What the 2025 NSW law change actually means for renters with pets
The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Pets) Act 2025 came into effect in NSW and fundamentally changed the rules around keeping pets in rental properties. Before this change, landlords could refuse a pet request without giving any reason. Now, they cannot.
Landlords can only refuse a pet request on specific, prescribed grounds. These include situations where the property is genuinely unsuitable — for example, a strata building with a registered no-pets by-law, a property with no outdoor access for a large dog, or a property where the pet would cause damage that cannot reasonably be remediated. A general preference for "no pets" is no longer a valid reason.
Importantly, pet bonds are banned in NSW. Landlords cannot ask for an additional bond or deposit because you have a pet. The standard bond (maximum 4 weeks rent) applies to all tenants equally, regardless of whether they have a pet.
What this means in practice: the legal barrier to renting with a pet has dropped significantly. But the practical barrier — convincing a landlord or property manager that your pet is low-risk before they even get to the formal request stage — has not. A strong pet resume addresses this before the question is even asked.
What is a pet resume and why does it matter
A pet resume is a one-page document — attached to your rental application — that introduces your pet to the property manager and landlord. It covers your pet's basic details, temperament, training, veterinary history, and any references from previous landlords or neighbours who can vouch for their behaviour.
The purpose is not to be cute. It is to remove uncertainty. A landlord who has never met you or your pet is making a risk assessment. Their concern is not whether your dog is lovable — it is whether your dog will scratch the floorboards, disturb the neighbours, or leave the property in a state that costs them money. A well-structured pet resume answers those concerns directly, with evidence.
In a competitive market where multiple applicants are vying for the same property, a pet resume can be the difference between a landlord choosing the applicant with a pet versus the one without. It signals that you are a responsible, organised tenant who takes their obligations seriously.
What to include — the 8 essential sections
1. Pet details
Name, species, breed, age, weight, and a recent photo. Keep the photo professional — a clear, well-lit image of your pet in a calm setting. Avoid photos that make the animal look large or intimidating, even if they are gentle.
2. Desexed and microchipped status
State whether your pet is desexed and microchipped, and include the microchip number if applicable. In NSW, dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered with your local council. Include your council registration number. This demonstrates compliance and signals responsible ownership.
3. Vaccination and vet records
Include your vet's name and contact details, the date of the most recent check-up, and confirmation that vaccinations are current. A brief statement from your vet confirming the animal is healthy and well-cared-for carries significant weight.
4. Training and temperament
Describe your pet's temperament honestly and specifically. "Friendly and well-behaved" is not useful. "Completed a 6-week obedience course at [trainer name], responds reliably to basic commands, low-energy indoors, no history of aggression or separation anxiety" is useful. If your pet has completed any formal training, name the course and the trainer.
5. Living arrangements
Explain where the pet will spend most of their time — indoors, outdoors, or a combination. If applying for a property with outdoor space, describe how the pet will use it. If the pet will be indoors while you are at work, describe any arrangements you have made to manage separation anxiety or noise (a dog walker, a crate, a pet camera).
6. Previous rental history with the pet
If you have rented with this pet before, state the address, the duration of the tenancy, and the outcome. "Rented at [address] for 2 years with [pet name]; bond returned in full; property left in original condition" is a powerful statement. Include a reference from the previous property manager if possible.
7. References
Include at least two references who can speak to your pet's behaviour: a previous landlord or property manager, a neighbour from a previous address, a vet, a dog trainer, or a boarding kennel. Provide their name, relationship to you, and contact details. References from people who have lived near or managed your pet are more persuasive than character references from friends.
8. Your commitment statement
A brief, direct statement of your obligations as a pet owner: you will ensure the pet does not cause damage beyond fair wear and tear, you will address any noise complaints promptly, you will keep the outdoor areas clean, and you will comply with any reasonable conditions in the lease. This is not legally binding — it is a signal of intent.
A real pet resume template you can use today
The following template is designed for the Australian rental market. Replace the bracketed fields with your own details. Keep the total length to one page — two at most if you have multiple pets.
How to mention your pet in the cover letter
Do not hide your pet in the application and hope the landlord doesn't notice. Transparency is the single most important factor in a pet-owner's application. Landlords who discover a pet after approving an application — through a neighbour's complaint or an inspection — are far more likely to issue a breach notice than landlords who knew about the pet from the start.
In your cover letter, mention your pet in the introduction — where you describe your household — and reference the attached pet resume. Keep it brief: one or two sentences. The pet resume does the heavy lifting; the cover letter simply flags that it exists.
