Pets in Rental Homes

Pets in Rental Homes

What landlords and tenants need to know in NSW

Pets are part of everyday life for many households, and in NSW, the law now takes a more practical approach to pets in residential rental homes. For landlords, tenants and property managers, the key is understanding that pets are not automatically allowed, but they also cannot be refused without a valid reason.

The rules are different from strata by-laws. This article is focused on rental homes and residential tenancy agreements in NSW, including the approval process, what can be refused, and what both parties should keep in mind from the outset.

Do tenants need permission to keep a pet?

Yes. In NSW, a tenant must obtain the landlord’s consent before keeping an animal at a rental property. The exception is an assistance animal, which does not require consent, although it is sensible for the tenant to notify the landlord to avoid confusion.

Tenants must use the standard NSW pet application form, and the landlord or agent must respond using the same form.

How long does a landlord have to respond?

A landlord has 21 days to respond after receiving the application. If no response is provided within that time, the pet is automatically approved without conditions.

This makes it important for both tenants and property managers to keep a clear record of when the application was sent and received.

When can a landlord refuse a pet?

A landlord can only refuse a pet for specific reasons. Broad or general objections are no longer enough. In practice, refusal needs to be linked to the property, the animal, or another legal restriction.

• There would be more than four animals at the property, and the number would be unreasonable
• The property is unsuitable for the animal due to fencing, open space, or the animal’s welfare
• It is highly probable that the animal would cause damage, costing more to repair than the rental bond
• The landlord lives at the property
• Keeping the animal would breach another law, council rule, strata or community scheme by-law, or residential community rule
• The tenant does not agree to a reasonable condition for keeping the animal

What counts as a reasonable condition?

If a landlord approves a pet, they may impose reasonable conditions. These conditions should be practical, proportionate and connected to the property or the type of animal.

For example, a condition around professional carpet cleaning at the end of a tenancy may be appropriate where the landlord has consented to an indoor pet and the condition is reasonable for that type of pet. However, a landlord cannot require a higher bond or higher rent as the price of allowing a pet.

Can a property be advertised as ‘no pets’?

No. In NSW, landlords and agents cannot advertise a rental property as ‘no pets allowed’. That said, pets are still not automatically approved. The tenant must still obtain consent through the proper process before bringing the animal into the home.

What happens once consent is given?

Once consent has been given, it continues at that property for the life of the animal, even if the landlord, managing agent, or the agreement rolls over or is renewed. If the tenant moves to another property, a new application is required for the new address.

Where consent has already been given, a tenant generally does not need to reapply for the same pet at the same property.

What responsibilities still apply?

Even where a pet is approved, the tenant remains responsible for complying with the tenancy agreement. That includes not causing a nuisance, not interfering with the peace, comfort and privacy of neighbours, and taking reasonable care of the property.

If a pet is causing damage, excessive noise, hygiene issues or access problems for routine inspections or repairs, those issues can still become a tenancy matter and should be addressed promptly.

A practical approach for landlords and property managers

For landlords and agents, the most effective approach is to assess each request on its facts. Consider the type of animal, the layout of the property, fencing, internal finishes, outdoor space and any relevant local or strata rules.

It is also worth documenting any approved conditions carefully and ensuring that all communication is kept in writing. A consistent process helps reduce disputes and creates a clear record if the matter is ever challenged.

A practical approach for tenants

For tenants, it is best to apply before bringing the pet into the property and to provide enough information for the landlord to properly consider the request. Helpful information may include the pet’s type, size, age, whether it will be kept indoors or outdoors, and any relevant care arrangements.

Taking a clear, responsible approach from the beginning gives the application the best chance of approval and helps set expectations for the tenancy.

Final word

NSW rental law now gives tenants a clearer pathway to keep pets in rental homes, while still recognising that some properties and circumstances may justify refusal. The focus is no longer on blanket bans. Instead, it is on whether there is a valid reason to refuse and whether any conditions are reasonable.

For landlords, tenants and property managers alike, the best path is simple: use the correct form, respond within time, keep records in writing and deal with each application on its merits.

Source note: Prepared with reference to NSW Fair Trading and current NSW legislation on pets in rental properties, including the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) and Residential Tenancies Regulation 2019.