How to rent with pets in Western Australia

Key Takeaways:

• As of 29 July 2024, WA tenants can request pets using Form 25, and landlords must reply within 14 days.
• Landlords can only refuse pets with valid legal reasons, like strata by-laws or safety concerns.
• A pet bond of up to $260 may apply, but not for assistance animals.
• Disputes over pet requests go to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, not court.
• Semple Property Group makes pet-friendly rentals in Perth easier for both tenants and landlords.

You’ve got a pet. You need a rental. And no, stuffing your Cavoodle into a tote bag and calling it “decor” isn’t the long-term solution.

Thanks to updated WA rental laws, keeping pets in rentals is now officially allowed. But like most things involving paperwork and property, there’s a process. Forms, rules, timeframes: The usual suspects.

This guide is here to make it simple. If you’re a tenant looking to bring your furry mate home, or a landlord wondering how to handle pet requests without the place turning into a zoo, we’ve got you covered.

WA’s latest rental laws for pets

As of 29 July 2024, tenants in WA can officially request to keep pets in rental homes and landlords can’t just say no for the fun of it.

Here’s what the law now says:

• Tenants must submit a Form 25: Pet Request Form to ask permission. It’s the official bit of paper that kicks things off.
• Landlords have 14 days to respond. If they don’t? That’s considered a yes.
• Landlords can only refuse if they have a valid legal reason, such as a strata by-law banning pets, or if the property isn’t suitable (e.g. no fencing or a third-floor apartment with no balcony).
• They can set reasonable conditions, like carpet cleaning or a limit on the number of pets.
• A pet bond can be charged, capped at $260. This covers things such as flea treatment, but not general damage.
• Note: Assistance animals aren’t pets under the law, so none of this applies to them (no need for permission or bonds).

For tenants: How to make a valid pet request

Step 1: Fill out Form 25

This is the official Pet Request Form from Consumer Protection WA. You’ll need to include details such as:

• Your pet’s breed, size, age and temperament
• Vaccination status and any training
• Bonus points for references from a previous landlord or vet

The more you can show that your pet is calm, clean, and well cared for, the better.

Step 2: Send the form to your landlord

Once completed, hand it to your landlord or property manager. An email is fine here, but just keep a copy for your own records. This is where the 14-day countdown begins.

Step 3: Wait for a response

Your landlord has 14 days (starting the day after they receive the form) to make a decision. If they don’t respond within that time, it’s automatically approved.

What landlord can (and can’t) do under the law

Landlords still have a say when it comes to pets, but the days of blanket “no pets allowed” are over. The updated laws are all about reasonable requests and fair conditions.

You can’t refuse just because you don’t like animals

Landlords need a valid reason to say no. If the pet request doesn’t breach a law or by-law, they’ll usually need to apply to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection to justify a refusal.

Valid reasons might include:

• Strata by-laws that prohibit pets
• No fencing or property features that make it unsuitable
• Health or safety risks
• If the pet would cause financial or personal hardship

You can set fair conditions

Landlords are allowed to add a few ground rules to help protect the property. These might include:

• Carpet cleaning during and at the end of tenancy
• Fumigation if required
• Limiting the number or type of pets

For anything beyond that (like “your dog must stay outside” or “birds must be caged”), Commissioner approval is required before those conditions can be added to the lease.

You can charge a pet bond

A pet bond of up to $260 can be charged for fumigation if needed at the end of the lease. It’s a one-time payment, no matter how many pets are approved.

How Semple handles pet requests

At Semple, we know pets are part of the family, and we’re all about making sure the process is clear, fair, and stress-free for everyone involved.

Helping tenants get it right from the start

We walk tenants through Form 25, making sure everything’s filled out properly and that supporting info (like references or vet records) is included. The more upfront and responsible you are, the better your chances, and we’ll help you present your case clearly.

Keeping landlords protected and in the loop

For owners, we’ll review the request, check property suitability, and advise on reasonable conditions to include in the lease. We’ll also sort the pet bond and update the lease with any approved terms, so there are no grey areas.

Routine inspections to keep things smooth

During the tenancy, our regular inspections cover pet conditions too. If any issues pop up, we manage them quickly and fairly and keep the property in great shape and everyone on good terms.

Clear communication is our thing

We don’t leave anyone guessing. Whether it’s clarifying strata by-laws or helping a tenant prepare their pet résumé, we’re across it. Our job is to make sure both sides feel supported.

So if you’re renting with pets or renting out to tenants with pets, you’re not on your own. We’re here to help it all run like clockwork, with fewer surprises and no hidden furballs under the couch.

Tips for tenants: Renting with pets like a pro

Want to boost your chances of getting a yes on your pet request? It’s all about showing you’re a responsible, switched-on pet owner. Here’s how to make your furry friend irresistible (to landlords, anyway).

• Create a pet résumé
  • Include your pet’s age, breed, temperament, training, and any standout behaviours (e.g. “sleeps 18 hours a day and ignores the mailman”).
• Provide references
  • Got a glowing review from a previous landlord or vet? Include it. A thumbs-up from someone who’s dealt with your pet before goes a long way.
• Show proof of vaccinations and training
  • Up-to-date vet records, obedience certificates, or even a note from your dog trainer can help show your pet is well cared for and well behaved.
• Offer reasonable conditions
  • Mention that you’re happy to pay a pet bond, arrange professional carpet cleaning, or agree to specific areas your pet can use.
• Be ready for inspections
  • Keep the home clean, the pet calm, and the hairballs under control. A spotless space with a sleepy dog curled up on the couch leaves a great impression.
• Start with pet-friendly rentals
  • If you’re still house hunting, target listings that already say pets are considered or welcome. It saves time and awkward conversations.

Tips for landlords: Keeping it pet-friendly and protected

Renting to tenants with pets doesn’t have to mean scratched floors and surprise vet bills. With the right approach, you can welcome well-behaved animals while protecting your property.

• Set clear, fair pet conditions in the lease
  • Include things such as professional carpet cleaning, fumigation if needed, or keeping pets out of certain rooms. But just make sure it’s all reasonable (and legal).
• Use the pet bond
  • The $260 bond is there for a reason. It covers things like pest control at the end of a lease and gives you a bit of peace of mind.
• Look at the pet’s “résumé”
  • A tenant who’s done the homework, with vet records, references, and a good pet track record, is worth considering.
• Check strata by-laws first
  • If your property’s in a strata complex, know the rules. You may not have the final say if the by-laws restrict or prohibit pets.
• Stick to routine inspections
  • Keep an eye on wear and tear, any signs of damage, and how the property’s being looked after. We handle this for our landlords as part of the service.
• Ask for advice if you’re unsure
  • Not sure what’s “reasonable”? We’ll help you make fair, legal decisions that don’t put your property at risk.

What if there’s a dispute?

If a pet request is denied and someone’s not happy, either the tenant or landlord can take it to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection. It’s an online process where both sides submit their case.

The Commissioner looks at the facts and makes the call. And here’s the kicker: Unless the landlord has a valid, proven reason, most decisions go in favour of the tenant. In fact, less than 5% of disputes are upheld for landlords.

Renting with pets? Let Semple help

Bringing a pet into a rental doesn’t have to feel like smuggling snacks into the movies. The laws are on your side now, and so are we.

Semple handles property management in Perth with a common-sense approach and a soft spot for well-behaved pets. We’ll help you get the paperwork right, keep things fair, and make sure no one’s left barking up the wrong tree.