Pets in rental properties - Pet requests
What should a renter do when they want to keep a pet in the property?
Renters who’d wish to keep a pet in their homes should:
fill out the Pet Request Form. For each pet the renter wants to keep, a separate form must be filled out.
offer their rental provider the form or forms.
a copy for their own records to be kept.
The rental provider must decide within 14 days (from the day after they receive the paperwork).
If they approve, they must express their approval in writing to the renter at the address provided on the pet request form.
If they disagree, they must inform the renter within 14 days that they have applied to VCAT and informed them of their decision. Pets cannot be kept by the renterwhile VCAT deliberates.
The renter may retain the pet if the rental provider makes no attempt to contact them within 14 days.
Renters should supply the rental provider with details that will enable them to assess if the pet is appropriate to be maintained at the rental. This might comprise:
details regarding the pet's age, temperament, training, and other qualities
references from a veterinarian, trainer, previous rental provider, or both
why keeping the pet is appropriate on the property.
Renters should confirm that the pet complies with any applicable state, local, or federal regulations regarding pet ownership. Whether or not the rental provider has given consent, these laws still apply. Agriculture Victoria gives information on domestic animal laws.
What if the renter kept a pet without the rental provider’s consent?
A rental provider may apply to VCAT for an order banning a renter’s pet from the premises if they have reason to think the renter is keeping the pet there without their permission.
Pet Bonds.
Owners and rental providers are not permitted to request an extra bond for a "pet bond."