New Pet Laws in Tasmania: What you need to know?
New Pet Laws in Tasmania: What you need to know?
The Tasmanian Government has passed the Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025, which introduces new rules about pets in rental properties. These changes aim to give tenants clearer pathways to request pets while still providing protections for owners.
A start date has not yet been announced. We will update our clients as soon as official dates and forms are released.
The new legislation allows the opportunity for landlords, tenants and property managers to work together and ensure the legislation is mutually beneficial.
We know that a large percentage of tenants have pets and the majority of these are responsible pet owners. These tenants also appreciate the opportunity to keep their pets and look after the home well and from experience are long term tenants. This will mean when advertising your property for rent there is a larger pool of tenants that are likely to apply.
What’s Changing — The Key Points
Landlords can no longer automatically say “no pets.”
Landlords will still be able to refuse a pet, but refusals must be based on reasonable grounds such as property suitability, safety concerns or if the animal is a declared dangerous breed. The aim is fairness, not forcing acceptance in unsuitable situations.
Tenant Pet Request Steps & Timeframe
The new laws introduce a clear process that helps everyone understand their roles and responsibilities.
Step 1 — Tenants submit a written pet request
The request must include details such as:
• Type of pet
• Breed
• Description of the animal, behaviour or training (if relevant)
Providing this information upfront supports informed and consistent decision-making.
Step 2 — Landlords have 14 days to respond
Once a written request is received, landlords must:
• Approve the pet in writing,
• Refuse the request and lodge the refusal with TASCAT, or
• Take no action — which results in automatic approval after 14 days.
This timeframe creates clarity and avoids lengthy delays.
If a Pet Request is Refused
If you choose to refuse a pet (except for declared dangerous breeds), the refusal must be lodged with TASCAT. They will then make the final decision, considering:
• The likelihood of nuisance
• Potential property damage
• Possible safety risks
• Whether strata or body corporate by-laws prohibit the pet
The new laws do not override existing strata rules.
Some Pets May Be Ineligible
The legislation sets out requirements to ensure pets in rental homes are properly identified and managed. For example:
• Dogs over 6 months must be legally registered
• Cats over 6 months must be microchipped
If these conditions are not met, the animal is classified as ineligible and cannot be approved under the new process until the requirements are completed.
Assistance Animals Are Not Considered Pets
Guide dogs and other certified assistance animals cannot be refused under any circumstances. Their protections remain unchanged.
Existing Pet Approvals Will Carry Over
If a tenant already has a pet and it was previously approved — even verbally — that approval will continue under the new laws.
Why These Changes Can Be Positive for Landlords
While new legislation always brings questions, there are several genuine upsides for property owners:
• More prospective tenants — Pet-friendly listings attract more interest
• Longer tenancies — Pet owners typically stay in one place longer
• Clearer communication — Defined steps reduce misunderstandings
• More consistency — Everyone follows the same process
Responsible pet owners often make responsible tenants, which benefits your investment.
A Good Time to Review Your Landlord Insurance
Before the new laws come into effect, it’s worth checking your insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for:
• Accidental pet damage
• Flooring, carpet or odour damage
• Malicious damage
• Liability coverage
Policies vary greatly, so reviewing your protection now is a smart step.
What Happens Next?
We are watching the rollout closely and will keep landlords updated as soon as the Government confirms the official start date, expected early next year.
If you have any questions about how these changes may apply to your rental property, we’re here to help ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.