How Much is a Pet Bond in NSW: Dealing with Pet Damage to Your Rental Property

Renting out your property in New South Wales (NSW) can be rewarding, but when pets are involved, it’s natural to worry about potential damage. Whether you’re a landlord (property owner) concerned about maintaining your property’s value, or a tenant hoping to rent with your furry friend, understanding the rules around pet damage including that landlords cannot advertise a property as ‘no pets allowed’ – pet bonds, your rights, and recent legislation changes regarding pets in rentals is crucial. This pet rental guide will walk you through spotting pet damage, legal responsibilities, lease agreements, insurance considerations, and—most importantly—the facts about pet bonds in NSW.

What Should Tenants Know About Pet Bonds and Renting with Pet in NSW?

In New South Wales, tenants must obtain landlord consent before they can keep a pet in a rental property. Landlords are not allowed to require a pet bond when renting with pets. If a landlord asks for a pet bond, tenants can refer to the NSW Fair Trading guidelines and confidently refuse to pay. However, it’s important to remember that strata schemes may have their own rules regarding pets. Some strata bodies may request a pet bond as part of their approval process, so always check the by-laws and local laws before signing your rental agreement to avoid any unexpected charges.

Tenants must follow both their lease agreement and any strata rules when keeping pets. Even if the landlord consents to your pet, the strata may have separate application procedures, restrictions, or fees like pet bonds. Additionally, assistance animals are exempt from all pet bond charges and fees across Australia. This means landlords and strata bodies cannot require any bond or extra payment for assistance animals, ensuring tenants with these animals are protected.

Understanding the New Pet Ownership Application Process (2025 Reforms)

In 2025, NSW introduced new rental laws relating to make renting with pets easier and fairer. Tenants can now submit a formal pet request form to their landlord, who must provide a landlord’s response within 21 days. If the landlord does not reply in time, the pet request is automatically approved. Landlords can only refuse consent to a pet application for valid reasons, such as the property being unsuitable, restrictions from strata or council, or concerns about damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Importantly, landlords cannot charge extra rent or require additional bonds for keeping the pet. If a tenant feels a refusal to keep a pet is unfair, they can take the issue to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for resolution. These reforms provide clear guidelines and protect tenants’ rights, making it simpler and more transparent to live with pets in rental premises across NSW.

How Much is a Pet Bond in NSW?

Tenants cannot be charged a separate pet bond for standard residential tenancies in NSW. The only security deposit required is the standard rental bond, which can be up to four weeks’ rent and covers all potential damages, including those caused by pets. However, if you rent in a strata property, different rules may apply. Some owners corporations may request a pet bond, usually around $500, as security against damage to common areas. This pet bond is paid directly to the strata body, not the landlord, and is not regulated by state rental laws. If you find the amount unreasonable, you can negotiate or dispute it. Be sure to review the strata by-laws and local laws before signing a rental agreement or bringing a pet.

How to Spot Pet Damage During Property Inspections

Detecting pet damage early can save you time, money, and stress. When you inspect your rental premises, look for:

• Scratches and Chew Marks: Examine timber floors, skirting boards, door frames, and furniture for claw marks or chewing, especially around corners and entrances. Pets are often responsible for causing this type of damage.
• Odours and Stains: Use your nose as well as your eyes. Persistent smells or visible stains on carpets, rugs, or curtains may indicate pet urine or faeces. Pet odours can be stubborn and sometimes require professional carpet cleaning.
• Damaged Outdoor Areas: Check gardens, lawns, and fences for digging, plant destruction, or broken structures.
• Invisible Issues: Not all damage is obvious. Flea infestations or hidden stains beneath furniture can go unnoticed. Regular inspections are essential for catching these early.

The earlier you identify and address pet-related issues, the less likely you are to face serious repairs or disputes.

For example, a tenant who promptly reports carpet stains or scratches caused by their pet helps the landlord arrange professional cleaning or repairs early, reducing the risk of disputes at the end of the tenancy. Submitting a pet request form and maintaining clear communication with the rental provider also supports responsible pet ownership and helps meet obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Who Is Responsible for Pet Damage in a Rental?

Landlord Responsibilities

As a landlord, you’re obliged to provide a safe and habitable environment. If pet damage occurs due to neglect on your part.

For example, a broken fence not repaired in time, you might shoulder some of the responsibility.

It’s also your duty to have a clear, enforceable pet policy in the tenancy agreement, outlining how pet-related issues will be managed and specifying any reasonable conditions related to keeping the pet.

Tenant Responsibilities

If you’re a tenant, you’re responsible for your pet’s behaviour. Any damage caused by your pet, beyond fair wear and tear, must be addressed at your expense. This includes replacing chewed skirting boards, repairing scratched doors, or dealing with flea infestations. You’re also expected to promptly inform your landlord of any damage, whether it’s pet-related or otherwise, to avoid disputes and ensure timely repairs. Both tenants and landlords should respond in writing to reports of pet damage, as responding formally helps clarify responsibilities and can be important if disputes arise.

