Blanket bans on pets in Tasmanian rental properties are over from today, with new laws giving tenants a legal right to request a pet and requiring landlords to justify any refusal through a tribunal.
The Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025 took effect on March 20, making Tasmania the fifth jurisdiction to scrap blanket “no pets” clauses, following NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.
Under the changes, tenants must submit a formal written pet request to their landlord, who then has 14 days to approve, set reasonable conditions or lodge a refusal with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).
If a landlord fails to respond within that window, the request is automatically approved.
Consumer Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said when the bill passed parliament in November that the reform delivered an important right for renters.
“Renters shouldn’t have to choose between having a place to live and the pet they love,” he said.
“The bill strikes the right balance and I thank animal lovers and the real estate industry for working with government on this bill.”
Landlords can still refuse a request, but only on reasonable grounds such as potential nuisance, property damage or safety risks.
Separate pet bonds remain banned in Tasmania, though tenants are liable for any damage their animals cause.
RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins said in February the reform addressed a persistent problem driving pet surrenders.
“For too long, RSPCA Tasmania has seen people surrender much-loved pets simply because they could not find a rental that would accept them,” she said.
The Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania said up to 15% of dogs surrendered to its service in recent times were given up because of rental restrictions.
The Tenants’ Union of Tasmania said in November that tenants with pets could still face discrimination at the application stage before a lease is signed.
The state government has released guidance materials through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services ahead of the changes.
A broader review of the Residential Tenancy Act is also planned for 2026.
