Some landlords don’t allow pets in their rental properties at all. If they do let the tenant have a pet, they both need to agree on any conditions. Make sure you write these conditions into the tenancy agreement.

Landlords with unit title or cross lease properties should check the conditions of their body corporate rules or leases. There may be restrictions on keeping animals.

If a potential tenant has a pet

Landlords should consider several factors when deciding on a tenant (eg, credit rating and references). Having a pet is only one factor, and may not be a significant one.

If you turn down a tenant because they have a pet, you may be denying yourself a good tenant. Ask the tenant for references from previous landlords on how well behaved the pet was in the past.

Allowing pets as part of the tenancy agreement

If pets are allowed, make sure the tenancy agreement states:

• the number of pets allowed
• the type of pets allowed
• what happens if the tenant wants a new or replacement pet.

Can a landlord charge extra bond for a pet?

The maximum bond a landlord can charge is the equivalent of four weeks rent. You can’t charge any more than this even if you allow a pet.

Charging a bond

If the pet causes any damage

A tenant is responsible for any damage, other than fair wear and tear, they cause either intentionally or carelessly. This includes any damage done by their pets.

Repairs and damages