Pets in Rentals: What’s Changing in Tasmania

There’s been a lot of discussion lately about pets in rental properties, and with the Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025 coming into effect on 20 March 2026, it’s understandable that both tenants and landlords have questions.

At Peter Lees Real Estate, we’ve been talking to our clients about these changes — because for tenants, pets are often part of the family, and for landlords, protecting your investment is always a priority. This new legislation aims to strike a fair balance, providing a clear process for requesting, approving, and managing pets in rental homes.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from what counts as a pet, to how the request process works, to responsibilities around damage and conditions.

What Counts as a Pet?

Under the new laws, a pet is generally a domesticated animal. Common examples include:

• Dogs and cats

• Birds

• Small household animals like rabbits or guinea pigs

• Fish kept in home aquariums

It’s important to note that the legislation distinguishes between pets and assistance animals:

• Assistance animals are formally trained and accredited to help a person with a disability — for example, guide dogs or hearing dogs. These animals are legally protected under federal law and do not require consent from landlords or property managers.

• Companion or emotional support animals, like pets kept for separation anxiety, comfort, or wellbeing, are not considered assistance animals and must follow the standard pet application request process.

This distinction helps ensure tenants with genuine support needs can access the help they require, while keeping the approval process fair and clear for other pets.

How Tenants Can Request a Pet

From 20 March 2026, tenants can formally request permission to keep a pet in their rental home. Here’s how it works:

1. Tenants must submit a written request using the approved form, available from their property manager or Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).

2. Dogs must be registered with the local council, and cats must be microchipped.

3. The property owner or agent then has 14 days to provide an outcome.

During that 14-day period, the landlord can:

• Give written consent for the pet

• Refuse the application, but only on reasonable grounds, and by applying to TASCAT for a decision

• Discuss and mutually agree on reasonable conditions for keeping the pet

If the owner or agent does not respond within 14 days, the request is automatically considered approved by law.

Setting Conditions Around Pets

Allowing a pet doesn’t mean there are no expectations. Landlords and tenants can agree on reasonable conditions, which must:

• Relate only to the pet(s) in question

• Be lawful and not conflict with the Residential Tenancy Act

• Be clear and easy to follow

Examples include:

• Professional Regular flea treatments

• Cleaning up after the pet in common areas

• Keeping certain pets outdoors if they are not usually indoor animals

• Providing council registration or breed documentation for dogs

Having clear expectations upfront helps prevent misunderstandings and protects both the tenant and the landlord.

Responsibilities for Pet-Related Damage

One of the biggest concerns landlords have is damage caused by pets. The legislation makes it clear that:

• Tenants remain responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear

• Some landlord insurance policies now cover pet-related damage, which can provide extra reassurance

Tenants should also take care to maintain the property, as with any tenancy, so that pets don’t become a source of conflict.

Assistance Animals Explained

The law treats assistance animals differently:

• An assistance animal is a dog or other animal:

‒ accredited under a law of a State or Territory that provides for the
accreditation of animals trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate
the effect of the disability; or ‒ accredited by an animal training organisation prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this paragraph; or

‒ trained:

• to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability;
  and
  to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an
  animal in a public place.

• Landlords cannot require written consent or impose pet conditions on these animals.

• Animals kept solely for emotional support, companionship, or mental wellbeing do not count as assistance animals and must follow the normal pet request and approval process.

This distinction is crucial — it ensures that tenants with accredited assistance animals get the protection they need, while maintaining a fair framework for all other pets.

Other Key Rules

The legislation also confirms that:

• Dogs over six months must be registered at your local council

• Cats must be microchipped

• Landlords can refuse dangerous dogs without applying to TASCAT

• Existing local council by-laws, strata rules, and other legislation still apply

These rules are designed to ensure that pets are managed responsibly, keeping both tenants and landlords protected.

What Landlords Should Know

For property owners, these changes don’t remove your control — they just provide a structured process:

• Respond to requests within 14 days

• Refusal applications must go through TASCAT for a decision

• Agree on reasonable conditions when possible

• Tenants are responsible for pet-related damage

A knowledgeable property manager can help ensure compliance and make the process much smoother.

What Tenants Should Know

Tenants now have a clear pathway to request pets, but there are still rules:

• You must submit the request using the approved form

• Pets cannot be moved in until consent is granted 

• Follow any reasonable conditions set by the landlord

• Assistance animals must meet formal training and accreditation standards

Following the correct process helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures your pet can legally live in your rental home.

Staying Ahead of Changes

Rental legislation is always evolving, and these changes are designed to create fairness and clarity.

At Peter Lees Real Estate, we work closely with landlords and tenants to make sure everyone knows the rules and the process is smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re a tenant hoping to keep a pet, or a landlord managing requests, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the new pets in rentals legislation, or would like advice about managing your rental property, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.