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Who let the dogs in? Tasmania to remove pet restrictions
Tasmania will become the fifth state to remove blanket pet refusal rules, with landlords required to provide reasonable grounds for denying a tenant's right to keep an animal under legislation to be introduced later this year.
The changes to legislation will come into effect on 20 March 2026 as part of the government’s Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025.
Under the new laws, tenants must lodge a formal pet request, and the landlord must respond within 14 days.
If a landlord believes they have reasonable cause to deny a pet, they must apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal within 14 days to justify their concerns.
The new regulation will require landlords to prove they have legitimate concerns about damage the pet may cause to the property, or that it is a nuisance or poses a safety risk.
Property owners and agents will not be able to reject rental applications just because the applicant intends to keep a pet, but they can place reasonable conditions, such as requiring flea treatment or keeping the pet outside if it is not typically an indoor pet.
While tenants may keep a pet on the premises, they will be responsible for any damage caused by their animal.
The move by the Tasmanian government comes as the state looks to adopt a policy similar to those already introduced in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
In NSW, landlords cannot advertise “no pets” and must respond to pet requests within 21 days; otherwise, the request is automatically approved.
Landlords in Western Australia can deny pet approval only if it would break a law or strata rules, and can set a “pet bond” of up to $260.
Additionally, landlords in the said state can set conditions on the number of animals allowed at the property or on the cleaning, maintenance, or fumigation of the property.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs Guy Barnett said the new changes marked a significant moment for Tasmanian rentals.
“Renters will no longer have to choose between having a place to live and the pet they love.”
“We know that pets are a part of the family,” Barnett concluded.