Pets in Rentals: What NSW’s New Laws Actually Mean
If you’ve been keeping an eye on rental reforms, you’ll know that pets have been a hot topic for a while now. As of 19 May 2025, the NSW Government has officially made it easier for tenants to have pets—but there are still some important steps and boundaries in place for both sides.
Tenants Can Now Apply to Have a Pet – and Landlords Need to Respond
Tenants can now fill out a standardised pet request form (yes, there’s an official one!). Once submitted, landlords or agents have 21 days to respond. If there’s no reply in that time, the pet is automatically approved.
Landlords Can’t Say No Without a Good Reason
Landlords can still refuse pets, but not just because they “don’t want animals in the property.” There are now specific legal reasons that apply, such as:
- The property isn’t suitable (e.g. a large dog in a tiny flat)
- The pet would breach council rules or strata by-laws
- The landlord lives in the home and doesn’t want to share with pets
- The tenant refuses to agree to reasonable conditions
- The pet is likely to cause damage that exceeds the bond
- There’s not enough space or fencing for the pet to be safely kept
If a landlord does refuse, they need to explain why in writing—and the tenant has the right to challenge that decision through NCAT.
Reasonable Conditions Are Still Allowed
Pet approvals can come with fair and practical conditions. These might include:
- Professional carpet cleaning and flea treatment at the end of the lease (if the pet lives indoors)
- Making sure the pet doesn’t disturb neighbours (especially barking dogs)
- Keeping pets out of certain areas of the home—like carpeted bedrooms
- Fixing any damage caused during the tenancy
The key is to be specific and reasonable—not over the top or vague.
What About Pets and Carpets?
Let’s be honest—puppies and carpet don’t always mix. One accident might not be a big deal, but repeated wees can soak right into the underlay, and no amount of professional cleaning will completely get rid of that smell. It’s a very real concern for landlords, especially in homes with older or more delicate carpet.
Can Landlords Set Rules About Where Pets Can Go?
Yes, but they need to be fair. You can’t ban pets from an entire carpeted home, but you can restrict access to certain areas. For example, you might ask that pets stay in tiled living areas or not be allowed in bedrooms. These kinds of specific, common-sense conditions are more likely to hold up if questioned.
Rethinking Your Flooring?
If you’re planning a renovation or updating your investment property, consider pet-friendly flooring options like vinyl plank, hybrid, tiles or even engineered timber. These hold up much better to wear and tear, and make it easier to say “yes” to well-behaved pets without the stress.
Why Allow Pets at All?
It’s worth noting that tenants with pets tend to stay longer and treat the property like home—which often means fewer vacancy periods and more stability. So while it’s important to protect your property, allowing pets (with the right conditions in place) can actually come with advantages.
In Summary
- Tenants can apply for a pet using the new standard form.
- Landlords have 21 days to respond—or the pet is automatically approved.
- You can’t say no unless you have a proper reason.
- You can say yes with reasonable conditions.
- And if you’re worried about carpets, you’re not alone—there are ways to manage it!
If you’re a landlord and unsure how to handle a pet request—or a tenant wanting to put your best paw forward—feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help make the process smoother for everyone.
