In NSW, most tenants need their landlord’s consent before keeping a pet. The landlord generally has 21 days to respond to a standard pet application and can refuse only for specified reasons. If they do not respond in time, the pet is automatically approved without conditions. Different deadlines can protect tenants who apply within seven days of starting a new tenancy.

Not legal advice: This guide covers NSW residential tenancies, not other states or territories. Strata approval, council requirements and assistance-animal rights can involve separate rules. Use the official links below for your situation.

The short answer: can tenants have pets in NSW?

Yes, but most tenants must obtain consent first. The main landlord-consent rules began on 19 May 2025, not October 2026. Tenants use the NSW Government’s standard pet application form, and landlords must respond using the same form.

You do not need landlord consent for an assistance animal. Tenants who have already received consent for a pet do not need to apply again for that same pet while it lives at the property.

NSW pet-application deadlines at a glance

Situation What happens
Existing tenancy, no pet approval yet Apply before bringing the pet to the property
New tenancy, apply within 7 days after entering the agreement You may keep your pet at the property while awaiting the written response
Landlord response deadline 21 days after the landlord receives the application
No response within 21 days Pet is automatically approved without conditions
New tenancy refusal after a timely application Pet may stay for 21 days after you receive the refusal
You challenge that refusal within those 21 days Pet may stay while the Tribunal considers the application
Tribunal dismisses or you withdraw that challenge A further 21 days applies before the pet must be removed
General Tribunal dispute deadline after receiving a response Apply within 28 days unless the Tribunal grants an extension

The special permission to keep a pet while awaiting or challenging a decision applies to eligible new-tenancy applications made within seven days. It should not be assumed to apply to every existing tenancy. Keep proof of when you entered the agreement and when the landlord received your form.

How to apply to keep a pet in a NSW rental

1. Check the property and your situation

Consider whether the property can safely and humanely accommodate the animal. Check fencing, space, access to shade and water, stairs, balconies and the pet’s needs. Also check council registration, microchipping, licensing or local animal rules.

If the home is in a strata scheme, read the by-laws. You may need both landlord consent and separate owners-corporation approval. One does not automatically replace the other.

2. Complete the standard form

Fill in section A of the NSW pet application form. Make sure every tenant named on the tenancy agreement signs it. Give it to the landlord or their agent and keep a complete copy.

Official resource: NSW Government pet-application information and form.

3. Build a concise evidence pack

The standard form is the essential document. A short supporting pack can answer practical concerns without flooding the agent with irrelevant information:

  • the pet’s species, breed, age, size and a clear photo;
  • desexing, microchip, registration and vaccination records where applicable;
  • parasite-prevention and veterinary details where relevant;
  • a previous landlord or property-manager reference;
  • how you will manage toileting, barking, scratching, waste and outdoor access;
  • any training, day-care, walking or pet-sitter arrangements; and
  • how you will prevent and address property damage.

Do not offer an extra bond, higher rent or a separate security payment. NSW guidance says these cannot be required as conditions of pet consent.

4. Record delivery and dates

Send the form in a way you can later verify. Keep the email, attachment, delivery receipt or agent acknowledgement. Record:

  • the date you entered the tenancy agreement, if it is new;
  • the date the landlord or agent received the application;
  • the 21-day response date; and
  • any later refusal, condition or dispute deadlines.

5. Read the response carefully

The landlord completes section B and returns it. If consent includes conditions, they must be listed. If the application is refused, the landlord must provide the reason and explain why it applies.

Can a landlord refuse pets in NSW?

A landlord cannot refuse simply because they prefer a blanket “no pets” policy. NSW guidance limits refusal to specified grounds. These include circumstances where:

  • keeping the animal would result in an unreasonable number of animals at the property;
  • the property is unsuitable—for example, inappropriate fencing, insufficient open space, or conditions that would prevent the animal being kept humanely;
  • likely damage would cost more to repair than the rental bond;
  • the landlord lives at the property and does not want to live with the animal;
  • keeping the animal would breach another law, a council order, an applicable strata by-law or community rule; or
  • the tenant does not agree to a reasonable condition.

The facts matter. A refusal should explain why the ground applies to the particular animal and property. If you disagree, you can seek information or dispute assistance rather than assuming the refusal is final.

What conditions can a landlord require?

Conditions must be reasonable and relate to keeping the animal at the property. Examples discussed in NSW guidance include:

  • keeping an animal outdoors only when it is a type not usually kept indoors;
  • professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy where appropriate for the animal and property; and
  • professional fumigation where the animal lives indoors and is a mammal.

A condition that makes no sense for the animal—such as carpet cleaning because of a goldfish—may not be reasonable. Conditions should not improperly control everyday life, interfere with quiet enjoyment or conflict with tenancy and inspection laws.

