Tenancy Law Changes 2025 | How does this affect our furry friends

Understanding Pet Consent, Pet Bonds, and Liability for Pet Damage in Rentals

As part of the recent changes to Tenancy Law, there are new provisions regarding pets in rental properties. At i-Rentals we believe it's important to keep both tenants and landlords informed about the upcoming changes. Here’s everything you need to know about pet consent, pet bonds, and pet damage liability in rental properties.

Important: Effective Date of the Provisions

Please note that these provisions will come into effect on a date to be set by Order in Council. Until then, charging a pet bond is prohibited, so landlords cannot ask for a pet bond at this time. Once these provisions come into effect, the following rules will apply:

Key Changes Once Provisions Are Enforced

• Pet Consent in Tenancy Agreements: Tenants will only be allowed to keep a pet in a rental property if their tenancy agreement explicitly permits it, or if they have written consent from their landlord.
• Landlord’s Right to Refuse: Landlords can only refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet based on reasonable grounds.
• Responsibility for Pet Damage: Tenants will be responsible for any pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
• Pet Bonds: Landlords may charge a pet bond of up to no more than two weeks rent (in addition to the general bond) if they consent to a pet being kept in the property.
• Pet Bond as a Condition: If a landlord agrees to allow pets, it is reasonable for them to require a pet bond as part of the agreement.

For more details on what constitutes careless damage and fair wear and tear, you can talk to one of our team.

Impact on Existing Tenancy Agreements

These new rules apply only to tenancies that begin after the provisions take effect. If pets were already agreed upon or were not prohibited in an existing tenancy agreement before the changes come into force, these new provisions will not affect those pets.

Additional Considerations

• Disability Assist Dogs: Disability assist dogs are excluded from the pet consent and pet bond rules. No consent is required for these pets, and landlords cannot charge a pet bond for them.
• Clarifying Bond Types: Tenancy agreements will need to clearly specify which type of bond is being charged - either a general bond or a pet bond. The amount for each bond must also be outlined in the agreement.
• Refund of Pet Bond: If a pet passes away during the tenancy, the pet bond must be refunded. However, if the tenant decides to bring a new pet into the property, the landlord may charge a new pet bond.
• Adjusting Pet Bonds for Rent Changes: If there is a rent increase, the pet bond will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if rent increases by $10 per week and the pet bond is two weeks' rent, the pet bond may need to be topped up by $20 to match the increased rent (just like with the general bond).
• Use of Bonds: The Tenancy Tribunal can decide whether either the general bond or the pet bond can be used to cover costs if those costs exceed the general bond amount.

What’s Next?

Further guidance on pet bonds and consents will be made available to support compliance with pet-related rights and responsibilities at the time the pet provisions are due to commence.

Stay tuned for more information as these provisions come into effect, and feel free to reach out with any questions!

If the new Tenancy Laws are starting to become overwhelming, it might be time to engage a Property Manager! You can contact i-Rentals for a no obligation chat or free appraisal.

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