Lease Agreements and Pet Policies in NSW

The Basics

In NSW, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse consent to tenants who wish to keep a pet, but they can set clear conditions in the tenancy agreement. These terms should specify:

• The type and number of pets allowed
• Requirements for cleaning, pest control, and maintenance
• What constitutes pet damage and how it should be remedied
• That carpet cleaning or pest treatment may be required at the end of the tenancy if pets are kept inside

Any condition imposed must be reasonable and only concern the behavior or care of the pet. Landlords may include additional terms in the rental agreement, provided these terms are appropriate and relate specifically to pet ownership.

Make sure any agreement is in writing, this protects both parties if issues arise later.

Local Council and Strata By-Laws

You should be aware that some pets (like roosters) may be prohibited by local council rules, regardless of what your lease says. Tenants must comply with local council laws and other laws relating to pet ownership, even if the rental provider approves the pet. If you’re renting in a strata or community corporation property, check the by-laws as they may require approval before you bring in a pet. Tenants must submit a formal pet request form and seek permission from the landlord before bringing a pet into the property. Sometimes, strata schemes have their own application process or restrictions. The standard lease agreement provided by Fair Trading includes a clause about pet permissions. If you wish to keep livestock such as cattle, special permission and registration may be required. There is also a relation between park rules and pet ownership; if there is a dispute, tenants can seek an order from the relevant tribunal (such as VCAT) to resolve the issue.

Assistance Animals

It’s important to note that assistance animals are protected by law. People with a disability have legal rights to keep assistance animals in rental and specialist disability accommodation. Landlords and strata schemes must not refuse consent or impose additional conditions, such as fees or bonds.

Specifying Pet Damage in Your Lease

To avoid confusion, clearly outline in your tenancy agreement:

• What types of damage or issues a pet causes are the tenant’s responsibility (e.g., carpet stains, scratched walls, infestations)
• What is considered normal wear and tear
• Specific cleaning or pest-control requirements at the end of the tenancy

This clarity ensures everyone knows where they stand and reduces the chance of disputes when the lease ends.

Maintenance Measures for Pet Owners

If you’re a pet-owning tenant, you have a duty to:

• Keep the property clean and sanitary
• Address any damage or mess promptly
• Undertake regular flea and pest control
• Comply with any special cleaning requirements set out in your lease
• Learn more about property maintenance responsibilities for landlords

Landlords should make these expectations explicit in the tenancy agreement to minimise misunderstandings.

There are also templates and resources available to assist property managers and owners in responding to pet requests and ensuring compliance with legislation.

Strata and Owners Corporation Rules for Pets in NSW

When renting with pets in New South Wales, especially in apartments or units, it’s important to understand that strata and owners corporation rules can have a significant impact on pet ownership. Unlike standalone rental properties, apartments and other strata-titled properties are governed by a set of by-laws created by the owners corporation (also known as the strata committee). These by-laws are designed to manage the shared spaces and ensure the reasonable peace and enjoyment of all residents.

If you’re ever unsure or feel a pet bond request is unfair, contact NSW Fair Trading or a tenancy advice service for guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Understanding the New Pet Application Process (2025 Reforms)

There are specific steps that tenants and landlords must follow in the pet application process.

Recent changes to NSW rental laws have made renting with pets easier and fairer. The latest updates include:

• A standard pet application process: You can submit a formal pet request form to your landlord for keeping the pet, and they must provide a landlord’s response within 21 days. If they don’t reply in time, your request is automatically approved. A flowchart can help illustrate the steps involved for both tenants and landlords.
• Valid grounds for refusal: Landlords can only refuse consent to your pet application if they have a valid reason to refuse, such as property unsuitability, strata or council restrictions, or legitimate concerns about unreasonable damage exceeding the rental bond.
• No extra fees or bonds: Landlords cannot charge extra rent or bonds for pets. Any refusal must be justified, and if you believe it’s unfair, you can escalate the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

These reforms offer greater transparency and protection for tenants who wish to rent with pets.

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

Not all landlord insurance policies automatically cover pet damage. It’s important for landlords to:

• Check your policy details: Some policies exclude pet damage, while others require specific add-ons or higher premiums for coverage.
• Understand exclusions: Policies may only cover accidental or catastrophic events, not gradual wear and tear from pets.
• Seek tailored advice: If you’re unsure, contact your insurer or a broker to discuss your concerns and find a policy that suits your needs.

Specialised landlord insurance can provide peace of mind if you allow pets in your property, but always read the fine print.

For example, if a tenant’s dog causes gradual damage by repeatedly scratching wooden floors over several months, this type of wear may not be covered by standard landlord insurance policies, which often exclude damage from ongoing pet behaviour.