Landlords in NSW can refuse pets, but only with a valid reason. Under current NSW rental pet laws, tenants generally need the landlord’s consent before keeping a pet in their rental home. Landlords must follow a set process and can refuse pet requests only for specific permitted reasons.
These rules changed from 19 May 2025, when New South Wales introduced new laws making it easier for tenants to apply to keep pets. The changes limit blanket refusals and require landlords to assess each tenant’s request fairly.
For landlords, pet requests now need careful handling. A landlord must respond in writing within 21 days. If they do not respond, the pet request is automatically approved. Landlords cannot advertise a rental property as “no pets allowed”, though tenants still need approval before moving a pet in.
Can A Landlord Refuse Pets In NSW?
A landlord can refuse pets in NSW only with a valid reason under the residential tenancy agreement and rental laws. They cannot reject a pet request simply due to preferring a pet-free property. Tenants must ask for consent using the approved pet application form with details about the pet and property suitability.
Landlords have 21 days to respond in writing using the same form. If they do not, the request is automatically approved without conditions. This makes it important for landlords and property managers to have a clear process, especially when managing multiple properties.
A landlord may refuse if the property is unsuitable, the number of animals is unreasonable or exceeds four, the pet could cause damage beyond the bond, or if another law or community scheme rule prevents the pet. They may approve with reasonable conditions, such as requiring repairs or preventing nuisance.
These new laws balance tenant and landlord rights. Tenants have a clearer way to ask for a pet, while landlords can protect their property when risks exist.
How NSW Pet Rental Laws Changed For Landlords And Tenants
From 19 May 2025, New South Wales pet rental laws changed as part of broader reforms. The changes make pet requests fairer and clearer across NSW residential tenancies.
Before, tenants struggled to rent with pets as landlords could reject requests without reasons. Now, tenants still need consent, but landlords must follow a formal approval process.
Landlords cannot rely on blanket “no pets” positions. They must respond in writing within 21 days, giving valid reasons if refusing. They may set reasonable conditions if approving.
Advertising a property as “no pets allowed” is prohibited. Landlords must consider each tenant’s request based on facts, property, strata or park rules, and allowed refusal grounds.
For landlords, the key shift is process. Pet requests need proper records, communication and timely decisions. Landlords should review the tenant’s application, property suitability, strata or council by-laws, and decide on reasonable conditions.
The reforms clarify the difference between pet approval, damage and insurance. Tenants remain responsible for damage, cleanliness and nuisance under their tenant’s responsibilities. Landlords should check their insurance cover as policies vary.
How Tenants Apply To Keep A Pet In A Rental Property NSW
Tenants must follow the approved pet application process unless the animal is an assistance animal protected under the Disability Discrimination Act. This gives landlords a clear way to assess suitability.
Tenants complete the approved form with details about the pet to help landlords assess fairly.
Landlords must respond in writing within 21 days with one of three outcomes:
- Pet request approved
- Pet request approved with reasonable conditions
- Pet request refused for valid reasons
If no response within 21 days, the request is automatically approved without conditions. This can risk landlords who miss deadlines, especially if strata rules or fencing issues apply.
Landlords and property managers should keep written records of applications, responses and conditions to reduce disputes over damage, nuisance or noise.
Valid Reasons A Landlord Can Refuse A Pet Request In NSW
Landlords can refuse pet requests only for valid reasons under rental laws. The refusal must relate to the pet, property, number of animals, legal restrictions or reasonable concerns.
A landlord may refuse if the property is unsuitable for the pet, such as a large dog in a small apartment without outdoor space or secure fencing. Pet welfare concerns related to property layout or condition also apply.
Number of animals matters. NSW Fair Trading suggests four or fewer pets is a reasonable number, but landlords may refuse if the property is unsuitable or pets create nuisance risks.
Landlords may refuse if damage likely exceeds the bond. The concern must be reasonable and linked to the pet and property.
