Charging a pet bond
Landlords can charge a pet bond if they have given consent for the tenant to keep a pet at the property. Find out when they can charge a pet bond, what it covers and how much they can charge.
When landlords can charge a pet bond
Landlords can charge a pet bond if:
- the tenant started keeping a pet on or after 1 December 2025
- the landlord has given consent to the tenant to keep that pet
- it is a condition of the landlord’s consent, and
- the bond is clearly identified as a pet bond in documentation and receipts.
Pet bonds cannot be charged for disability assist dogs. Find out more about what can be considered a pet.
If a landlord charges a pet bond when there is no pet being kept at the property, they could receive a penalty of up to $1,500.
Tenants who had a pet before 1 December 2025
Pet bonds came into effect from 1 December 2025. If a tenant started keeping a pet before this date, there are different rules that apply.
What a pet bond covers
A pet bond is used to cover any pet-related damage that is more than fair wear and tear. All tenants named on the tenancy agreement are responsible for paying any pet-related damage.
If the tenant agrees, or it is ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal, it can also be used to cover:
- non-pet-related damage
- rent arrears or
- other tenancy costs.
How much landlords can charge for pet bond
Landlords can charge a maximum of 2 weeks’ rent.
Landlords can only charge 1 pet bond per tenancy. This means if a tenant got consent for 2 or more pets, only 1 pet bond can be charged.
If a landlord charges more than 2 weeks’ rent, they could receive a penalty of up to $3,000.
If the landlord asks for a guarantor
The landlord can also ask the tenant for a guarantor to sign the tenancy agreement. This could be for reasons such as if the tenant:
- is aged 17 or younger
- is a first-time renter without a credit history
- has not had a previous rental with references.
A guarantor is often a parent or guardian.
They are a person who agrees (that is, guarantees) to pay for all outstanding tenancy costs, including unpaid pet-related damage. The guarantor can specify in the guarantor’s agreement what tenancy costs they are not responsible for.
A guarantor must:
- be 18 years and older
- agree to take responsibility if the tenant will not or cannot meet their tenancy requirements. For example, if there is any pet-related damage to the property
- sign the tenancy agreement, and
- be easy to contact if there are issues during the tenancy.
It is important the guarantor understands the tenancy requirements and what they are agreeing to pay for, if required.
Once a landlord charges a pet bond
The tenant needs to pay the bond and the landlord needs to lodge (deposit) it with Tenancy Services.
Related links
Last updated: 01 December 2025
