Pet-friendly rentals are in high demand across Australia, but many landlords remain hesitant. The 2026 Australian Renter Survey, produced by CBRE Research with REA Group, found that pet-friendly accommodation ranks as one of the top three building amenities renters prioritise, alongside security and parking. Despite this demand, only around 15 to 20 per cent of rental listings are advertised as pet-friendly, and these properties often rent faster and at a premium.
For landlords of furnished rentals, the decision to allow pets involves balancing tenant demand against potential wear and tear, insurance implications, and strata rules. This article explains what the data shows, what the law requires in 2026, and how landlords can mitigate risk while capturing this growing segment of the rental market.
Pet-friendly demand is strong and growing
The demand for pet-friendly rentals is not just anecdotal. National surveys show that nearly half of Australian renters either have a pet or are planning to get one, and many are actively seeking properties that allow animals. In July 2025, a national survey found that only 15.91 per cent of advertised rentals were pet-friendly, and these properties commanded a 7.51 per cent rent premium over non-pet-friendly listings.
Canberra has emerged as the most pet-friendly capital city for renters, with three suburbs making the top five nationally for pet-friendly rental listings. This reflects a broader trend where renters are prioritising everyday essentials such as pet-friendly terms, parking, and security over lifestyle amenities like gyms and co-working spaces.
For landlords, this means that allowing pets can expand the pool of potential tenants, reduce vacancy, and potentially support a higher weekly rent. However, it also requires careful consideration of property suitability, insurance coverage, and damage mitigation.
Pet laws vary by state in 2026
Australia does not have a single national rule on pets in rentals. The laws differ significantly by state and territory, and landlords need to understand the rules that apply to their property.
In Victoria and the ACT, landlords can no longer include blanket no-pet clauses in leases. Tenants can request to keep a pet, and landlords must apply to the relevant tribunal to refuse on specific grounds, such as the property being genuinely unsuitable for the animal or strata by-laws prohibiting pets.
In Queensland, landlords can still refuse a pet request, but only on reasonable grounds set out in legislation, and they must respond within 14 days.
In New South Wales, whether a pet may be kept can depend on the tenancy agreement, the property, applicable strata by-laws, and current state law. Landlords and renters should check NSW Fair Trading guidance before agreeing to or refusing a pet request.
In Western Australia, landlords can charge a separate pet bond of up to $350 to cover pet-related damage and fumigation. This is the only state that permits an additional pet bond.
Tasmanian pet rules are subject to state tenancy legislation and should be checked against current Consumer, Building and Occupational Services guidance before a request is approved or refused.
In the Northern Territory and South Australia, landlords still have broader ability to prohibit pets via the tenancy agreement, though reform is under consideration in some states.
Pet rules vary significantly across Australia. In some jurisdictions, renters can make a formal pet request and a landlord may need a prescribed reason or tribunal order to refuse. In others, the agreement and applicable tenancy law may give landlords greater discretion. Always check the current rules in the state or territory where the property is located.
Pet damage is not fair wear and tear
Damage caused by a pet is generally not treated as fair wear and tear. However, any claim must be supported by evidence, reflect the actual loss, and follow the bond or dispute process that applies to the agreement and jurisdiction. Detailed entry and exit condition reports, photos, invoices, and communication records are important.
Landlords can claim for pet damage from the bond at the end of the tenancy, provided the damage is documented in the condition report and supported by photos and invoices. In Western Australia, the pet bond can be used specifically for pet-related damage and fumigation.
It is important to note that in most states, additional pet bonds are prohibited. Only Western Australia allows a separate pet bond. In all other states, landlords must rely on the standard bond and tenant liability for damage.
Insurance considerations for pet-friendly furnished rentals
Landlord-insurance policies vary widely. Some policies may cover certain tenant or pet-related damage, while others exclude it, impose limits, require particular endorsements, or exclude gradual deterioration, odour, infestation, poor maintenance, and wear and tear. Landlords should read the current product disclosure statement and policy wording, and ask their insurer whether pets, furnished items, loss of rent, and accidental or malicious damage are covered.
Common exclusions include intentional damage by the tenant or their guests, damage from certain types of animals such as large dogs or exotic pets, and wear and tear, odours, or flea infestations.
Some insurers offer pet damage cover as an optional extra, while others include it in comprehensive landlord policies. Landlords should also check whether their policy covers loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable due to pet damage.
It is important to note that insurance is not a substitute for a well-documented condition report and bond claim process. Insurers may require evidence of damage, quotes for repairs, and proof that the tenant was notified of their responsibilities.
How landlords can mitigate pet-related risk
Allowing pets does not mean accepting unlimited risk. Landlords can take practical steps to protect their property while accommodating pet-owning tenants.
Assess the property's suitability. A property with a small courtyard, no fencing, or close neighbours may not be suitable for a large or active dog. A ground-floor apartment with carpet throughout may be more prone to damage than a house with tiled floors.
Set clear expectations in the pet request approval. Landlords can specify conditions such as the number and type of pets allowed, requirements for flea treatment at the end of the tenancy, and expectations for garden maintenance.
Conduct thorough condition reports. Document the property's condition at move-in with detailed photos, noting any existing scratches, stains, or wear. Repeat this at the exit inspection to identify new damage.
A landlord should only include cleaning, fumigation, or flea-treatment requirements where they are permitted by the applicable law and justified by the agreement, property condition, and circumstances. In Western Australia, a separate pet bond can be used for pet-related damage and fumigation under the relevant rules. In other jurisdictions, landlords should obtain current local guidance before imposing a blanket professional-treatment requirement.
Consider pet-friendly furnishings. Choose durable, easy-to-clean furniture and flooring. Avoid delicate fabrics or expensive carpets in properties where pets are allowed.
Maintain open communication with tenants. Encourage tenants to report any pet-related damage early so it can be addressed before it worsens.
Where EzyFlats fits
EzyFlats can support landlords who choose to consider pet-friendly stays through a structured application, agreement, and condition-report process. Renters complete verification steps as part of the application process, and digital agreements can record any agreed pet terms. Item-by-item photo condition reports help document the property and furnishings at move-in and move-out.
These processes do not replace the landlord’s responsibility to assess the property, comply with applicable tenancy and strata rules, and review insurance coverage before approving a pet
The practical takeaway for landlords
Pet-friendly rentals are in high demand and can reduce vacancy, attract quality tenants, and potentially support a higher weekly rent. However, landlords need to understand the pet laws in their state, assess their property's suitability, and take steps to mitigate damage risk.
Key actions include checking the pet laws in your state and understanding when you can refuse a pet request, reviewing your landlord insurance policy to confirm what pet-related damage is covered, conducting thorough condition reports with photos at move-in and move-out, setting clear pet conditions in the approval including flea treatment and garden maintenance, and choosing durable, easy-to-clean furnishings for pet-friendly properties.
Allowing pets is not the right choice for every property, but for landlords who are prepared, it can be a way to capture a growing segment of the rental market while managing risk responsibly.
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Pet laws, bond rules, and insurance coverage vary by state and territory and may change over time. Landlords should check current guidance from their state or territory consumer or fair-trading authority, review their insurance policy wording, and seek appropriate advice before approving a pet request.