Renting with Pets in Australia: State-by-State Guide (2026)
Last updated: March 2026 | Reading time: 12 min | Pillar: Smart Renting
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact a tenancy advocate or solicitor in your state.
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Finding a rental that accepts pets is one of the hardest things about renting in Australia. With around 69% of Australian households owning a pet, the mismatch between pet ownership and pet-friendly rentals is one of the most frustrating issues in the rental market.
The good news: the law is shifting in renters' favour. Several states have introduced stronger pet rights in recent years, and more changes are coming. This guide covers renting with pets in Australia — state by state — so you know exactly where you stand.
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Quick Answer
Pet rental laws vary significantly by state. NSW and ACT offer the strongest protections — landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets. VIC has similar protections. QLD, SA, WA, TAS, and NT offer fewer protections, though landlords must still act reasonably. In all states, disclosing your pet upfront and providing a pet resume significantly improves your chances of approval.
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Renting with Pets: State-by-State Summary
| State | Can Landlord Refuse Pets? | Pet Bond Allowed? | Key Law | |-------|--------------------------|-------------------|---------| | NSW | Only on reasonable grounds | No | Residential Tenancies Act 2010 | | VIC | Only on reasonable grounds | No | Residential Tenancies Act 1997 | | QLD | Yes, but must have grounds | Yes (up to 4 weeks' rent) | Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 | | SA | Yes | Yes | Residential Tenancies Act 1995 | | WA | Yes | Yes (up to 4 weeks' rent) | Residential Tenancies Act 1987 | | TAS | Yes | No | Residential Tenancy Act 1997 | | ACT | Only on reasonable grounds | No | Residential Tenancies Act 1997 | | NT | Yes | Yes | Residential Tenancies Act 1999 |
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New South Wales (NSW)
Strength of pet rights: ★★★★☆
Since 2020 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, NSW landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet.
Key rules: - Tenants must request permission in writing - Landlord has 14 days to respond — silence = approval - Refusal must be on reasonable grounds (property unsuitable, strata by-laws, restricted breed, etc.) - "No pets" lease clauses cannot override the right to request - No pet bond — only the standard 4-week bond applies - Unreasonable refusals can be challenged at NCAT
What counts as reasonable grounds for refusal: - Property not suitable for the pet type (e.g., large dog in small apartment) - Strata by-laws prohibit pets - Pet is a restricted breed - Risk to health and safety of other occupants
[Full guide: Renting with Pets in NSW →](/renting-with-pets-nsw)
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Victoria (VIC)
Strength of pet rights: ★★★★☆
Victoria introduced strong pet rights reforms in 2021 under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Key rules: - Tenants must request permission in writing - Landlord has 14 days to respond — silence = approval - Refusal must be on reasonable grounds - Landlord can apply to VCAT to refuse if they have grounds - No pet bond — only the standard bond applies - Conditions can be attached to approval (e.g., professional cleaning at end of lease)
What counts as reasonable grounds for refusal: - Property not suitable for the pet - Keeping the pet would contravene laws or planning permits - The pet is dangerous - The property is unsuitable due to size or lack of outdoor space
Tip for VIC renters: If your landlord doesn't respond within 14 days, your request is deemed approved. Document the date you sent your request.
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Queensland (QLD)
Strength of pet rights: ★★★☆☆
Queensland's Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 allows landlords to refuse pets, but they must have reasonable grounds.
Key rules: - Tenants should request permission in writing - Landlord can refuse — but refusal should be on reasonable grounds - Pet bond is permitted — up to 4 weeks' rent (in addition to the standard bond) - Total bond (standard + pet) cannot exceed 4 weeks' rent for properties under $700/week - Disputes can be resolved through RTA conciliation or QCAT
Practical reality in QLD: While landlords can refuse pets, a well-presented pet resume and proactive approach significantly improves approval rates. The RTA encourages landlords and tenants to negotiate pet conditions.
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South Australia (SA)
Strength of pet rights: ★★☆☆☆
South Australia's Residential Tenancies Act 1995 gives landlords significant discretion to refuse pets.
Key rules: - Landlords can include "no pets" clauses in leases - Tenants should still request permission in writing - Pet bond is permitted — landlords can request additional bond for pets - Disputes can be taken to SACAT
Practical reality in SA: Pet-friendly rentals are harder to find in SA. A strong pet resume, references from previous landlords, and offering to pay for professional cleaning at end of lease can help.
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Western Australia (WA)
Strength of pet rights: ★★☆☆☆
Western Australia's Residential Tenancies Act 1987 allows landlords to include "no pets" clauses and to refuse pet requests.
Key rules: - Landlords can refuse pets — "no pets" clauses are enforceable - Tenants should still request permission in writing - Pet bond is permitted — up to 4 weeks' rent (in addition to standard bond) - Disputes can be taken to the Magistrates Court
Practical reality in WA: WA has fewer tenant protections around pets than eastern states. Focus on finding pet-friendly properties from the outset, and present a strong pet resume when applying.
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Tasmania (TAS)
Strength of pet rights: ★★☆☆☆
Tasmania's Residential Tenancy Act 1997 gives landlords discretion to refuse pets.
Key rules: - Landlords can refuse pets - Tenants should request permission in writing - No pet bond — only the standard bond applies - Disputes can be taken to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner
Practical reality in TAS: While landlords can refuse, a well-presented application with a pet resume and references can make a difference. The absence of a pet bond requirement is a positive for TAS renters with pets.