Other valid reasons include council rules, strata requirements, health or safety concerns, landlord living at the property, or tenant rejecting reasonable conditions like cleaning or repairs.
Vague refusals like “no pets allowed” or “owner does not want animals” are insufficient. The landlord’s response should explain the valid ground, link to the property and include evidence or practical reasons.
What Reasonable Conditions Can A Landlord Set For Pets?
Landlords can approve pets with reasonable conditions to protect property, neighbours and common areas. Conditions should relate to the pet and property without unfairly preventing pet ownership.
Reasonable conditions include keeping pets in certain areas, professional carpet cleaning, flea treatment, repairing pet damage, preventing nuisance, and following strata by-laws about common property.
Landlords cannot charge extra rent, increase bonds or require other security. The tenant’s normal bond applies, and damage claims follow usual tenancy agreement processes.
Clear, practical conditions included in writing help both parties understand expectations and reduce disputes. 
Do NSW Strata By-Laws Affect Pets In Rental Properties?
Strata by-laws may affect pet keeping in strata rental properties, but cannot prohibit pets outright. Tenants may need separate approval from the owners corporation in addition to the landlord’s consent.
Landlord consent and strata approval are separate. Strata by-laws may set rules about noise, waste, common property and behaviour within the residential community.
Strata schemes cannot impose blanket bans. Reasonable rules about pet keeping are allowed, but should not unreasonably prevent residents from having pets.
Landlords should review by-laws before responding to pet requests and communicate any strata conditions to tenants.
Pets kept without strata approval may cause disputes with owners corporation, neighbours or landlord. Clear written approval and records help avoid confusion.
What Happens If A Landlord Refuses A Pet Request?
If landlords refuse pet requests, they must give a written response with reasons matching allowed grounds and explain why the pet is unsuitable.
Tenants can challenge refusals they believe are unfair or invalid by applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within 28 days, unless extended.
NCAT reviews the pet application, landlord’s reason, property details and conditions.
Landlords reduce dispute risk by keeping the process fair and well documented, avoiding personal preferences or general “no pets” positions.
Records like pet applications, responses, condition reports, photos, strata by-laws and communications support decisions if disputes arise.
Are Tenants Responsible For Pet Damage In NSW Rentals?
Tenants remain responsible for pet damage, nuisance and cleanliness beyond fair wear and tear. Approval does not remove their duty to care for the property.
Damage includes scratched doors, torn flyscreens, stained carpets, chewed skirting boards, garden damage, strong odours or pest issues linked to pets. Noise or hygiene problems in shared areas also count.
Fair wear and tear differs from damage. Minor ageing is fair wear and tear, but urine stains, claw marks or strong odours caused by pets may be damage.
Landlords should gather clear evidence like condition reports, inspection notes, photos and communication to show damage during tenancy.
If damage occurs, landlords may request repairs, cleaning or compensation. Unresolved issues may lead to bond claims or tenancy disputes.
Does Landlord Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
Landlord insurance may cover pet damage depending on the policy. Landlords should not assume all pet damage is covered.
Policies vary in covering accidental, malicious, tenant or pet damage. Many exclude animal damage, gradual damage, odours, stains, wear and tear or damage recoverable through bonds.
Policy wording is important. Landlords should check coverage, sub-limits, excesses and proof requirements. They should also confirm how carpets, curtains, gardens, fencing and contents are treated.
Pet approval and insurance are separate. Tenants may have approval but landlords must manage property risk.
Poor maintenance or slow repairs may limit insurance claims. Regular inspections, clear conditions and records help protect property and support claims.
How Landlords Can Reduce Pet-Related Risk In NSW Rentals
Landlords cannot avoid NSW pet rental laws but can reduce risks by treating pet requests as property management decisions.
Before approval, landlords should review property type, fencing, flooring, outdoor space, strata by-laws and pet application details. Risks differ between a small indoor cat and a large dog in a property with weak fencing.