Example paragraph for your cover letter:
"Our household consists of myself and my partner, both working full-time in [suburb]. We also have one small dog, [name] — a [breed], desexed and microchipped, with a calm indoor temperament. We have attached a full pet resume including vet details, training records, and a reference from our previous property manager."
Grounds for refusal — and how to address them proactively
Under the 2025 NSW amendments, a landlord can only refuse a pet request on specific grounds. Knowing these grounds allows you to address them before the question is raised.
| Valid refusal ground | How to address it proactively |
|---|---|
| Strata by-law prohibiting pets | Check the strata by-laws before applying. If pets are prohibited, the landlord cannot override this — do not apply. |
| Property has no suitable outdoor space for the pet | Describe your exercise routine and how the pet's needs will be met without relying on the property's outdoor space. |
| Pet is a type not permitted under local council rules | Confirm your pet is a permitted species and breed in the local government area. Include council registration as evidence. |
| Landlord has a documented allergy to the pet type | This is rare and difficult to address proactively. If raised, offer to discuss reasonable conditions. |
| Pet would cause damage that cannot be remediated | Provide evidence of your pet's track record — previous rental references, bond return history, and training records. |
The 5 most common mistakes
- Not disclosing the pet at all. Hiding a pet is the fastest way to lose a tenancy. Landlords and property managers find out — through inspections, neighbours, or council registration checks. Disclose upfront, every time.
- Using vague language. "He's really friendly" and "she never causes problems" are not evidence. Replace every vague claim with a specific fact: training records, vet notes, a reference from a previous landlord.
- Submitting a pet resume that's too long. One page is the target. Two pages is the maximum. A three-page document signals poor judgment about what matters to a property manager.
- Forgetting to include a photo. A clear, calm photo of your pet makes the document feel real and personal. It also shows the landlord the actual size and appearance of the animal, which removes a common source of anxiety.
- Not getting a reference from the previous property manager. This is the single most persuasive piece of evidence in a pet resume. If you have rented with this pet before, contact your previous property manager and ask for a brief written reference. Most will provide one.
Pre-submission checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm each of the following:
- Pet is mentioned in the cover letter with a reference to the attached pet resume
- Pet resume is one page (two pages maximum for multiple pets)
- Clear, recent photo of the pet is included
- Microchip number and council registration number are listed
- Vet clinic name, vet name, and phone number are included
- Vaccination status is confirmed as current
- Training history is described with specific details (course name, trainer, year)
- Living and exercise arrangements during working hours are explained
- Previous rental reference is included (if applicable)
- At least two references with contact details are listed
- Commitment statement is included
- Pet resume is saved as a PDF and named clearly (e.g. PetResume_[PetName].pdf)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a pet resume if the listing says 'pets considered'?
'Pets considered' means the landlord is open to the idea but has not committed. A pet resume is exactly what converts 'considered' into 'approved.' Without one, you are relying on the landlord's goodwill rather than giving them a reason to say yes.
Can a landlord charge a higher bond because I have a pet in NSW?
No. Under the 2025 NSW amendments, pet bonds are prohibited. The standard bond — a maximum of 4 weeks rent — applies to all tenants equally, regardless of whether they have a pet.
What if the listing says 'no pets'?
Under NSW law, 'no pets' in a listing is not legally binding for new tenancies. You can still apply and submit a pet resume. The landlord must respond to a formal pet request within 21 days and can only refuse on prescribed grounds. That said, applying to a 'no pets' listing is a harder sell — your pet resume needs to be particularly strong.
Does the 21-day rule apply to my initial application?
The 21-day rule applies to formal pet requests made by existing tenants. For new applications, you are in a competitive process — the landlord is choosing between applicants, not responding to a formal request. A pet resume is how you make the case before the lease is signed.
My pet is a cat. Do I still need a pet resume?
Yes. Cats are often perceived as lower-risk than dogs, but landlords still have concerns about scratching, odour, and damage to carpets. A brief, well-structured pet resume for a cat is just as effective and takes less time to prepare.
What if I've never rented with this pet before?
If you don't have a previous rental reference for your pet, lean harder on vet records, training documentation, and character references from people who know your pet well — a boarding kennel, a dog trainer, or a long-term neighbour. Acknowledge the absence of a rental reference directly and explain why it's not available.
Can Rental Buddy help me prepare a pet resume?
Yes. Our Priority Pack includes preparation of a pet resume as part of the complete application package. We review your pet's details, structure the document to address the most common landlord concerns, and format it consistently with the rest of your application.
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Let us prepare your pet resume and full application
Our Priority Pack includes a professionally prepared pet resume, cover letter, supporting documents, and 24-hour turnaround (business days). You review everything before submitting — we never submit on your behalf.
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