By Karl Hoerr -
People who rent their home and want to live with a pet, will face fewer barriers, under new legislation planned by the NSW Government.
The government says it received more than 16,000 submissions and survey responses on the issue, suggesting it was still too hard for renters to have pets in their homes.
Pet ownership will be incorporated in an upcoming rental bill and the government says the new laws will bring NSW into line with most other states.
Landlords will no longer be able to refuse a pet application without a reason, but applications will still be able to be refused in certain circumstances, such as if it would break another law or if the owner lives at the property and doesn’t want an animal to be there.
It’s hoped the measure will ease pressure on animal shelters. The RSPCA says one-in-five animals received in NSW is due to fears about rental applications.
The current rules are also seen as a barrier to domestic violence victim survivors finding alternative accommodation.
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones has described the changes as an important step.
“We are working closely with renters, landlords, the RSPCA, animal welfare organisations, agents advocates to ensure these proposed reforms can be implemented successfully,” she says.
The legislation, which is due to go before parliament in October, will also force property owners and agents to provide fee-free methods of payment to renters.
The government has previously announced the bill will include a ban on no-grounds evictions and an end to fees for rental applicant background checks.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson says reforming the rental system is vital in the current climate.
“Providing more options and greater certainty in tenancies will help reduce the stress so many are facing in today’s challenging rental market,” she says.
