Protection

Pets in rentals – the good, the bad and the unacceptable

Renters in Australia have more opportunities than ever to keep pets at home. Over recent years, every state and territory has introduced pet-friendly tenancy laws, and with Tasmania’s recent reforms, this shift is now nationwide.

Australia is a nation of animal lovers, with more pets than people – 31.6 million pets compared to 27.5 million residents. While landlords may have concerns about potential damage, noise, or nuisance, the legal landscape is increasingly favourable to tenants.

The challenge for landlords lies in understanding when they can lawfully refuse a pet, how the laws treat native and exotic animals, and what protection insurance can offer when things do not go to plan…

Tenant rights and pet-friendly laws

The legal landscape now encourages landlords to consider tenants’ requests to keep pets. While not all pets are automatically allowed, tenants can generally request to have domestic animals in their rental property, and landlords must have valid reasons to refuse.

Landlords can also impose reasonable conditions, such as:

• Professional carpet cleaning or pest fumigation at the end of the tenancy

• Restricting certain animals to outdoor areas

• Limiting the number or type of pets

Because tenancy legislation varies slightly across Australia, it is important for landlords and property managers to understand the rules in their own state or territory. Further information can be found below:

• Australian Capital Territory

• New South Wales

• Northern Territory

• Queensland

• South Australia

• Victoria

• Western Australia

When landlords can say no

Even with pet-friendly laws, landlords can refuse a tenant’s request under certain circumstances. Some valid reasons include:

• Property suitability: The property lacks space, fencing, or facilities for the pet. For example, a small apartment may suit a Chihuahua but not two Great Danes.

• Exceeding reasonable numbers: Keeping more pets than is appropriate for the property.

• Safety, health, or nuisance concerns: Pets posing a risk to neighbours or other residents, such as aggressive dogs in shared complexes.

• Legal restrictions: Breach of local laws, by-laws, or strata/community rules.

• Excessive damage risk: Potential damage costs could exceed the bond value.

• Restricted or prohibited species: Some animals cannot be legally kept as pets.

Landlords can also require compliance with reasonable conditions, such as cleaning or outdoor restrictions, as part of granting permission.

What pets are (and are not) typically allowed

While many rentals now welcome pets, not all animals are treated equally under the law. What is allowed depends on the species, the property type, and local regulations.

Commonly allowed pets: Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and small caged animals (like guinea pigs) are generally acceptable in rental properties, provided they are suitable for the size and condition of the home. However, this can vary depending on local legislation. For example, rabbits are prohibited as pets in Queensland under biosecurity laws. Landlords can still impose reasonable conditions to minimise damage or disturbance, such as limiting the number of animals or restricting them to certain areas of the property.

Restricted or prohibited pets: Some animals are subject to stricter rules or are typically not permitted in residential rentals. These include:

• Native wildlife: Most Australian native species (such as possums, snakes, or lizards) are protected and cannot be kept without special permits. Even with a licence, landlords are not obliged to approve them.

• Exotic animals: Non-native or unusual species (for example, monkeys, ferrets, or large reptiles) are heavily regulated and often prohibited as pets.

• Livestock: Animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, horses, and llamas are generally not allowed in residential or metropolitan areas due to space, hygiene, and zoning restrictions (though some councils allow small numbers of poultry with approval).

In short, while dogs, cats, and other small domestic pets are increasingly accepted in rentals, native, exotic, and farm animals usually are not.

Landlord insurance and pet damage

Tenants are responsible for repairing any damage they or their dependants cause to the property, including pet damage. If they fail to do so, landlords may need to rely on their insurance to recover losses.

EBM RentCover is one of the few landlord insurance providers offering pet damage cover, with up to $70,000 available for loss or damage caused by domestic pets.

Pets do not need to be listed on the lease, but the property must be inspected within six months of the pet moving in.

‘Domestic pets’ generally refers to dogs and cats, though cover may extend to small animals such as birds or mammals. Our RentCover Ultra and RentCover Platinum policies cover pet-related damage to fixed contents and the building (subject to conditions), for example, scratching, chewing or toileting damage. The policies do not cover losses related to rodents, vermin, insects or wildlife.

While reptiles and fish rarely cause property damage, a leaking or broken aquarium may be covered under the policy’s water damage provisions.

Key takeaways

While tenants have greater rights than ever when it comes to keeping pets in rentals, landlords can still say no to unreasonable requests, such as tenants wanting too many pets, or animals that would not be suitable for the property. It is always wise to consider getting a policy that includes pet damage cover, just in case a furry friend causes unexpected havoc.

Have a question about renting to tenants with pets and what might be covered? The EBM RentCover team is here to help. Contact us on 1800 661 662.  

*While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you need us we are here, contact 1800 661 662 if you have any questions.