Pets in NSW Rental Properties: A Look at This Year’s Reforms
Pets are one of the biggest factors tenants consider when choosing a rental property. As more people treat pets as family members, landlords across NSW are increasingly facing pet requests. Recent legal changes have altered the balance between landlord control and tenant rights. If you own an investment property, here’s exactly what you need to know about pets in rental properties NSW in 2025.
The Law as It Stands in 2025
As of 19 May 2025, NSW introduced major reforms making it easier for tenants to keep pets in rental homes. According to NSW Fair Trading, tenants must get consent to keep an animal, except an assistance animal. The landlord must respond to the application within 21 days. If no response is given, the pet is automatically approved without conditions.
The new law removes blanket no-pet policies, including those previously allowed by strata schemes. Owners corporations can no longer apply a blanket ban on pets. However, tenants still require permission from both landlords and, where applicable, strata management. Landlords may only refuse pet requests for specific, allowable reasons, such as the property being unsuitable for the type or size of animal.
What Landlords Can and Can’t Do
Landlords retain some important rights under the new laws:
You can request detailed pet applications, including information about the animal’s breed, age, temperament, and care arrangements.
You can refuse consent if you have valid grounds (for example, if the property is not suitable for large dogs, or if specific animals pose a serious risk to the premises).
You cannot have a blanket 'no pets' policy without justification.
You cannot increase the bond or charge extra rent as a condition of approving a pet.
If a landlord refuses the request or applies unreasonable conditions, the tenant has the right to dispute it via the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The Risks (And How to Manage Them)
Allowing pets does carry some concerns for landlords: property damage, noise complaints, nuisance to neighbours, or increased wear and tear. However, these risks can be managed effectively:
Include strong, clear pet clauses in the tenancy agreement outlining tenant responsibilities for cleanliness, repairs, and noise control.
Ensure your landlord insurance includes specific cover for pet-related damage.
Conduct thorough routine inspections to catch issues early.
Greycliffe Property ensures all pet requests undergo careful screening, including assessing the type of property, the animal’s suitability, and tenant history. With proactive management, these risks can be minimised.
The Upside of Allowing Pets
While pets might seem like added risk, they can actually improve your rental investment. Allowing pets often:
Expands your potential tenant pool.
Results in longer tenancies. Tenants with pets typically stay longer due to fewer rental options.
Creates stronger landlord-tenant relationships when tenants feel accommodated and respected.
In a competitive rental market like the Northern Beaches, pet-friendly properties often attract excellent, long-term tenants.
How Greycliffe Manages Pet Applications
At Greycliffe Property, we guide our landlords through every pet request:
We require full pet applications from tenants, ensuring transparency.
We help you assess whether the pet is appropriate for your property.
We include tailored pet conditions in the tenancy agreement.
We conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and address concerns early.
Our proactive systems ensure landlords remain in control while still accommodating responsible pet owners.
Pets Don’t Have to Mean Higher Risk
Allowing pets in NSW rental properties doesn't have to mean higher risk, with the right approach. In fact, it can result in longer tenancies, stronger relationships, and consistent returns.
Wondering how to manage requests for pets in your investment property? Contact us at Greycliffe Property today so we can help you handle the rules, protect your property, and keep your tenants satisfied and your property protected.