Pets

OVERVIEW

A tenant may keep a pet on the premises if the tenancy agreement allows it or if the landlord provides written consent. Any such consent may include reasonable conditions, which must either be included in the tenancy agreement or attached to the written consent.


A tenant who keeps a pet without written consent from the landlord, either within the tenancy agreement or by separate written approval, will be considered to have committed an unlawful act.

TENANT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Request permission: A tenant can request permission from their landlord in writing to keep a pet.
  • Provide information: The request should include details about the pet, such as species, breed, size, vaccination status, and any references.
  • Liability: The tenant is fully responsible for all pet-related damage that is more than fair wear and tear.
  • Joint liability: All tenants on the tenancy agreement are jointly and severally liable for pet-related damage, even if they are not the pet's owner.

LANDLORD RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Respond to requests: Landlords must respond to a pet request within 21 days.
  • Only refuse on reasonable grounds: A landlord can only refuse a pet request if they have a reasonable ground, eg: the pet being unsuitable for the property (size, fencing) or if there are body corporate rules against pets.
  • Impose reasonable conditions: Landlords can set reasonable conditions on their consent, which may include restrictions on pet type or size, or require professional carpet cleaning when the tenancy ends.
  • Charge a pet bond: Landlords can charge an additional bond of up to two weeks' rent to cover potential pet-related damage. This must be lodged with the official bond service. 

THE PROCESS

Complete a pet request application

Once we have received your completed application, we will assess it to determine the suitability of the pet, taking into consideration the specifics of the property and any reasonable conditions to be imposed

We will advise you whether your request is accepted or declined

If your application is accepted, we will send you a Pet Agreement which will include all reasonable conditions and must be signed by all parties

If a pet bond is required, this will be included in the agreement and must be paid before the pet is brought to the premises