Thinking of adding a furry (or feathered) friend to your home? You’re not alone. With more people choosing apartment and strata living, the desire to live with pets has never been stronger, and the laws are finally starting to reflect that. Whether you’re a tenant, owner, or strata committee member, here’s what you need to know to make pet-friendly living easier for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- New NSW laws make it easier for renters and strata residents to keep pets.
- Landlords and strata can no longer enforce blanket “no pets” bans.
- Reasonable by-laws and pet management still apply—respect for neighbours is key.
NSW Rental Laws for Pets in 2025
(From 19 May 2025)
Recent changes to tenancy laws have made it clearer and fairer for pet owners renting in NSW. Here’s what’s new:
- Landlords must respond in writing within 21 days of receiving a request to keep a pet.
- No response? It’s considered approved. Silence equals consent.
- Refusals must meet strict criteria — for example, if the property isn’t pet-safe, if there are already too many animals on site, or if allowing the pet would breach an existing strata by-law.
- A blanket “no pets” stance in rental ads is now prohibited.
- Once approved, pets can stay — for good. Even if the landlord or agent changes.
These reforms are designed to provide more stability and clarity for renters and to support more inclusive, pet-friendly communities across NSW.
For more information, please visit the
NSW Government’s page on pets in rentals.
Pets and Strata By-Laws
In strata communities, the focus is on balancing pet ownership with community harmony. Buildings can still have by-laws that set expectations for pets, but they must be reasonable and a blanket ban is no longer enforceable.
At Jamesons, we help owners corporations create clear, fair pet by-laws that work for both pet owners and their neighbours. Here’s what strata committees and residents should keep in mind:
- Pets can be required to be quiet, secure, and well-behaved.
- Conditions can include cleaning up after pets and minimising disruption in common areas.
- By-laws must be applied consistently and reasonably. They’re not a tool to say “no” to every pet.
Put simply, pet ownership in strata is allowed, it just needs to be well managed, with respect for the people (and animals) who share the space. If you’re unsure about your building’s rules, check your strata by-laws or contact your Strata Manager.
Best Pets for Apartment & Strata Living
If you’re considering a pet, think about what suits your lifestyle and your space. Some popular strata-friendly companions include:
- Small dogs
- Indoor cats
- Birds, fish, or reptiles (as long as secure and silent)
- Older rescue pets who are calmer in shared spaces
Your strata manager can help you check if there are any specific conditions or application forms for your building. We recommend having that chat before you bring your new companion home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a pet in a rental in NSW?
Can I have a pet in a rental in NSW?
Yes. Your landlord must respond within 21 days, and they can only refuse on limited, legally valid grounds.
Can landlords or strata say no to pets?
Can landlords or strata say no to pets?
Landlords can only refuse with valid reasons. Strata schemes cannot ban all pets but may have reasonable conditions (e.g. size, noise, use of common areas).
Do I need to tell strata if I get a pet?
Do I need to tell strata if I get a pet?
Yes. Most strata schemes require written approval or notification. It’s best to check the building’s by-laws or speak with your strata manager first.
What if a neighbour’s pet is causing issues?
What if a neighbour’s pet is causing issues?
Pets must comply with strata by-laws. If there’s ongoing barking, aggressive behaviour, or damage to common property, your strata manager can step in to help resolve it.
What are the steps to apply for a pet in strata?
What are the steps to apply for a pet in strata?
Check your building’s by-laws, fill out any required forms, and submit your request to the strata committee. Learn more about the pet application process here.
Final Thought
Pets bring joy, comfort, and connection and with thoughtful by-laws and open communication, they can thrive in strata and rental communities. If you’re a committee member looking to review your building’s by-laws, or a resident unsure where to start, we’re here to help.
At Jamesons, we believe in building communities where people and pets feel truly at home.
Get in touch today
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