NSW Pet Rental Inquiry Launched
NSW pet rental inquiry has been launched by the New South Wales Upper House. The inquiry will examine whether proposed changes to tenancy laws will genuinely strengthen the rights of renters with animals.
The inquiry, established by the NSW Legislative Council, will explore potential enhancements to pet owner tenants’ rights. This will be part of scrutiny of the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Protection of Personal Information) Bill 2025.
The bill is primarily designed to improve protections around renters’ data and privacy. However, the Upper House has referred the legislation to Portfolio Committee No. 8 – Customer Service. The committee will assess possible unintended consequences for tenants with pets.
Concerns Over Unintended Consequences
Committee Chair Emma Hurst said that while the reforms appear sensible at first glance, there are concerns about how they may operate in practice.
“On the face of it, the bill appears to contain sensible reforms that will make it easier for renters with animals to live in rental properties. But Parliament has heard that may not be what happens,” Ms Hurst said.
Under the proposed changes, tenants applying for a new rental would not have to disclose that they own a pet during the application stage. However, once a lease is signed and the tenant moves in with their animal, landlords could potentially decline consent. This would leave renters in breach of their tenancy agreement.
Ms Hurst warned that such a situation could leave both tenants and animals vulnerable.
“We have heard that leaves the renter and the animal very vulnerable. It is not good for animal welfare, it is not good for tenants, but it is also not good for landlords,” she said.
Key Reforms Under Examination
The inquiry will specifically address two proposed reforms in the bill relating to animals in rental properties:
- Regulations prescribing what information can be collected from tenants when applying for a rental property.
• Provisions allowing a tenant seven days after entering a residential tenancy agreement to apply for consent to keep an animal, during which time the pet may remain on the premises.
The committee will hold a public hearing on 16 March 2026 before reporting back to Parliament by the end of March. This will inform further consideration of the legislation.
Broader Rental Context
Rental affordability and availability remain key issues across New South Wales, including in regional areas such as the Northern Rivers. Tight vacancy rates continue to place pressure on tenants. As a result, clarity around pet ownership rights is increasingly important for families seeking stable housing.
Animal welfare advocates have long argued that allowing pets in rental properties improves mental health outcomes and reduces the number of surrendered animals. Conversely, landlord groups have raised concerns about property damage and insurance implications.
The inquiry aims to strike a balance between privacy protections, tenant rights and landlord interests. It will also ensure that any legislative changes avoid unintended negative outcomes.
Stakeholders and community members will have the opportunity to provide evidence as part of the inquiry process.
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