Pets in Adelaide Rentals: What You Need to Know

With more and more Australians choosing to rent and keep pets, the topic of pets in rentals is more relevant than ever.

But with changes to South Australian rental laws, it’s never been more important to understand the expectations and responsibilities around welcoming a furry or feathered companion into your home.

Whether you’re a tenant looking to bring your pet along or a landlord navigating the new guidelines, here’s what you need to know to ensure things are straightforward and stress-free.

I’m a tenant. Can I have pets in my rental property?

The short answer? Yes, but specific conditions apply.

Thanks to changes in South Australian rental laws from 1 July 2024, landlords can no longer refuse pet requests without a valid reason.

That means the days of blanket "no pets allowed" rules are gone. Any refusal has to be based on the grounds listed in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995.

According to the South Australia government, “a landlord can’t simply state ‘no pets allowed’ or charge a separate pet bond.”

However, it’s important to note that tenants are still unable to move a pet in without formal approval.

Why? Because it’s a potential ground for termination if a pet is kept at the rental premises without the landlord’s approval.

So sticking to the process helps protect both parties and keeps everything above board.

Essentially, tenants need to apply before moving a pet into a rental property.

Landlords then are asked to respond, and if they decline, must provide a valid reason as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act.

If they agree, landlords can impose reasonable conditions regarding the type of pet and nature of the premises.

The pet application process

If you’re a tenant wanting to bring a pet into a rental property, you’ll need to submit a pet application.

Tenants interested in bringing a pet into a rental property must complete a pet application and submit it to their landlord.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Submit a pet application: This includes details about your pet, like its breed, size and temperament. You might also include a "pet resume," which can highlight your pet’s behaviour, training and even references from previous landlords.
Landlord’s response: Your landlord is asked to respond. If they refuse your request, they’ll need to provide specific reasons that comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. If you hear nothing within the timeframe, your request is automatically approved.
Set conditions: If your landlord does approve your application, they are entitled to set reasonable conditions, like requiring professional carpet cleaning at the end of the lease or ensuring pets are restrained during property inspections.
Formal pet agreement: Once approved, both you and your landlord should sign a written pet agreement to clarify everyone’s expectations and responsibilities.

If your pet was approved before the new laws, it’s worth reapplying to formalise the arrangement under the updated rules, as it offers extra protections for you and your pet.

Responsibilities and expectations for tenants with pets

Bringing a pet into a rental property comes with added responsibilities.

Put simply, the Residential Tenancies Act requires tenants to care for their pets in a way that respects both the property and their neighbours’ comfort.

This means that properties need to be well-maintained and kept in a reasonable state of cleanliness, and a tenant must cover any costs should any part of the property be damaged by their pet.

For landlords, setting clear guidelines for pet approval can help protect the property and prevent issues.

This might include things like asking that pets remain outside where appropriate, or that they are kept under control during inspections.

It’s all about clear communication and mutual respect.

By setting these conditions, landlords can feel reassured about potential risks without resorting to extra costs or security deposits for pet ownership.

When can a pet application be denied?

So what happens if your landlord says ‘no’?

While they can’t say “no pets” outright, they can refuse a pet application for specific reasons – as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act such as:

· The property isn’t suitable for a pet (for example, if there is no secure fencing for a dog)

· Local council by-laws limit the number or type of pets allowed in the property

· The pet could pose a safety risk to the property or others

In these cases, landlords must provide written, compliant reasons for the refusal to ensure transparency in their decision-making.

Benefits of allowing pets in rentals

For landlords, saying yes to pets can have its perks, and allowing pets can make their rental property more appealing to potential tenants.

Not only are pet-friendly rentals are in high demand, but tenants with pets are often keen to stay longer in a property where their furry friends are welcome.

Though property care may be a concern, setting reasonable conditions and keeping an open line of communication with tenants can minimise these risks.

Welcoming pets with a formal agreement can help ensure the property remains in good condition while tenants enjoy a welcoming home environment.

Got questions about renting with pets?

Navigating pet applications doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re a tenant wanting to bring your pet into a rental or a landlord considering a pet-friendly policy, We Connect Property is here to help.

Our team knows the Adelaide rental market inside and out, and can guide you through the process, help set clear conditions and ensure compliance with the latest laws and regulations.

Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, if you’ve got questions, connect with us today and we’ll help make sure renting with pets is both simple and stress-free!

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.