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Strength of pet rights: ★★★★☆
The ACT has some of Australia's strongest pet rental protections under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Key rules: - Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request - Tenants must request permission in writing - Refusal must be on reasonable grounds - No pet bond — only the standard bond applies - Unreasonable refusals can be challenged at ACAT
Tip for ACT renters: The ACT's protections are similar to NSW. If your request is refused without reasonable grounds, you have a strong case at ACAT.
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Northern Territory (NT)
Strength of pet rights: ★★☆☆☆
The Northern Territory's Residential Tenancies Act 1999 gives landlords significant discretion around pets.
Key rules: - Landlords can include "no pets" clauses - Tenants should request permission in writing - Pet bond is permitted - Disputes can be taken to NTCAT
Practical reality in NT: Focus on finding pet-friendly properties from the outset. A strong pet resume and proactive approach can help in borderline cases.
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How to Maximise Your Chances of Pet Approval (Any State)
### 1. Prepare a Pet Resume
A pet resume is a one-page document that introduces your pet to the landlord. Include:
- Pet's name, breed, age, and weight
- Desexing and vaccination status
- Microchip registration number
- Temperament description
- Training history (obedience classes, etc.)
- References from previous landlords confirming no pet-related damage
- Veterinary contact details
- Photos of your pet and your current (clean) property
[See our full pet resume template →](/pet-resume-template)
### 2. Request Permission in Writing
Always make your pet request in writing — email is fine. This creates a paper trail and, in states where silence = approval, starts the clock on the response deadline.
### 3. Offer Reasonable Conditions
Proactively offer conditions that address the landlord's concerns:
- Professional carpet cleaning at end of tenancy
- Flea treatment at end of tenancy (if applicable)
- Commitment to keeping the pet indoors or in specific areas
- Willingness to repair any pet-related damage promptly
### 4. Disclose Upfront — Never Hide Your Pet
Hiding a pet and having it discovered is far worse than disclosing it. It's a breach of your tenancy agreement and can result in a termination notice. Always disclose.
### 5. Target Pet-Friendly Properties
When searching, filter for "pets considered" or "pets welcome" on Domain and realestate.com.au. These landlords are already open to the conversation.
💡 RentWize Tip: Store your pet resume, vaccination certificates, and landlord references in RentWize — ready to share instantly with any property manager. [Manage your pet documents →](https://rentwize.com.au)
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Strata Properties and Pets
If you're renting in a strata building (apartment, townhouse, or unit complex), the situation is more complex. Strata by-laws can restrict or prohibit pets — and these by-laws can be a valid reason for a landlord to refuse a pet request, even in states with strong pet protections.
What to do: 1. Ask for a copy of the strata by-laws before applying 2. Check whether pets are permitted and under what conditions 3. If the by-laws prohibit pets, consider applying to the strata committee for an exemption 4. In NSW and VIC, blanket pet bans in strata are increasingly being challenged
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Pet Bonds: What You Need to Know
| State | Pet Bond Permitted? | Maximum Amount | |-------|---------------------|----------------| | NSW | No | N/A | | VIC | No | N/A | | QLD | Yes | Combined bond cannot exceed 4 weeks' rent (under $700/wk) | | SA | Yes | Check current CBS guidelines | | WA | Yes | Combined bond cannot exceed 4 weeks' rent | | TAS | No | N/A | | ACT | No | N/A | | NT | Yes | Check current NT Consumer Affairs guidelines |
⚠️ Important: In states where pet bonds are not permitted (NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT), any landlord who demands an additional "pet bond" or "pet fee" is acting illegally. Report this to your state's tenancy authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a landlord evict me for having an undisclosed pet? A: Yes. Keeping an undisclosed pet is a breach of your tenancy agreement. Your landlord can issue a breach notice and, if you don't comply, apply to tribunal for a termination order. Always disclose pets upfront.
Q: What if my pet causes damage? A: You're responsible for repairing pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. Report damage promptly and arrange repair — this is better than having it discovered at the exit inspection.
Q: Can I get a pet after I've already signed the lease? A: Yes — but you need to request permission from your landlord in writing. Don't assume your existing lease allows it.
Q: What if my landlord approved my pet verbally? A: Always get approval in writing. A verbal approval is difficult to prove if a dispute arises later.
Q: Are assistance animals treated differently from pets? A: Yes. Assistance animals (guide dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) are not "pets" under tenancy law and cannot be refused. This applies in all Australian states and territories.
Q: What's the best way to find pet-friendly rentals? A: Filter for "pets considered" on Domain and realestate.com.au. Also try Petfriendly.com.au, which specialises in pet-friendly rental listings.
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Related Articles
- [Renting with Pets in NSW: Your Rights Explained →](/renting-with-pets-nsw)
- [The Pet Resume Template Landlords Actually Like →](/pet-resume-template)
- [Rental Cover Letter Template That Actually Works →](/rental-cover-letter-template)
- [How to Write a Rental Application That Gets Accepted →](/how-to-write-rental-application)
- [How to Get Your Bond Back: The Complete Guide →](/how-to-get-bond-back)
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The App Your Landlord Doesn't Want You to Have.
RentWize helps you manage your pet approval documentation, track the response deadline, and store everything in one place — so there's never any ambiguity about what was agreed.
[Manage your pet documents with RentWize →](https://rentwize.com.au)
RentWize, Live Wiser.
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This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy laws vary by state and are subject to change. For advice about your specific situation, contact a tenancy advocate or solicitor in your state.
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