Clear written conditions on cleaning, flea treatment, repairs, nuisance, waste and common property help manage risks. Conditions should be reasonable and linked to pet, property and risk.
Strong records before and during tenancy, including detailed entry reports, photos and inspection notes, help identify pet damage.
Checking landlord insurance before approving pets or renewing leases is important. Some policies cover pet damage; others exclude it or limit payouts.
| Risk Area | Practical Step For Landlords |
|---|---|
| Property damage | Take detailed entry photos and update inspection notes |
| Noise or nuisance | Set clear expectations around neighbour disturbance |
| Strata issues | Check by-laws before approving the pet request |
| Cleaning and odours | Use written cleaning and flea treatment conditions |
| Insurance gaps | Review whether the policy covers pet-related damage |
| Bond disputes | Keep evidence of damage, repairs and communication |
A fair process protects both sides. Tenants get clear answers, landlords make informed decisions, set reasonable conditions and reduce disputes.
Understanding Landlord Pet Refusal Rules Under NSW Rental Laws
Landlords can refuse pets NSW only for valid reasons under current laws. Blanket bans are no longer allowed. Landlords must respond within 21 days.
Landlords should assess each request based on pet type, property suitability, strata by-laws, damage risk and reasonable conditions.
Pet-friendly rental rules do not remove the need for good property management. Landlords should keep clear records, condition reports, photos and review insurance.
If unsure about insurance cover for pet-related rental risks, Duo Insurance can help compare options and policy features for renting to tenants with pets.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords can refuse pets in NSW, but only for valid reasons under current rental laws.
- Blanket “no pets allowed” rules are not permitted for NSW rental properties.
- Tenants usually need written consent before keeping a pet in a rental home.
- Landlords must respond to a pet request in writing within 21 days.
- If a landlord does not respond within 21 days, the pet request is automatically approved without conditions.
- Valid refusal reasons may include property suitability, animal welfare, likely damage beyond the bond, legal restrictions or strata requirements.
- Landlords can approve pets with reasonable conditions, such as cleaning, flea treatment, repairs and nuisance prevention.
- Tenants remain responsible for pet damage, cleanliness and nuisance beyond fair wear and tear.
- Strata by-laws may still affect pet keeping, but strata schemes generally cannot apply blanket pet bans.
- Landlord insurance may not cover all pet-related damage, so landlords should check their policy wording before approving pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can A Landlord Say No To Pets In NSW?
Yes, but only for valid reasons under rental laws. They cannot refuse just because they prefer no pets.
How Long Does A Landlord Have To Respond To A Pet Request In NSW?
Landlords have 21 days to respond in writing. No response means automatic approval.
Can A Landlord Advertise A Rental Property As No Pets Allowed?
No. Advertising “no pets allowed” is prohibited. When a tenant asks to keep a pet, the landlord must consider the request carefully and fairly. The tenant needs to submit a pet application form with details about the animal and the property. The landlord then has 21 days to respond in writing, either approving, approving with reasonable conditions, or refusing with valid reasons. If the landlord does not respond within this time, the pet request is automatically approved without conditions. This process ensures both tenant and landlord rights are balanced under NSW rental laws.
Can A Landlord Charge Extra Rent For A Pet In NSW?
No. Extra rent, bond increases or other security cannot be charged for pet approval.
Can A Landlord Refuse A Pet Because Of Strata Rules?
Strata by-laws may affect pet keeping but blanket bans are generally invalid. Tenants must follow reasonable strata rules.
What Happens If A Landlord Refuses A Pet Request Unfairly?
Tenants can apply to NCAT within 28 days to challenge unfair or invalid refusals.
Are Assistance Animals Treated The Same As Pets In NSW Rentals?
No. Assistance animals do not require landlord consent but should be notified.
Does Landlord Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
It depends on the policy. Coverage varies and landlords should check carefully.
