Renting with Pets in NSW: Your Rights Explained (2026)

If you're renting in New South Wales and have a pet — or want one — you need to know the rules. NSW's pet rental laws changed significantly in recent years, but many tenants (and some landlords) still don't understand their rights.

Last updated: March 2026 | Reading time: 8 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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Can your landlord refuse pets in NSW? What about pet bonds? And what happens if your neighbour complains about your dog barking? This guide covers renting with pets in NSW under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — everything you need to know.

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Quick Answer

Since 2020 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, NSW landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet. They can refuse on reasonable grounds (e.g., the property isn't suitable), but must do so in writing within 14 days. There is no pet bond in NSW — only the standard 4-week bond applies. If your request is unfairly refused, you can apply to NCAT.

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NSW Pet Rental Laws: What Changed in 2020

The 2020 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 gave NSW tenants significantly stronger pet rights. Here's what the law now says:

### The Right to Request

Tenants can request to keep a pet at the rental property
The request should be made in writing to the landlord or agent
The landlord has 14 days to respond
If the landlord doesn't respond within 14 days, the request is deemed approved

### Grounds for Refusal

A landlord can refuse a pet request if they have reasonable grounds, including:

The property is not suitable for the type of pet (e.g., a large dog in a small apartment with no yard)
The pet would pose a risk to health and safety (e.g., allergies of other tenants in a shared building)
The pet would cause damage that would cost more to repair than the bond covers
Keeping the pet would breach strata by-laws or other laws
The pet is a restricted breed under NSW legislation
The tenant has a history of not maintaining the property

### What's NOT a Valid Reason for Refusal

A landlord cannot refuse a pet simply because:

They don't like pets
The lease says "no pets" (this clause is now void for unreasonable refusals)
They've had bad experiences with previous tenants' pets
They want to keep the property "pet-free" as a general policy

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Pet Bonds in NSW

There is no pet bond in NSW. The only bond a landlord can require is the standard rental bond, which is capped at 4 weeks' rent.

If a landlord asks for an additional "pet bond" or "pet fee" on top of the standard bond, they are acting illegally. Report this to NSW Fair Trading.

💡 RentWize Tip: Even without a pet bond, offering to pay for professional carpet cleaning at the end of your tenancy can make your pet request more appealing to landlords — and it's a commitment you can document in writing. [Track your pet documents →](https://rentwize.com.au)

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How to Apply to Keep a Pet in NSW

### Step 1 — Prepare Your Pet Resume

Before making your request, prepare:

Pet resume with temperament details, breed, age, and training history
Vaccination and desexing certificates
Microchip registration
References from previous landlords (confirming no pet-related damage)
Photos showing your pet and your current (clean) property

### Step 2 — Submit a Written Request

Send a formal written request to your landlord or property manager:

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Dear [Landlord/Agent],

I am writing to request permission to keep a [type of pet] at the property at [address]. My pet is [brief description — breed, age, temperament].

I have attached a pet resume with vaccination records, desexing certificate, and references from my previous landlord confirming no pet-related damage or complaints.

I understand my responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and commit to: - Maintaining the property in good condition - Ensuring my pet does not cause nuisance to neighbours - Professional carpet cleaning at the end of my tenancy

Please respond within 14 days as required under the Act.

Kind regards, [Your Name]

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### Step 3 — Wait for a Response

The landlord has 14 days to:

Approve the request (may include reasonable conditions)
Refuse the request (must provide written reasons)
Not respond (deemed approved after 14 days — document this)

⚠️ Important: If the landlord doesn't respond within 14 days, your request is legally deemed approved. Keep a copy of your request with the date sent. If they later try to claim you didn't have permission, you have proof.

### Step 4 — If Refused — Apply to NCAT

If your request is refused and you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can apply to NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal).

How to apply: 1. Complete the NCAT application form (available at ncat.nsw.gov.au) 2. Pay the application fee (~$53) 3. Include your written request and the landlord's refusal 4. Include your pet resume and supporting evidence 5. Attend the hearing (usually within 4–8 weeks)

NCAT can order the landlord to approve your pet request if it finds the refusal was unreasonable.

