitable for pets (e.g. enough room, fencing, pet doors) and if their pet could cause any damage to the property (e.g. torn screens or lawn damage).
A separate pet bond cannot be charged.
For Landlords:
ACT law instructs tenants to seek permission to keep a pet at a rental property if the signed tenancy agreements requires them to do so. Landlords can only refuse consent on very specific grounds and with the approval of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Pet bonds are not allowed but the tenant is responsible for any repairs or additional maintenance due to keeping a pet.
A pet bond is optional but is permissible.
It is important to remember that only one pet bond per residential tenancy agreement can be charged, irrespective of how many pets are kept by the tenant at the premises. Therefore, if a tenant has already paid the lessor a pet bond in relation to a dog or cat that is kept at the premises, then no further pet bond can be sought in relation to other pets.
It is also important to remember that the pet bond is only to be applied towards the cost of fumigation of the premises, not for general cleaning or repair of damage caused by the pet. These latter expenses should be recovered from the security bond.
Pet bonds are not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act 1999.
Keeping Pets in a Rental Property Fact Sheet
Pet bonds are not allowed. Only one bond amount is allowed for a tenancy, and a pet is not able to enter into a lease.
