5 February 2026

Guy Barnett, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs

Tasmanians are just weeks away from no longer having to choose between a home and the pets they love.

The Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025 will commence on Friday, 20 March 2026, delivering a historic change for renters across the State.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the commencement of the laws marks a significant moment for many Tasmanian households.

“Renters will no longer have to choose between having a place to live and the pet they love,” Minister Barnett said.

“We know pets are a part of the family, and our Government has been working to deliver on the things that matters to Tasmanians, just like this reform.

“I thank the community, animal lovers and the real estate industry for working with us to ensure these laws strike the right balance and provide certainty for renters and property owners.

“These changes bring Tasmania into line with similar legislation operating in other Australian jurisdictions.”

Our Government has worked closely with the real estate and community sectors to support a smooth commencement. This includes targeted training and guidance to help landlords, agents and tenants understand the new process and their rights and responsibilities from day one.

Under the new laws, Tasmanian tenants will have the right to keep a pet in their rental property, provided they follow the required process.

From 20 March 2026:

  • Tenants must lodge a formal pet request with their landlord before bringing a pet into the property.
  • Landlords will no longer be able to apply blanket ‘no pets’ rules in rental agreements.
  • Landlords will have 14 days to respond to a tenant’s request.
  • A landlord may only refuse a pet on reasonable grounds, including genuine concerns about property damage, nuisance, or safety.

If a landlord wishes to refuse a request, they must apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) within 14 days to justify the refusal.

Tenants remain responsible for any property damage caused by their pets beyond reasonable wear and tear.

More information about the new rules for renting with pets available on the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website at Pets and animals in rental properties.

The commencement of these reforms delivers on a key election commitment made by the Tasmanian Government.