How do I get approval for a pet in my rental?
Quick answer first:
From 19th May, 2025 landlords can no longer blanket-refuse pets. Use the NSW Fair Trading pet application form, give clear details about the animal and care arrangements, and send it in writing. Your landlord or agent has 21 days to respond in writing. If they don’t, the pet is automatically approved. Landlords can only refuse for specific valid reasons and cannot charge extra rent or a separate pet bond. These rights are set out in NSW government rental rules and guidance from NSW Fair Trading https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/renting/pets-in-rental-properties.
Most tenants I meet want clarity. They don’t know whether they can ask, what to include in a request, or what happens if the landlord ignores them. Some still see rental ads that say no pets and assume nothing has changed. That confusion leaves people anxious and holding back from asking for what their family needs.
How it is usually approached
Until recently tenants often guessed. They either didn’t ask because they feared refusal or they wrote a short email with little detail and no documentation. Agents sometimes relied on older habits — blanket refusals or adverts saying no pets — which simply aren’t valid now. The classic approach lacked structure and left the 21-day rule unused because people didn’t date and keep copies of their requests.
A clearer way to think about it and the better strategy
Shift your mindset first. Treat a pet request like any formal application: evidence, timelines, and clear communication. That gives you control and removes emotion from the process. Practically, frame your request to answer the landlord’s concerns before they raise them. Show how the pet will be managed, who cares for it, and how you’ll prevent damage.
Step-by-step framework we recommend
- Use the NSW Fair Trading pet application form. This is the standard form landlords expect and it frames the request correctly Fair Trading pets in rental properties.
- Include details of the pet — species, breed, size, temperament, vaccination status and microchip details if available.
- Explain care arrangements — who walks the dog, where it will be kept, and how you’ll prevent nuisance or damage.
- Attach supporting documents — photos, vet records, references from previous landlords or neighbours where possible.
- Send it in writing to your landlord or agent and keep a copy with the date. The 21-day clock starts from when they receive your written request.
Note We act for tenants and owners in Lake Macquarie and see the same concerns day to day. A tidy, evidence-based request not only protects you it reduces the chance of a contested refusal.
What can the landlord do and what they cannot
Here is what the new rules allow and what they forbid. We reference NSW Fair Trading guidance and the Residential Tenancies framework for these points Fair Trading pets guidance and the Residential Tenancies Act provisions as consolidated by NSW legislation Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
| Action | Before 19th May, 2025 | From 19th May, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising ‘no pets’ | Common and permitted in many listings | Prohibited by rental rules guidance and Fair Trading |
| Blanket refusal by landlord | Often accepted practice | Not allowed Refusal must be for a valid specific reason |
| Landlord response time | No statutory 21-day rule widely applied | Landlord must respond in writing within 21 days or pet is approved |
| Charging extra rent or a pet bond | Sometimes requested or charged | Not permitted as a condition of approval |
Valid reasons a landlord can refuse
- The property is unsuitable for the specific pet for reasons that can be explained (for example no secure fencing for a dog).
- The animal poses a health or safety risk to people on the property.
- There are already too many animals on the property.
- A strata by-law expressly prohibits that specific animal type for that strata scheme (note that blanket no-pets by-laws are not valid in the same way as blanket landlord refusals) Fair Trading pets guidance.
Spotlight Assistance animals such as guide dogs do not require approval under these rules They are treated separately and have protections under disability discrimination and other laws.
The 21-day decision flowchart
Presenting the timeline clearly makes it easy to follow. This table shows the key steps and what each party should do.
| Day or period | Action required | Outcome or effect |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 date of written request | Tenant submits the NSW Fair Trading pet application in writing and keeps a copy | Start of 21-day response period |
| Within 21 days | Landlord or agent must respond in writing approve or refuse (with reasons) or approve with reasonable conditions | If landlord responds the decision stands subject to challenge at NCAT if unreasonable |
| After 21 days | No written response from landlord or agent | Pet is automatically approved for the life of that pet at the property |
What happens if your landlord refuses or imposes unreasonable conditions?
If you believe a refusal is not based on the valid grounds above or the conditions are so harsh they effectively prevent you keeping the pet you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal NCAT for a review https://www.ncat.nsw.gov.au/. Keep records of your application, the agent s response and any supporting evidence when you lodge an application. NCAT can overturn unreasonable refusals and set or remove conditions.
Practical scenarios you will recognise
Scenario 1 You want a small indoor cat and your property is a unit with no communal issues Do this Use the Fair Trading form include vet records, show how litter will be managed and offer to have regular professional pest control. Many landlords will approve quickly when you show low risk.
Scenario 2 You want a medium-sized dog for a ground-floor townhouse but there is no fenced yard Do this Explain exercise routines dog-walking arrangements and training plans Offer to install temporary secure fencing if safe and allowed or arrange supervised outdoor time in a nearby park. If the landlord refuses ask for clear written reasons—if they ignore you the 21-day rule works in your favour.
Scenario 3 Strata raises an issue about a specific animal type Do this Check the strata by-laws get the written by-law reference from the owners corporation and compare it to Fair Trading guidance If a by-law specifically bans that species it can be a valid ground but blanket by-laws that try to stop all pets are treated differently and may be contestable.
Practical tip Always keep dated copies of your application and any replies The 21-day clock runs from receipt Having proof removes ambiguity and strengthens your position at NCAT if needed.
Legal clarity and a short disclaimer
This article explains recent NSW rental rules and Fair Trading guidance as at 19th May, 2025 and links to the relevant official pages Fair Trading pets in rental properties Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and NCAT https://www.ncat.nsw.gov.au/. This is general information not legal advice If you need a definitive legal position on your specific circumstances seek legal advice or official assistance from NSW Fair Trading or NCAT.
Wrap up
If you want a pet at your rental start with the Fair Trading form and treat it like a formal application. Be clear, give evidence, and date-stamp everything. If your landlord refuses ask for the reasons in writing and keep a copy. If the refusal looks invalid you can challenge it at NCAT. We re here to help people in Lake Macquarie make these conversations straightforward and fair. When tenants come prepared the whole process is calmer and more likely to end with a positive outcome for your family and your property.
