Pet Application
Thinking about getting a pet?
As a tenant considering a pet, it’s important to think about how the pet will fit in with your lifestyle. Tenants should be aware of any requirements for the pet, including:
- legal requirements (such as council rules, microchipping, registration, or licences)
- care requirements
- long-term costs and needs.
Tenants should also consider whether the property is appropriate for the type of pet they wish to keep.
Learn more about the requirements for having and caring for pets.
Steps to apply for a pet
Should you wish to seek permission for a pet a tenants must now use the standard NSW Fair Trading Pet Application Form to apply for consent, and landlords must respond within 21 days.
The pet request form can be given to the landlord at any point during a tenancy and must be given before the pet is kept in the property.
How the Process Works
1. Tenant Applies
The tenant fills out and submits Part A of the standard Pet Application Form to the landlord or agent.
- complete section A of the pet application form
- ensure all tenants who are listed on the tenancy agreement sign the form
- give the form to the landlord or their agent.
2. Landlord Responds
The landlord must provide a written response in Part B of the form within 21 days, either:
- Approving the request.
- Approving with reasonable conditions .
- Declining the request with a valid, “permitted” reason.
3. Automatic Approval
If the landlord doesn’t respond within the 21-day period, the request is automatically considered approved.
Please complete this form at the earliest convenience, with as much information as possible.
When a Landlord Can Refuse a Pet Request
A landlord can only refuse a pet request under specific "permitted grounds" outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act. Examples include
- The landlord resides at the property.
- The premises are unsuitable due to inadequate fencing.
- There isn’t sufficient open space (including common areas) for the animal to exercise or relieve itself.
- The number of animals on the property would exceed the limit of four.
Tenants in a strata property
Tenants in a strata property may also need separate approval from the strata owners corporation, if required by the strata by-laws. This is in addition to the landlord’s consent.
Before bringing a pet into a strata property tenants should
- Check the strata by-laws to see if strata approval of pets is needed.
- If strata approval is needed, follow the approval process in the by-laws.
- Also complete a pet application form for the landlord.
- Submit both applications as soon as possible to avoid delays to the pets being approved.
- After getting both the landlord’s consent and the strata approval (if required), bring the pet into the property.
Not all strata schemes require pets to be approved. Check the by-laws to see what rules they have for pets, including rules for keeping pets in the scheme.
The strata application process is separate to the application to the landlord. Tenants can apply directly to the strata for approval and do not have to ask the landlord to apply on their behalf.
There are limited reasons why an owners corporation can refuse an animal.
Learn more about keeping a pet in a strata property.
For more information https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/rules/pets-rentals