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Calls Grow To Allow Pets In Rental Properties In Australia

Calls Grow To Allow Pets In Rental Properties In Australia

Too many owners are making the devastating choice between a new place and keeping their pet.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Calls are growing in Australia for tenants to be allowed to bring their pets into a rental property.

At the moment, it's up to the landlord's discretion as to whether they want a little fur baby running around their property.

This rule, however, means many wannabe tenants are facing the devastating choice of whether to keep their pet or move into the new place.

The Animal Welfare League Queensland wants the state's legislation to be changed to ensure this ultimate Sophie's Choice doesn't have to be made again.

PA

Lack of proper accomodation was the second-highest reason for dogs being surrendered to animal shelters in Queensland between 2019-20, according to the Courier Mail.

It was the third highest reason for the surrender of cats.

Animal Welfare League Queensland's strategic director Joy Verrinder believes the law needs to be brought into 2021 and tenants deserve to have some peace of mind if they're relocating with a pet.

"We want people who have pets to be treated fairly. There are irresponsible renters still out there whether they have pets or not," she said.

Victoria and the ACT have recently had major wins in terms of renters rights for pets and the Greens have proposed a bill in Queensland to bring the Sunshine State in line with their southern counterparts.

Ms Verrinder hopes the bill will get the support of the government.

PA

"The bill essentially says that tenants have a right to keep their pets, but they must still apply to their landlord. A landlord can refuse but they must provide legitimate reason to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal," she added.

It would put the burden onto landlords instead of renters, which would be a massive win for tenants as they can often be refused to live in a property with a pet for no reason.

Greens member for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon introduced the private members bill in June and needs the support of Labor to get approved.

The bill also seeks to ban pitting two applicants against each other by offering higher rent as well as cap rent increases to once every 24 months.

Ms MacMahon said: "Renters are being pushed out of their homes, and onto an ever-growing social housing waiting list, turbocharging the housing crisis.

"Our weak rental laws mean there's nothing to stop wealthy investors and real estate agents using record low rental vacancy rates as an opportunity to hike up rents and rental bidding."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia