Allowing pets in rental properties – What landlords need to know

Allowing pets in rental properties – What landlords need to know

Many Queensland landlords are hesitant about allowing pets, and the hesitation is understandable.

Concerns about property damage, noise, hygiene, or disruptions are all common. But the rental landscape has changed, and it’s important to understand how both legislation and market expectations are evolving.

What the Law Says

Since 1 October 2022, landlords in Queensland cannot apply a blanket ban on pets.

• A tenant can submit a formal request to keep a pet.
• Once the request is received, the landlord has 14 days to respond.
• If refusing, the landlord must give a specific, approved reason under legislation.
• If there is no response within 14 days, the request is automatically approved.

This shift aims to support fair negotiation between landlords and tenants, ensuring decisions are made transparently rather than based on blanket conditions.

 

Market Reality: Pets Are Common

Legislation aside, there is another strong factor to consider: demand.

A 2025 Dogster report shows that around 58 percent of Queensland households own a pet. That means:

• If your property does not allow pets, you may be ruling out more than half of potential applicants.
• Fewer applicants typically means less competition.
• Less competition can lead to longer vacancy periods and slower leasing outcomes.

In a market where vacancy rates shift across suburbs and seasons, widening your pool of potential tenants can be a meaningful advantage.

 

You Don’t Have to Approve Every Pet

Accepting pets does not mean accepting all pets. The key is to make decisions case-by-case.

When reviewing a pet request, consider:

• The type of animal (eg. cat vs large dog)
• The size of the pet in relation to the property
• The pet’s age, training, and behaviour
• How long the tenant has already owned the pet
• References from previous rental homes, if available

Many responsible pet owners come prepared with these details.

 

Setting Clear Expectations Protects Your Property

If you decide to approve a pet, you can also outline reasonable conditions, such as:

• Carpets professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy
• Gardens maintained to the same standard as at handover
• Any damage caused by the pet repaired by the tenant
• Additional cleaning if required at vacate

These conditions are not about creating barriers – they are about protecting your investment responsibly.

 

The Long-Term Value of Pet-Friendly Homes

Tenants with pets are often more stable renters. Moving with pets can be more complex, meaning pet-friendly properties often see:

• Longer tenancy durations
• Reduced vacancy downtime
• More consistent rental income

A long-term, responsible tenant can be of far greater benefit than a short-term tenant with no pet but a history of late payments or poor property care.

 

A Balanced, Strategic Approach Works Best

When faced with a pet request:

• Review the details, not just the idea of a pet.
• Ask questions, request references, and consider the property layout.
• Apply conditions that protect your asset while remaining reasonable.

The goal is to balance your peace of mind with strong tenant demand.

 

Why Expert Support Matters

Every property, every tenant, and every pet situation is different. Having the right advice means you can make decisions confidently and stay compliant with current legislation.

A knowledgeable property manager can guide you through requests, ensure your conditions are enforceable, and help protect both your investment and your peace of mind.

If you’re unsure how to assess a pet request or would like help creating pet conditions that are fair and protective, we’re here to help.