Renting With Pets: A Pets Domain Guide for Pet-Friendly Renting

May 29 2026, 2 min reading time

Most Australian states have now introduced stronger protections for renters with pets, helping ensure you don’t have to choose between a home and your furry best mate. This guide breaks down state-by-state pet rental laws to help you understand your rights and responsibilities

For many Australians, pets are part of the family, providing companionship, routine, and proven mental and physical health benefits. Thankfully, most Australian states have now introduced stronger protections for renters with pets, helping ensure you don’t have to choose between a home and your furry best mate.

If you’re looking to rent with a cat, dog, or small animal, this guide breaks down state-by-state pet rental laws to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Renting With Pets: State-by-State Laws in Australia

Victoria – Clear Rights for Renters with Pets

Victoria has some of the strongest pet-friendly rental laws. Renters can submit a written request to their landlord to keep a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and must apply to VCAT within 14 days if they want to challenge the request.

Form required: Consumer Affairs Victoria Pet Request Form
Fast Fact: Landlords cannot request a pet bond.

Queensland – Written Approval Required

Queensland renters must obtain their landlord’s written approval before keeping a pet. Landlords have 14 days to respond, and any refusals must meet Queensland tenancy legislation.

New tenants: Complete Form 22/R22
Existing tenants: Complete Form 21
More information: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)

New South Wales – Easier Pet Approvals (Updated May 2025)

New NSW rental laws introduced in May 2025 make it easier for tenants to have a pet. Renters must submit a formal request, and landlords must respond within 21 days. If they don’t, the request is automatically approved.

Form required: NSW Application to Keep a Pet in a Rental Property

Tasmania – New Pet Rental Laws Coming in 2026

From early 2026, blanket “no pets” rules will be removed in Tasmania. Tenants will need to apply in writing, and landlords will have 14 days to respond—similar to other states.

More information: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) Tasmania

South Australia – Updated Pet Rental Laws (2024)

Since July 2024, SA tenants can apply to keep a pet even if the lease previously prohibited pets. Landlords have 14 days to respond to the written request.

More information: SA Consumer and Business Services

Top Tips for Renting With Pets

Always check your specific state or territory’s laws and tenancy guidelines.
Remember that building strata, councils, or body corporates may have additional rules.
Assistance animals—including guide dogs and hearing dogs—are exempt from pet restrictions.
Some states allow landlords to set reasonable pet conditions, such as keeping outdoor areas clean or preventing property damage.