For many Queenslanders, pets are family. Yet for years, securing a rental property as a pet owner was a frustrating and often unsuccessful experience. That has changed significantly, and if you’re a pet owner looking to rent — or a landlord navigating pet requests — it’s important to understand where the law now stands.
Since October 2022, Queensland landlords have been required to respond to pet requests within 14 days. If no response is provided within that timeframe, approval is considered granted by default. Landlords can only refuse a pet request on reasonable grounds — and the legislation is clear that blanket refusals, without genuine justification, are no longer acceptable.
Reasonable grounds for refusal might include situations where the property is genuinely unsuitable for the type of pet requested — for example, a small apartment with no outdoor space and a request to keep a large dog. However, vague or unsubstantiated refusals will not hold up to scrutiny.
Importantly, landlords cannot charge additional pet rent or demand a higher bond as a condition of approving a pet. The bond remains capped at the equivalent of four weeks’ rent, regardless of whether pets are involved. What a landlord can do is include reasonable conditions in their approval — such as requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy.
One notable exception applies to working dogs. Tenants do not require landlord approval to keep a working dog at a rental property — a recognition of the essential role these animals play in their owners’ lives.
Whether you’re a pet owner searching for a pet-friendly rental or a landlord wanting to handle pet requests correctly, Sapphire Estate Agents Queensland is here to guide you through the process. Contact our team today.
