The case for – and against – allowing pets in your rental property

Australians are among the most pet-loving people on earth. According to research from Animal Medicines Australia, 73% of households have a least one pet, with the rate climbing considerably from pre-pandemic levels.

But with around a third of Australian households renting their homes, pets and rental properties regularly cross paths. Here's what to consider if you're a landlord.

Rental properties & pets: A state-by-state guide

Before we even start on pros and cons, in recent years, many states and territories have introduced legislation making it more difficult for landlords to refuse pets in their rental properties. 

Generally, landlords can't refuse a tenant's assistance animal and may only be allowed to refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet on certain grounds. However, the laws don't prevent landlords from choosing non-pet owners as tenants.

Here's a national rundown on regulations covering pets in rental properties.

New South Wales

As of May 2025, the rules surrounding pets have made it more difficult for landlords to refuse them. Landlords are no longer allowed to state they have a 'no pets' policy.

Tenants can only keep a pet in a rental property with a landlord's consent and landlords can only refuse to approve the tenant having pets on specific grounds.

Victoria

Renters requesting approval to keep a pet will need to complete a consent form. If a property manager or landlord believes there are reasonable grounds to refuse consent, they will need to seek an order through VCAT.

Queensland

A landlord can only refuse a renter's request to keep pets on certain grounds. Tenants are still required to seek permission from the property manager/owner to keep a pet. Landlords (or agents) are not allowed to charge separate pet bonds.

Australian Capital Territory

Like Victoria, a landlord will need to apply to ACAT to seek approval to refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet in their rental property.

They may put conditions on their consent and apply to ACAT for prior approval of these conditions.

Tasmania

As of early 2026, Tasmania applies new laws banning blanket 'no pets' policies for rental properties. 

They will require landlords to allow pets unless their refusal is on "reasonable" grounds, which will need to be approved by TASCAT. Tenants will be required to make their requests in writing. 

The laws do not override existing rules set by a body corporate in a strata scheme.

South Australia

A landlord cannot state that no pets are allowed in their rental property. Tenants must seek approve from a landlord or agent using a standard form and landlords must respond with 14 days.

Landlords can only refuse on certain grounds. Tenants keeping a non-approved pet may be potential grounds for lease termination.

Western Australia 

A landlord can ask a tenant to pay a pet bond but only up to a certain amount (set at $260 as at December 2025). It can only be used to cover pest control.

Tenants and landlords should agree to the keeping of a pet at the start of a lease. If the tenant wants to keep a pet during tenancy, they will need to fill out a pet request form. 

Landlord refusal will generally need Commissioner approval, as well any special conditions the landlord wants to set.

Northern Territory

Pets can generally be kept on rental premises provided landlords are notified in writing. 

Landlords have 14 days to respond and must have their reasons for refusal approved by NTCAT. No special pet bonds are permitted. 

Allowing pets in your rental property: pros

1. Pet owners might pay more

Australian research has found tenants with pets are often willing to pay between 7-14% more in rent. Animal Medicines Australia found 31% of pet owners would be willing to pay more in rent or fees for a pet-friendly rental property.

This 'pet premium' can come down to scarcity with only between 10-20% of rental properties actively advertised as being pet-friendly. In short, promoting your property as pet-friendly could see you attracting above market rent.  

2. You open up a larger rental pool

By allowing pets, you can attract a larger number of tenants to apply to live in your property. This can give you a wider selection of tenants to choose from and feasibly allow you to be more selective. 

3. Pet owners often stick around for longer

Many tenants apply for properties with their pets in mind and may be more likely to stay in a suitable property for an extended period of time.

Research shows pet owners tend to be more settled already. This can avoid a churn in tenants and make it more likely to your property will earn a steady income with fewer vacancy periods and lower advertising expenses. 

4. You may attract a higher-quality tenant

In the same veins, research shows tenants with pets:

• may earn more money
• can be more physically healthy
• have better mental health
• have greater levels of responsibility

These are all desirable qualities to look for in tenants.

5. You can help curb animal euthanasia

This may not be directly related to your rental property but by allowing pets in your rental property, you can do your bit for animal welfare.

Low rental vacancy rates across Australia in recent years have seen some landlords preferring non-pet owners as tenants, making it very difficult for pet owners to find suitable rental homes.

Animal welfare agencies around the country report around one-in-three to one-in-five pets are surrendered due to accommodation issues. These situations are traumatic for all involved.

In short, allowing pets in your rental property creates good karma.

6. Tenants may ignore your rule against pets anyway

Allowing pets means your tenants are more likely to play their role in meeting state and territory obligations.

This means they must formally apply to keep pets, give details of the numbers and types, and give you, the landlord, a chance to impose any conditions. It also allows you to request an additional pet bond in relevant states.

There is an old saying about the devil you know...

Allowing pets in a rental property - cons

1. They can cause damage

Let's face it, the potential for damage caused by pets can be fairly extensive.

Depending on the pet, they can scratch walls, urinate on carpets, chew fittings, dig up gardens, and cause odour and flea problems.

Repair costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.   

2. They can disturb the neighbours

Noisy animals are one of the biggest sources of neighbour complaints.

Although you're not responsible for the actions of your tenants, consistent noise complaints from neighbours can get the council involved. 

Jane Slack-Smith

Property coach, author 'Your Property Success'

What the expert says

"I have allowed pets in my property before and there is typically always damage and additional maintenance needed.

"If legislation removes my ability to not have pets, I would increase the rent and bond to reflect the extra costs and wear and tear.

"I have done a property inspection where the tenants asked me to remove my shoes and then I repeatedly walked on wet carpet where a friend's little dog (visiting for a few weeks whilst they were away) had peed repeatedly. We asked for it to be removed.

"'Pet-proofing' can't really be done - you can just do things like increase the bond or charge extra rent to reflect extra costs.

"I respect that many people want pets and it is possible to get a higher rent and longer tenancy but you need to weigh up the costs carefully."

How to screen good/bad pet-owners

If you're on the fence, one of the best ways to separate the good pet owners from the bad is to meet the animal firsthand.

Ask tenants - or prospective tenants - to bring the pet along to an inspection or arrange a meeting between them and yourself/your agent and watch its behaviour: 

• Is it well trained?
• Is it too large or too messy for the apartment?
• Does it make noise for seemingly no reason?

You should also ask the following questions:

• Has it been spayed or neutered?
• Has it caused any previous complaints?
• Does it get along well with people?
• Is it housebroken?
• Has it lived in similar-sized accommodation?
• Does it have any medical conditions?

If the tenant in question is an existing one, you can use your own knowledge of their character to make a judgement call.

You can also request a 'pet reference' or 'letter of recommendation', which can include written recommendations from previous landlords or neighbours as well as photos of the animal with some basic information about it.