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Conditions a Landlord Can Attach to Pet Approval

Even if a landlord approves your pet request, they can attach reasonable conditions, such as:

Professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy
Flea treatment at the end of the tenancy (if applicable)
Keeping the pet indoors or in a specific area
Repairing any pet-related damage before vacating

These conditions must be reasonable and proportionate. A landlord cannot use conditions to effectively make pet ownership impossible.

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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.

The key issue: 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.

What to do: 1. Ask your landlord or agent for a copy of the strata by-laws before applying 2. Check whether the by-laws allow pets (and what conditions apply) 3. If the by-laws prohibit pets, you may need to apply to the strata committee for an exemption

Important: In NSW, strata by-laws that completely ban pets are increasingly being challenged. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ruled in some cases that blanket pet bans are unreasonable. This is an evolving area of law.

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Your Responsibilities as a Pet Owner

Approval to keep a pet comes with responsibilities. Throughout your tenancy:

Prevent damage — use furniture protectors, keep nails trimmed, supervise your pet
Control noise — address barking or other noise complaints promptly
Maintain cleanliness — clean up after your pet in common areas and the garden
Comply with conditions — follow any conditions attached to your pet approval
Report pet-related damage — if your pet causes damage, report it and arrange repair promptly

At the end of your tenancy, you're responsible for any damage caused by your pet beyond fair wear and tear.

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What Happens If You Have an Unauthorised Pet?

If you keep a pet without permission and your landlord finds out:

1. They can issue a breach notice requiring you to remove the pet or seek approval 2. If you don't comply, they can apply to NCAT for a termination order 3. At the end of your tenancy, they can claim bond for any pet-related damage

The safest approach is always to seek approval in writing — even if you think the landlord will say yes.

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Renting with Pets in Other States

NSW's pet laws are among the more tenant-friendly in Australia, but every state is different. If you're renting outside NSW:

VIC — Similar protections; landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets
QLD — Landlords can refuse pets but must have reasonable grounds
WA — Landlords can include "no pets" clauses; fewer protections than NSW
SA — Landlords can refuse pets; pet bonds are permitted
TAS — Landlords can refuse pets; limited protections
ACT — Strong pet rights; landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
NT — Landlords can include "no pets" clauses

[See our full state-by-state guide to renting with pets →](/renting-with-pets-australia)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my landlord evict me for having a pet without permission? A: Yes — keeping an unauthorised pet is a breach of your tenancy agreement. Your landlord can issue a breach notice and, if you don't comply, apply to NCAT for a termination order. Always seek written approval before getting a pet.

Q: What if my lease says "no pets" — does that mean I can't have one? A: Not necessarily. Since the 2020 amendments, a "no pets" clause doesn't automatically override your right to request a pet. Your landlord must still consider your request and can only refuse on reasonable grounds.

Q: Can my landlord charge me extra rent because I have a pet? A: No. A landlord cannot charge additional rent specifically because you have a pet. The only bond they can require is the standard 4-week bond.

Q: My landlord approved my pet verbally. Is that enough? A: No. Always get approval in writing. A verbal approval is difficult to prove if a dispute arises later.

Q: What if my pet causes damage during the tenancy? A: You're responsible for repairing pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear. Report it promptly and arrange repair — this is better than having it discovered at the exit inspection.

Q: Can I be refused a pet because of strata by-laws? A: Yes — strata by-laws are a valid reason for refusal. However, blanket pet bans in strata are increasingly being challenged. Check the by-laws before applying and consider seeking an exemption from the strata committee.

Q: What counts as a "restricted breed" in NSW? A: Restricted breeds under NSW legislation include American Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and Presa Canarios. These breeds require special permits and cannot be kept in most rental properties.

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[Renting with Pets in Australia: State-by-State Guide →](/renting-with-pets-australia)
[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)
[Tenant Rights in NSW: The Complete Guide →](/tenant-rights-nsw)

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The App Your Landlord Doesn't Want You to Have.

RentWize helps you document your pet request, track the 14-day response window, and store your approval in writing — so there's never any ambiguity about what was agreed. If a dispute arises, your evidence is ready.

[Track your pet approval 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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The Daily Tenant

Renting with Pets in NSW: Your Rights Explained (2026)