What changed
A landlord can refuse a request to keep a pet only on specific reasonable grounds, including:
- Strata bylaws prohibit pets
- The property is unsuitable for the proposed pet
- More than four pets would be kept
- Risk to a heritage feature of the property
A blanket "no pets" clause in a lease is now unenforceable. Tenants can apply to NCAT if a landlord refuses unreasonably. For the exact section number, contact the Tenants' Union of NSW on 1800 251 101.
How Renterprise has been updated
- The Lease Health Report flags any blanket no-pets clauses as unenforceable.
- The Rights Reference Card lists the new framework.
- The Application Pro Pack's Cover Letter template handles pet declarations more confidently.
What you should do
- If a lease contains a blanket no-pets clause, you can still keep a pet. The clause has no legal force.
- If a landlord refuses your pet request, ask for the specific reasonable ground in writing.
Source: Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (NSW)