The short answer
In the ACT, a lessor can only refuse a pet with ACAT's approval. If your lease requires consent, ask in writing. If your lessor doesn't apply to ACAT within 14 days, they're taken to have agreed.
Without ACAT's approval, a lessor can only set reasonable conditions about how many animals you keep and cleaning or maintenance. There's no pet bond, and no extra inspections because you have a pet.
Do you need permission?
The standard tenancy terms start from yes: you may keep an animal at the home (standard term 74A). Your lease can require you to get the lessor’s written consent first, and if it does, the advertisement must have said so.
How to ask
- Ask in writing. Email is fine. Say what animal, how many, and anything that helps (for instance, that your dog is desexed and trained, or that the yard is fenced).
- Wait 14 days. Your lessor may agree, agree with conditions, or apply to ACAT to refuse.
- If they don’t apply to ACAT within 14 days, they’re taken to have consented (section 71AE). A refusal by email doesn’t stop this; only an application to ACAT does.
Keep a copy of your request and the date you sent it.
What conditions a lessor can set
Without going to ACAT, the lessor can only set a reasonable condition about:
- the number of animals kept at the home, or
- cleaning or maintenance of the home.
Any other condition needs ACAT’s approval. If you think a condition is unreasonable, you can apply to ACAT.
When ACAT can approve a refusal
ACAT can approve a refusal, or other conditions, if it’s satisfied that (section 71AF):
- the home is unsuitable for the animal
- the animal is likely to cause unreasonable damage
- the animal would be an unacceptable risk to public health or safety
- the lessor would suffer significant hardship
- keeping the animal would break a territory law
Your responsibilities
You’re responsible for any repairs or extra maintenance needed because of the animal (standard term 74B). At the end of the tenancy, damage beyond fair wear and tear can be claimed from your bond. See moving out and the final inspection.
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are protected by discrimination law. The Renting Book refers to the Discrimination Act 1991. If you’re refused because of an assistance animal, contact the Tenancy Advice Service or the ACT Human Rights Commission.
Common questions
The ad didn't mention pets. Can I have one?
If a lease requires you to get consent before keeping an animal, the advertisement must say so. The ACT Government's Renting Book says that if an ad says nothing about pets, you're allowed to have one. Check your lease too.
My lessor said no by email. Is that the end of it?
No. A lessor can refuse only if ACAT approves the refusal. If they haven't applied to ACAT within 14 days of your written request, they're taken to have consented, even if they said no.
Can my lessor charge a pet bond or a higher bond?
No. The bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent, and only one bond is allowed. Inspections are limited to 2 in any 12 months, plus the start and end inspections, whether or not you have a pet.
I rent an apartment. Do body corporate rules apply?
Yes. If the owners corporation's rules cover keeping animals, you must comply with them, as well as getting any consent your lease requires.
Sources for this guide (3)
- Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT), Part 5AA and Schedule 1 clauses 74A–74B (republication R84) (ACT Legislation Register)
- Pets in rental properties (ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
- The Renting Book, January 2026 (ACT Government)
This guide is general information about ACT renting law as at the date above. It isn't legal advice. Laws and notices change and details matter, so check your own situation with a free advice service before you rely on it.