Pet Guidelines
Tenants must obtain written consent from their landlord before keeping an animal at a rental property, with the exception of assistance animals which require no prior approval.
Changes limiting reasons landlords can end a lease and refuse a pet – from 19 May 2025.
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Tenants must get consent to keep an animal, except an assistance animal.
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Tenants can apply for consent using a standard pet application form.
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The landlord can only refuse consent for certain reasons.
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The landlord can set reasonable conditions for keeping the pet.
strata schemes may still restrict animals if they cause an unreasonable interference to other residents
Landlords are permitted to set reasonable conditions when approving a pet request. Examples of reasonable conditions include requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy if the pet lives indoors, professional fumigation if the indoor pet is a mammal, or restricting non-indoor animals from entering the residence. However, conditions cannot be unreasonable; landlords are strictly prohibited from demanding a rent increase, a bond increase, a pet bond, or any other financial security as a condition of approval
once consent is granted by a landlord or the Tribunal, it remains valid for the lifetime of the pet at that property, surviving changes in property ownership, agency management, or lease renewals.
Once a pet resides at the property, tenants remain fully responsible under their tenancy agreement to prevent noise or nuisance, avoid intentional or negligent property damage, and comply with all local council registration and microchipping requirements.
As a tenant considering a pet, it's important to think about how the pet will fit in with your lifestyle. Tenants should be aware of any requirements for the pet, including:
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legal requirements (such as council rules, microchipping, registration, or licences)
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care requirements
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long-term costs and needs.
Animal Welfare (Pets) - NSW Frai Trading Link
Annual permits are also a control requirement for dogs declared dangerous.
