What Changed in 2025?
In 2025, the NSW Government introduced amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 that significantly strengthened renters' rights around pets. The changes were part of a broader reform package aimed at improving housing security for tenants in one of Australia's most competitive rental markets.
The key change: landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet. Previously, landlords had broad discretion to refuse pet applications without explanation. Under the new rules, they must provide a valid reason — and the list of acceptable reasons is limited.
What Landlords Can and Cannot Do
Under the 2025 amendments, a landlord may refuse a pet application only on specific grounds, including:
- The property is unsuitable for the type of animal (e.g., a large dog in a studio apartment)
- The strata by-laws or body corporate rules prohibit pets
- The landlord has a genuine allergy to the animal
- The pet poses a risk to the health or safety of other residents
A landlord cannot refuse a pet application simply because they prefer not to have animals in the property. Blanket "no pets" policies are no longer enforceable for existing tenants making a formal request.
What This Means for Renters
If you are an existing tenant, you now have a clearer pathway to request permission for a pet. Submit your request in writing, provide details about the animal, and give the landlord a reasonable timeframe to respond.
If you are applying for a new rental and you have a pet, the situation is more nuanced. Landlords can still factor pet ownership into their decision when selecting between applicants — they simply cannot refuse a subsequent request from an approved tenant without valid grounds.
This means that disclosing your pet upfront in your application remains the right approach. Attempting to conceal a pet is a breach of your tenancy agreement and can result in termination.
How to Strengthen a Pet Application
A pet resume — a short document that introduces your animal, describes its temperament and training, and provides references from previous landlords or neighbours — remains one of the most effective tools for pet-owning renters.
A well-prepared pet resume demonstrates that you are a responsible pet owner who takes the landlord's concerns seriously. It also gives the property manager something concrete to present to the landlord when seeking approval.
Key elements of a strong pet resume:
| Element | What to Include | |---|---| | Pet details | Name, breed, age, weight, desexed/vaccinated status | | Temperament | Brief description of personality and behaviour | | Training | Any obedience training or certifications | | Vet reference | Contact details for your vet | | Previous landlord reference | Confirmation that the pet caused no damage | | Damage mitigation | What you will do to protect the property (e.g., professional cleaning at end of tenancy) |
Strata Properties
If the property is in a strata building, the body corporate's by-laws still apply. Some strata schemes have by-laws that restrict or prohibit pets, and these are not overridden by the 2025 amendments. Always check the by-laws before applying for a strata property with a pet.
Need a Pet Resume?
Rental Buddy prepares professional pet resumes as part of our Priority and Ongoing Concierge packages. We know what Sydney property managers and landlords look for, and we present your pet in the best possible light. See our packages to get started.