If you own a rental property in Queensland, you’ve likely noticed a growing trend: more tenants are applying with pets. In fact, pets have become a common part of tenancy applications, with many renters seeing pet-friendly properties as highly desirable. But for landlords, allowing pets can feel like a balancing act between protecting your investment and attracting quality tenants.

The good news is that Queensland’s rental laws now provide clear guidelines for landlords and tenants when it comes to pets. With proper management, welcoming pets into your rental property can bring rewards that outweigh the risks.

What Queensland Law Says About Pets in Rentals

Under Queensland’s rental laws, tenants must seek written approval from the property manager or owner before keeping a pet. Working dogs, such as assistance dogs, guide dogs, corrective services or police dogs, are automatically allowed without approval under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009.

The law defines a pet as “a domesticated animal or an animal that is dependent on a person for food or shelter,” excluding working dogs. Pet requests can be made either at the start of a tenancy through the rental application or during a tenancy via Form 21 – Request for approval to keep a pet.

The Pet Request Process During a Tenancy

When a tenant wants to bring a pet into the property during their tenancy, they must submit a completed Form 21. The property manager or owner then has 14 days to respond in writing. The response must clearly state whether the request is approved or refused, and if approved, outline any conditions.

If there is no response within 14 days, or if the response does not meet legislative requirements, the pet request is automatically approved. To assist landlords, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) offers a Pet Request Response for Lessors template to ensure correct responses.

Reasons to Approve or Refuse a Pet Request

There are valid reasons both to approve or decline a pet request. Reasonable conditions for approval might include:

• Specifying the type and number of pets.
• Restricting pets to certain areas (e.g. outdoors only).
• Requiring professional pest control and carpet cleaning upon tenancy exit.
• Stipulating ongoing cleaning and maintenance responsibilities.
  

Valid reasons to refuse a request include:

• The property is unsuitable (e.g. size, lack of fencing).
• Body corporate by-laws prohibit pets.
• Health and safety concerns (e.g. allergies for future tenants, safety risks).

Clear, documented communication is essential to avoid disputes. As the RTA notes, “If a tenant wants to get a pet during a tenancy, they must seek written approval… The property manager/owner must respond to the request in writing within 14 days.“

Risk vs Reward: The Reality for Landlords

Allowing pets does involve some risk:

• Property damage (not considered fair wear and tear).
• Potential noise or nuisance complaints.
• Additional cleaning or pest control.
  

However, the rewards are significant:

• Higher demand for pet-friendly rentals.
• Longer tenancies; pet owners typically stay longer.
• Broader applicant pool.
• Happier tenants who are more likely to care for the property.
  

Setting Clear Pet Agreements

The key to managing risk is setting detailed pet agreements in the tenancy contract. This should include:

• The exact number and type of pets allowed.
• Indoor/outdoor restrictions.
• Cleaning, maintenance, and pest control responsibilities.
• Acknowledgement that pet-related damage remains the tenant’s responsibility.
  

It is important to remember that the presence of pets does not change the rules around routine inspections.

How Home Scope Manages Pet Applications for Landlords

At Home Scope, we understand the complexities of managing Queensland rental property pets in 2025. Our team ensures pet requests are handled professionally, tenancy agreements are watertight, and that landlords remain fully compliant with Queensland legislation. We help landlords strike the right balance between maximising tenant demand and protecting their investment.

Pet-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Risky, With the Right Help

Welcoming pets into your investment property doesn’t have to mean increased risk. With clear agreements, thorough vetting, and professional management, landlords can benefit from the increasing demand for pet-friendly rentals while safeguarding their properties.Not sure how to navigate pet requests for your rental property? Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can support you and your investment.