How to Make a Pet Application for Your Rental

What the law says about pets in rentals

Pet laws vary significantly by state:

• Victoria and ACT: Landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse a pet request. They must apply to the tribunal to refuse, and only on grounds set out in the legislation. • Queensland: Blanket no-pet clauses in leases are unenforceable. Landlords can only refuse on specific reasonable grounds. • NSW, SA, WA: Recent reforms require landlords to actively consider pet applications and respond within a set timeframe. Deemed approval applies if the landlord does not respond in time in some states. • Tasmania and NT: More traditional rules still apply — landlords can generally prohibit pets via the tenancy agreement, though reform is underway.

Check your state tenancy authority website for the current rules in your state.

How to write a strong pet application

A well-prepared pet application significantly improves your chances. Include:

• A photo of your pet • Current vaccination and desexing records • Registration details (if applicable) • A reference from a previous landlord or neighbour confirming the pet caused no issues • Your vet's contact details • A brief description of the pet's breed, size, temperament, and daily routine • How you plan to manage any potential impact (e.g. regular flea treatment, grooming, carpet cleaning at the end of tenancy)

Frame the application around how you will protect the property, not just why you love your pet.

What landlords can and cannot refuse on

In states that have reformed pet laws, landlords can generally only refuse a pet request on grounds such as:

• The property is not suitable for the type or size of animal (e.g. no outdoor space for a large dog) • The building's owners corporation rules prohibit pets (for apartments and units) • The landlord has relevant and specific reasons relating to property condition

They cannot refuse simply because they prefer not to have pets, or include a blanket clause banning all animals. A refusal for an invalid reason can be challenged at the tenancy tribunal.

Conditions a landlord can attach to approval

Even where a landlord must approve a pet, they may attach reasonable conditions — such as requiring the carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, or restricting the pet to certain areas of the property. These conditions must be reasonable and proportionate.

A pet bond — an additional refundable bond to cover pet-related damage — is only permitted in Western Australia. In other states, landlords cannot charge an additional bond for pets on top of the standard bond.

Getting approval in writing

Once approval is given, ensure it is documented in writing — either as an addendum to your tenancy agreement or via email. Verbal approval is difficult to enforce and provides no protection if there is a dispute later about whether the pet was permitted.

If approval is conditional, the conditions should also be in writing so both parties are clear on their obligations.