Some States and Territories have begun relaxing laws preventing tenants from becoming pet owners or taking up a lease with a pet.
Here is a breakdown of the current laws:
· Victoria
As of March 2, landlord can’t reasonably refuse a tenants
request to keep a pet and a tenant must request in writing from the landlord.
Tenants however, can be liable to pay damages/compensation for any damages done
to the rental property
· NSW
The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 doesn’t prevent tenants
from bringing pets onto a property but many leases will have a clause
specifically relating to pets.
It’s not illegal for landlords to put a "no pets” clause
unless it is an assistance/companion animal.
Additionally, tenants will have to adhere to strata by-laws
if applicable
· QLD
Queensland requires tenants to ask permission to keep their
pets inside a rental property. It is completely the landlord’s discretion as to
whether or not they allow the pets.
· SA
South Australian landlords may decline a tenant’s request
but if they allow a pet in the property, they could stipulate that tenant’s
must professionally clean and fumigate the property, as well as holding
additional inspections.
· WA
Landlords in WA can charge an additional pet bond if they allow
a pet. The maximum pet bond is $260
· TASMANIA
Also up to a landlord’s discretion. Tenants will have pay
for damages incurred.
· NT
Tenants can now request in writing to the landlord and
landlords have 14 days to reach a decision. If a landlord says no, they have to
make an application to the tribunal to prove it’s a reasonable denial and if
the tribunal rejects the application, the tenant can keep the pet on the rental
property.
· ACT
A landlord can refuse a request but it must be submitted to
the ACT’s Civil & Administrative Tribunal, who will make a decision.
For more articles about letting pets in your investment
property, read our other article here: https://www.realrenta.com.au/blog/post/586
RealRenta dates and
time stamps all communicate between landlords and tenants.
Tenants can request
maintenance via the RealRenta platform and landlords can send reminders for
inspections to tenants.
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Jason Gwerder
Sunday, 8 March 2020
