New pet laws for renters in Queensland are set to introduce a stricter framework for pet approvals and encourage more pet-friendly rental accommodation. Automatic refusals from landlords like 'No pets allowed’ are no longer eligible and they must provide a reason that’s deemed valid by the state government.
Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
The Queensland Government’s Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021 was enacted on Wednesday the 20th of October 2021; amending the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
As of the 1st of October 2022 changes to legislation around renting with pets will be in effect. This framework has been introduced to support further negotiations with tenants and landlords about renting with pets.
Under the new Amendment Bill, the only grounds for refusing pets include the size or security of the property, existing corporate by-laws, if your pet is deemed dangerous or if the animal stated in the request is in fact not considered a pet.
What do the Queensland rental reforms mean for landlords?
Queensland’s new rental laws will ultimately make it harder for landlords to deny pets. From October 1st 2022 landlords can only refuse a request to keep a pet as long as it’s on reasonable grounds.
Landlords must respond to requests for pets in writing within 14 days or consent is implied. Consent may be subject to reasonable conditions and with the amendments to the current Housing Legislation, an increase in rent or a separate pet bond are not considered reasonable conditions.
Does Landlord Insurance cover pet damage?
Generally, landlord insurance will not cover “pet damage” as it is considered fair wear and tear and tenants must be responsible for any damage caused by their pet/s.
If you’re looking for protection against loss or damage to your property, building and any contents you provide for your tenant’s use then Landlord Insurance is something you may want to consider.
With Landlord Insurance, you can also add optional covers like ‘Theft and Malicious Damage by Tenants’ to ensure that you’re protected even if your tenant or their visitors steal from or maliciously damages your property.
If you're a landlord, make sure your property is secure and its condition is well documented before you approve any pets for your rental property.
Learn more about Budget Direct’s Landlord Insurance.
FAQs
As of the 1st of October, 2022, landlords can legally deny pets on reasonable grounds as listed in the Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021. However, landlords are now not able to refuse pets outright without a reason as outlined in the Act.
Landlords can refuse a pet based on:
The size or security of the property
Existing corporate by-laws
If your pet is dangerous e.g the pet is venomous
If the animal stated in the request is not considered a pet.
For more information here’s the full list of grounds for refusing pets in Queensland.
There are a number of different body corporate by-laws related to animals:
If there is no specific by-law about pets then you do not need to ask for permission to keep an animal within your living space.
If there is a permissive by-law about pets then you can request approval by writing to the committee as an owner, occupier, prospective purchaser or occupier. The committee cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request.
If your body corporate has a prohibitive by-law this means that they don’t allow pets and the committee cannot approve an animal that the by-laws prohibit.
