New South Wales Government to Amend Rental Law, Allowing Tenants to Keep Pets

Release date: 2024-09-24 17:46

Internationality

Guangdong

The New South Wales government in Australia plans to amend the rental law to prohibit landlords from refusing tenants to keep pets without a valid reason. Many people like pets, but under the current rental law in New South Wales, landlords can refuse tenants to keep pets unless they are auxiliary animals.

The state government plans to amend the rental law to make it easier for tenants to keep pets, and the bill will be submitted to the parliament for discussion next month. New South Wales Premier Clemens said: “Landlords can no longer naturally say ‘no’ to pets when conducting rental transactions in New South Wales.”

The authorities are still studying the complete list of reasons for refusing pets, such as possible violations of local government regulations, too many pets, potential damage beyond the contractual relationship, or the pet is considered inappropriate. Landlords can apply to the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal based on relevant reasons.

Clemens promised to relax the regulations on tenants keeping pets during his election last year. However, some owners are worried about the damage that pets may cause, including urine seeping into carpets.

The authorities said the measures can prevent animals from being abandoned and reduce the constraints on domestic violence victims who keep pets when escaping violent relationships.

Tenancy Law Reforms

In addition to pets, the government’s tenancy law reforms also include landlords having to provide tenants with a fee-free rent payment method.

The New South Wales Opposition supports the plan in principle, but hopes to see legislative details as soon as possible.