A highlight of this last month is to let you know about some further upcoming changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 2024, specifically focusing on pets in rental properties. These reforms are part of the fourth phase of the Act and are expected to come into effect in late 2025 or early 2026.
This marks a significant shift in how both landlords and tenants will manage pet ownership in rental homes.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Require Consent – You will be required to provide written consent for a tenant to keep a pet.
- Reasonable Grounds for Refusal – Consent can only be refused on reasonable grounds. Examples include the property being unsuitable for the pet, relevant bylaws prohibiting pets, or concerns about the pet’s behaviour or potential for damage.
- Set Conditions – You can set reasonable conditions for pets, such as requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy.
- Charge a Pet Bond – A “pet bond” of up to a maximum of two weeks’ rent can be charged, in addition to the regular rental bond.
Here is what tenants need to know:
- Get Written Consent – Tenants must obtain written consent from the property before keeping a pet, unless your tenancy agreement already permits it.
- Landlord May Refuse – You can refuse your pet request, but they must provide “reasonable grounds” for their refusal.
- Pay a Pet Bond – Tenants may be required to pay a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent.
- Be Responsible for Damage – Tenants are fully responsible for any damage caused by your pet beyond fair wear and tear.
It’s important to note that most apartment buildings have a “no pet” policy outlined in their Body Corporate Rules, which serves as a valid reasonable ground to refuse a pet.
However, we have observed that due to the limited number of pet-friendly apartment buildings in the city, tenants with pets are often willing to pay more for rent and tend to stay longer, understanding the difficulty in finding a new place with pet consent.
This is something worth considering when deciding whether to allow a pet in your property.
As always, I am only a phone call away if you want to discuss the apartment market in more detail or just have a friendly chat.