Landlord Won’t Let You Have a Pet? Your Rights State by State

You asked if you could get a dog. The agent replied within four minutes: “Owner says no pets.” No reason. No discussion. Just no.

A few years ago that was the end of it. Not anymore. In most of Australia, a landlord now needs a real reason to refuse a pet, and “I don’t like animals” is not one.

The rules in your state

• Victoria: Since 2020, you ask in writing using the official form. The landlord has 14 days to apply to VCAT to refuse. If they don’t, the pet is approved by default. VCAT only refuses if the landlord shows it is reasonable (for example, a large dog in a tiny apartment with no outdoor space).
• Queensland: Since October 2022, you ask in writing. The landlord has 14 days to respond. If they say no, they must give a valid reason from a list in the Act. Silence equals approval. They can attach reasonable conditions (like carpet cleaning at the end).
• Australian Capital Territory: Since 2019, you ask in writing. The landlord has 14 days to refuse and must apply to ACAT to do so. Otherwise, the pet is approved.
• Northern Territory: Since 2021, you ask in writing. The landlord has 14 days to refuse and must apply to NTCAT. Otherwise approved.
• South Australia: Since July 2024, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet. You ask in writing. They must respond within 14 days with a valid reason if refusing.
• New South Wales: New laws commenced in 2025 under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 amendments. Landlords can only refuse on specific grounds listed in the Act and must respond within 21 days. No response means approval.
• Western Australia: From July 2024, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets. They have 14 days to respond and must apply to the Commissioner to refuse.
• Tasmania: Since 20 March 2026, you ask using the approved form. The landlord has 14 days to refuse and must apply to TASCAT to do so. Otherwise, the pet is approved.

What is a “valid reason” to refuse?

Where landlords need a reason, the Acts typically allow refusal if:

• The property is unsuitable (no fencing for a large dog, for example).
• The animal would breach strata by-laws (though blanket strata pet bans are now largely invalid too).
• The animal is dangerous or would cause unreasonable damage.
• The landlord lives at the property and is allergic.

Not valid: “we don’t allow pets,” “the last tenant’s dog was a nightmare,” or “it might reduce the value.”

Assistance animals

A landlord cannot refuse an assistance animal anywhere in Australia. It is disability discrimination under federal law. This is not a “pet” request. You inform them; you do not ask.

How to push back on a “no”

1. Make a proper written request. Use your state’s form if there is one. Describe the animal, its size, age, training and whether it will be inside or outside.
2. Note the deadline. If the landlord misses the 14 days (or 21 in New South Wales), the request is approved. Tell them so, in writing.
3. Ask for the reason. If they refuse, demand the specific reason and the section of the Act they are relying on.
4. Challenge it. If the reason is weak or missing, apply to your state tribunal.

Don’t just accept it

Most agents still tell tenants “no pets” out of habit. Many don’t know the law has changed. A formal request that quotes the right section of the Act and states the deadline changes the conversation fast.

Claim Done drafts your Pet Request Letter for $29. Done in about 5 minutes.