Pets the big winners in changes to NSW rental laws

Reforms to NSW rental laws are being celebrated by pet parents seeking suitable accommodation. The change comes after years of hardship and heartbreak for those renting with pets, who have long called for a more inclusive and equitable system. 

“Trying to find a rental as a dog owner is a minefield of problems,” says Sergio Smirnov, a tenant in Sydney’s southern suburbs and pet parent of Scampi, a 10-year-old corgi. 

“We all seem to be considered untrustworthy just because we have a pet. You waste a lot of time hunting for the right place only to find out at the inspection that a part of your family isn’t welcome. I’ve had applications rejected because a competing applicant for the same property didn’t own a pet.” 

Pet surrenders at boiling point

Overly restrictive laws surrounding pets in rental properties are a leading cause of pet surrender in NSW. According to RSPCA Australia, a third of the animals it receives are surrendered due to financial hardship. A significant increase in the number of surrendered animals means the state’s shelters are at capacity.  

Between this influx and tepid adoption rates, many of these relinquished pets are at risk of euthanasia to keep numbers down. 

Pet parents who refuse to part with their furry family can experience housing stress and even homelessness in the absence of suitable listings. 

“I’ve been told by building managers to hide my dog during property inspections and make it look as if he didn’t exist,” Sergio says. 

“It’s a very degrading experience.” 

A fairer and easier way

That could change with the introduction of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulation 2025, which is set to have significant consequences for renters with pets in NSW. Among other changes designed to provide greater stability to tenants and certainty to landlords, it’s now much easier to keep a pet in a rental home. 

The new rules, which took effect in May 2025 and apply to leases previously in place, are a win for renting pet parents. Crucially, landlords and agents cannot increase rent or the bond as part of allowing pet ownership and can no longer state in rental property listings that pets aren’t allowed. 

Other changes include: 

Tenants and landlords can now also apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to resolve disputes regarding pet ownership; such options were previously limited. 

The changes bring NSW in line with other Australian states, where pet-friendly rental laws have been in place for longer.  

“It’s overdue, but it’s a good start. I’m glad these changes have been made,” says Sergio.

“Hopefully the new laws result in more property options and reduce the stress around providing our pets with a stable home.” 

With fewer barriers and a clearer, fairer process in place for pet approval, NSW tenants and their pets now have more options and greater autonomy when it comes to finding a home together.