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Pets and animals in rental properties

Am I allowed to have a pet in a rental property?

A tenant can only have a pet at the property if:

  • the owner has agreed, or
  • it is in the lease.

Guide dogs

This does not apply to a guide dog as defined in the Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs Act 1967.

Who is responsible for damage caused by pets?

If a lease or owner allow for a pet, the tenant is responsible for leaving the property the same way it was at the beginning of the tenancy. This means that any damage the pet does is the tenant’s responsibility. This often includes damage to grassed areas. It also often means the tenant will need to have the property fumigated at the end of the lease. This should be a term of the lease.

Owners and agents are not allowed to charge pet bonds

Where to next

Last updated: 25 Jul 2022

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