renting and strata for cats

Renting: Despite some improvements over the past few years, pet-friendly rentals are still hard to secure even though well-cared for cats and their people make great tenants. Restrictions on pet ownership can have harmful consequences to both people and animals.

Until we see more widespread pet-friendly housing, it remains for individuals to convince landlords to accept pets.

Changes to residential tenancies legislation were passed by the NSW Parliament in October 2024. These include some improvements for pet owners, and changes are expected to come into effect in 2025. The Bill and debates can be read here Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2024 and NSW government information, including updates to rental laws can be found here

Cat Protection recommends creating a resumé for your cat: a document that includes a photo; proof of desexing, microchipping and registration; vaccination records; a reference from your cat’s veterinarian including notes about your cat’s health and behaviour; and also references from previous landlords or neighbours.

A documented pet agreement can also be made and include your commitments to responsible pet ownership, such as regular parasite control, emergency contacts, hygiene management (remember never flush kitty-litter down the toilet) and issues such as confinement and noise mitigation.

You may wish to use this template resumé and pet agreement. Please call or email us if you’d like guidance on preparing your cat’s resumé.

We will continue to advocate for better, fairer laws for pet-owning tenants. Homes are for everyone.

The Tenants’ Union of NSW provides information and advocacy for renters.

Strata: Blanket bans on pet ownership were removed in 2021. An owners’ corporation can only refuse to allow an animal into a scheme if that animal unreasonably interferes with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their lot or the common property. See Pets in strata | NSW Government

The changes followed years of campaigning, including continuous advocacy by Cat Protection, and a formal public consultation Review of the keeping of animals in strata schemes in NSW

Cat Protection’s submission emphasised the benefits of a One Welfare framework, noting the importance of pets to people’s health, safety and wellbeing.

For a detailed analysis of pets and housing, we recommend the February 2021 report by AHURI Housing and housing assistance pathways with companion animals: risks, costs, benefits and opportunities. You can also watch the webinar on the report.