Pets in Rental Properties

Pets in rental properties are now easier to manage with new Queensland laws. Find out how to protect your property while keeping tenants satisfied.

Changes to Pet Policies in Queensland

As of October 2022, the rules surrounding pets in rental properties have changed significantly under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). These updates mean landlords can no longer have a blanket policy that prohibits pets. Instead, pet requests must be handled on a case-by-case basis, with specific rules to follow.

Key changes include:

• Specific Grounds for Refusal: Landlords can only refuse a pet request for reasons outlined in the legislation, such as inadequate fencing, health risks, or body corporate restrictions.
• Automatic Approval: If landlords fail to respond to a tenant’s pet request within 14 days, the request is automatically approved.
• Reasonable Conditions: While landlords can set conditions for pet ownership, such as professional cleaning requirements, these must comply with the rules set by the legislation.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), “Lessors must have a specific reason under prescribed grounds to refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet—they can no longer say ‘no pets allowed’ or apply a blanket prohibition.” This shift highlights the need for careful management to ensure landlords remain compliant while protecting their properties.

Managing Pets in Rental Properties

Allowing pets in your rental property can have advantages, such as attracting more tenants and encouraging longer leases. However, these benefits come with responsibilities that require a knowledgeable and experienced property manager.

At Cairns Property Collective, we offer services that simplify property management for landlords:

1. Understanding the Legislation
   The updated laws can be complex, and it’s essential to get them right. Our team ensures that you meet Queensland’s tenancy regulations, handling all aspects of pet requests and approvals.
2. Effective Communication
   Responding to pet requests within the required 14 days is important to avoiding automatic approvals. We manage clear and prompt communication with tenants, ensuring expectations are set and agreements are reached professionally.
3. Minimising Risks
   Our team conducts thorough property inspections and ensures any pet-related agreements are comprehensive. This approach helps landlords mitigate potential issues, such as property damage, while fostering positive relationships with tenants.
4. Personalised Service
   Each property and tenant situation is unique, and we take the time to understand your needs. With our local expertise and hands-on approach, we provide solutions tailored to your property.

Considerations for Unit Owners

If your rental property is part of a unit complex, body corporate by-laws still apply. These rules can prohibit or restrict pets, giving unit owners a valid reason to decline pet requests. At Cairns Property Collective, we ensure all by-laws are followed and that both landlords and tenants understand their obligations.

Protecting Your Property

While welcoming pets into your rental property can be beneficial, it’s important to have protective measures in place. We assist with setting clear terms for pet ownership, including agreements for professional cleaning or additional bond payments, to protect your property while keeping tenants happy.

Why Choose Cairns Property Collective?

With decades of experience and deep connections to the Cairns community, our team is uniquely equipped to manage the challenges and opportunities presented by these new rules. 

Our focus is on making property management as straightforward as possible for landlords. We ensure your property is managed with care, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Let Us Manage Your Property

Managing pets in rental properties doesn’t have to be a complicated process. At Cairns Property Collective, we provide the support and expertise you need to make informed decisions while protecting your investment.

Contact us to manage your property and experience a hassle-free approach to property management.

By choosing Cairns Property Collective, you’re partnering with a team that prioritises your success while ensuring your property meets the needs of today’s rental market. Let’s work together to achieve the best outcomes for your investment.