Animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) underscores the significant benefits of pet-friendly rentals amid concerns from real estate leaders and property owners in Tasmania about the state government’s pet-inclusive rental reforms.
Australia CAN’s Rent with Pets program advocates for Tasmania’s new laws, highlighting the positive social and economic outcomes of embracing pet-friendly housing policies.
“Allowing pets in rentals has a number of benefits to landlords, including creating a more inclusive rental market and fostering better tenant-landlord relationships,” said Australia CAN CEO Trish Ennis, formerly Animal Welfare League Australia.
“Renting with pets also enhances tenant wellbeing and mental health, as well as supports responsible pet ownership and reduces the number of animals surrendered to shelters.”
“It’s already harder to rent due to the rental and housing crisis and even harder to rent with pets, causing people to have to choose between a place to live and the pet they love.”
Australia CAN represents the companion animal welfare work of six member agencies that provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year across Australia.
Increase in pet surrenders due to rental issues
According to Australia CAN’s agency member Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, the proportion of canine surrenders due to rental issues (no pets allowed) in May 2024 was 15% – a 3.1% increase since January 2024. Renting issues is also one of the top reasons why dogs are being surrendered in the state.
Also, the latest Census data also shows the number of Tasmanians experiencing homelessness is continuing to rise (48% rise from 2016 to 2021).
“It’s heartbreaking to see beloved dogs being surrendered due to restrictive rental policies on pets. Our furry friends are family, and we must advocate for more pet-friendly housing solutions to keep them with their loving owners,” said Ennis.
Under the amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, Tasmanian homeowners will not be permitted to unreasonably refuse rental applications from prospective tenants due to pet ownership. Current and future tenants will also be able to keep pets, as long as the tenant notifies the owner.
The owner can object and apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) within 28 days of the notification.
The “Pets in Rentals” legislation also provides an avenue for an owner to withdraw consent and to seek an order from the Tribunal that a pet must be removed in the event of a pet causing a nuisance, or damage over and above reasonable wear and tear, posing an unacceptable safety risk or other reasonable grounds.
The Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT) has launched a campaign (Hear Our Voice) opposing the state government’s proposed legislation allowing pets in rentals, stating that the new laws do not offer enough protections for property investors and will ultimately “exacerbate rental affordability and availability in the current housing and cost of living crisis.”
Ennis said the REIT’s campaign is “scaremongering and ignores the many benefits of renting with pets for landlords/property investors”.
Pet-friendly properties attract more potential tenants and are rented out more quickly by those with pets who may struggle to find housing.
Pet owners often rent longer to avoid the hassle of moving and finding another suitable pet-friendly property.
Tenants with pets may have higher satisfaction and better mental health, potentially leading to better property care.
Pet-friendly properties can enhance a landlord’s reputation as accommodating and compassionate.
Rent with Pets provides information, advice and resources to support tenants and landlords to be responsible pet owner tenants and welcoming landlords and encourage pet friendly rental laws.
Australia CAN represents the companion animal welfare work of member organisations across the country. The charity also celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, such as Pets in Aged Care and Rent with Pets programs.