A landlord cannot require higher rent, an increased bond, insurance or another form of security as a condition of allowing the pet.

Moving into a new NSW rental with a pet

You can request consent before signing. That is often the simplest approach because it gives everyone clarity before moving day.

You can also apply after entering the agreement. If the landlord receives your application within seven days after you enter into the tenancy agreement, NSW guidance allows your pet to stay at the property while you wait for the written decision.

If the landlord refuses, the pet does not have to leave immediately. You have 21 days after receiving that response. If you apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal within that period to challenge the refusal, the pet can remain while the application is considered. If the challenge is dismissed or withdrawn, a further 21 days applies before removal.

If you miss the initial seven-day application window, you need consent before keeping the pet at the property.

What if the property is in a strata scheme?

Check the by-laws before applying. Where strata approval is required:

  1. follow the owners-corporation application process;
  2. complete the separate landlord pet application;
  3. submit both as early as possible; and
  4. wait for both approvals before bringing the pet, where required.

The tenant can apply directly to the owners corporation. The landlord does not have to submit the strata application for them. By-laws and the reasons an owners corporation can refuse are a separate issue from the landlord’s consent process.

How to dispute a refusal or unreasonable condition

Start with a constructive written conversation. Ask the landlord or agent to clarify the evidence behind the refusal or condition and provide any documents that address their concern.

NSW Fair Trading can provide information and may help facilitate the conversation. If the issue remains unresolved, a tenant can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Generally, the application must be made within 28 days of receiving the landlord’s response, unless the Tribunal grants an extension.

The Tribunal can allow the pet, or remove, change or replace an unreasonable condition. New-tenancy applicants should also track the separate 21-day protection periods described above.

Before lodging, organise:

  • the tenancy agreement and any relevant by-laws;
  • the submitted application and supporting evidence;
  • proof of submission and response dates;
  • the landlord’s completed response;
  • correspondence about the refusal or condition; and
  • photographs or other evidence about the property and the animal.

After approval: your continuing responsibilities

Consent for a pet generally lasts for that pet’s life at the property, even if the landlord, agent or agreement changes. You need new consent when moving to a different property.

Normal tenancy responsibilities still apply. Tenants must not cause or allow a nuisance, interfere with neighbours’ reasonable peace, comfort and privacy, or intentionally or negligently damage the property. Reasonable pet conditions also need to be followed.

Ask before making physical changes such as installing pet doors, fencing or balcony fittings. NSW guidance says landlords must not unreasonably refuse changes that are minor in nature, but major changes need discussion and agreement.

Before submitting, confirm:

  • [ ] I used the current NSW standard pet application form.
  • [ ] Every tenant on the agreement signed section A.
  • [ ] The animal and property details are accurate.
  • [ ] I checked council requirements and any strata by-laws.
  • [ ] I included a short, relevant pet evidence pack.
  • [ ] I did not offer extra rent, bond or another security payment.
  • [ ] I kept a complete copy and proof of delivery.
  • [ ] I recorded the seven-day new-tenancy deadline where relevant.
  • [ ] I calculated the 21-day response and any applicable dispute deadlines.

Next step: Download Zookie’s NSW pet-application checklist and consent-request email template, then verify your dates against the current NSW Government guidance.

For help making the home safer and more manageable once approved, read our Australian apartment pet guide, dog enrichment guide and cat enrichment guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are pets allowed in NSW rentals?

They can be, but most tenants need the landlord’s consent first. The landlord has 21 days to respond and can refuse only for specified reasons. Assistance animals do not require landlord consent.

Can a landlord evict a NSW tenant just for asking for a pet?

The pet-consent process is separate from the rules for ending a tenancy. Do not assume a notice is valid or invalid without checking its facts. Contact NSW Fair Trading, a tenant advice service or a qualified legal professional promptly if you receive a termination notice.

What happens if my landlord ignores the pet application?

If the landlord does not respond within 21 days after receiving the application, NSW guidance says the pet is automatically approved without conditions. Keep evidence showing when the landlord or agent received it.

Can a NSW landlord charge a pet bond or increase the rent?

No. NSW guidance says landlords cannot require an increased bond, higher rent or another form of security as a condition of pet consent.

Possibly. Check the strata by-laws. If they require approval, that process is separate and additional to the landlord’s consent.

Can I bring my pet home while waiting for an answer?

Only in the specific circumstances covered by the rules. For a new tenancy, applying within seven days after entering the agreement allows the pet to stay while awaiting the written response. In other situations, obtain consent before keeping the pet at the property.

Does pet approval transfer to my next rental?

No. Approval relates to that pet at that property. Apply again when you move.

Official sources

General NSW information current to the source check on 31 October 2026. Laws, forms and procedures can change. Obtain tenancy-law review before publication and individual legal or tenant-advice support for a dispute. This article is not legal advice.