Pets in rental properties - Negotiating conditions for keeping a pet.

How do you tell the rental provider about keeping your pet?

The rental provider may try to work out some restrictions on allowing pets on the property. For instance, they can state that pets are not permitted indoors. The rental provider must submit an application to VCAT if the renter objects to the terms and wants to exclude the pet.

Any agreed-upon terms must be documented in writing.

What is VCAT’s role?

When a rental provider requests that a pet request be denied, VCAT may mandate one of the following:

• Whether the pet is not allowed on the property or the rental provider's rejection is acceptable

• The renter is permitted to keep the animal on the rented space.

• Before making its choice, VCAT may take into account:

• what kind of animal the renter wishes to keep

• what kind of property is being rented by the renter

• equipment, furnishings, and fittings inside the building

• other applicable laws (for example, if the pet is prohibited by a local council law)

• anything else that VCAT deems necessary.

The renter has 14 days to abide by the order of VCAT if it prohibits pets from the rental. After then, if the renter has not cooperated with the order, the rental provider may give them a notice to quit with at least 28 days' prior notice.