It’s no secret: Aussies love their pets. In NSW, more renters than ever are looking for pet-friendly homes. But until recently, finding one often felt like chasing your tail.
The long-standing debate between pet-loving tenants and cautious landlords has taken a big turn. From 19 May 2025, new NSW rental laws have made it easier for tenants to keep pets, while still offering protection for landlords.
Rubix Realty aims to simplify recent changes for you, whether you are a first-time investor or need guidance on revising your rental agreements.
What Has Changed?
The new laws are part of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, and they’re reshaping how pets in rentals are handled.
Here’s what landlords and tenants need to know:
- Landlords can’t include “no pets” in rental listings
- Tenants can formally request a pet, and if the landlord doesn’t respond within 21 days, it’s automatically approved
- Once approved, the pet stays for life at the property, even if the landlord or agent changes
- Landlords can’t charge extra rent or bond for a pet
Landlords will need to provide a written response to a pet request within 21 days. If they do not respond, the request will be automatically approved.
Tip: If you’re a landlord, now’s the time to update your advertising templates, leaving “no pets” in the ad could put you in breach of the new rules.
Valid Reasons to Refuse a Pet
While the rules now favour pets in rentals, landlords can still say no, but only for specific reasons.
A refusal may be valid if:
- There would be too many animals at the property
- The property isn’t suitable (e.g. no secure yard)
- The animal’s welfare would be at risk
- The landlord lives on-site
- The pet would breach council rules or strata by-laws
- The tenant refuses reasonable conditions
Our Insight: Reasonable conditions might include flea treatments, professional carpet cleaning at the end of the lease, or ensuring damage is repaired. These should be clearly noted in the lease to avoid confusion later.
Strata & Pets
If your rental property is under a strata scheme, this part matters:
- Strata can’t enforce blanket pet bans anymore
- However, reasonable strata by-laws still apply, like noise or shared space rules
We recommend landlords and tenants review their building’s by-laws before making or approving a pet request.
Property Owner Concerns: Let’s Address Them
We’ve spoken to plenty of landlords unsure about what these changes mean. Here are some common questions:
- What if the pet damages the home?
Regular inspections and clear lease clauses still apply. - Can I ask for extra cleaning?
Yes. Reasonable conditions like end-of-lease pest treatment are allowed. - What if the tenant leaves? Can the next one bring a different pet?
A new pet = a new request. You can assess each case individually.
Our Answer: Our process includes 360-degree condition reports, detailed photo logs, and ongoing inspections to reduce risk for landlords. You’ll know exactly how your property is being maintained, furry tenant or not.
Tips for Tenants: Making a Strong Pet Request
If you’re a renter, a well-prepared request makes all the difference.
Here’s what helps:
- A pet resume (age, breed, behaviour, vaccination history)
- References from previous landlords or your vet
- Agreement to reasonable conditions in writing
Our Tip: Have an open chat with your property manager. It’s often the easiest way to build trust and smooth out any concerns.
How Rubix Realty Supports Both Sides
We’re here to make sure everyone’s on the same page, without the paw prints all over the paperwork.
Our team provides:
- Detailed condition reports
- Proactive communication between tenants and landlords
- Clear pet clauses in lease agreements
- Ongoing inspections to help avoid disputes
And if it’s not the experience you expected? Our six-month service guarantee means we’ll refund your management fees.
Is Your Pet-Friendly Rental Ready?
The updated regulations concerning pets in rental properties aim to strike a balance between safeguarding tenants’ entitlements and ensuring landlords are well-informed and secure.
Want to chat through how these changes affect your property? Book a chat with Pat today and let’s make sure your rental stays compliant, stress-free, and (if applicable) pet-approved.
