Renting with a pet in Western Australia can feel complicated but thanks to recent changes in rental law, there’s now a clear framework that protects tenants who want to keep animals in rental homes.
Whether you have a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a bearded dragon, understanding the rules helps you navigate the process with confidence.
This guide breaks down everything WA tenants should know about keeping pets in rental properties in 2026.
1. You Must Ask Permission. It’s in the Law
Under the updated Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), tenants are now explicitly able to request permission to keep a pet at the rental premises. This applies to all standard residential tenancies and includes dogs, cats and most household pets.
However, you must receive consent from your landlord or property manager before bringing a pet into the home. You do this by completing and submitting the official Form 25 – Pet Request Form.
2. Landlords Must Respond.
Once a tenant submits a pet request, the landlord or property manager has:
• 14 days to respond in writing.
• If they fail to respond in that timeframe, the request is deemed approved.
When Can a Landlord Refuse a Request?
A landlord can only refuse a request for specific, legitimate reasons such as:
- Local laws, strata by-laws or agreements prohibit pets (e.g., body corporate rules).
- The premises are genuinely unsuitable (for example, properties without secure fencing for certain animals).
- Keeping the pet would pose an unacceptable risk to health or safety.
- The number or type of pets is unreasonable given the size or nature of the premises.
- There is evidence the animal is likely to cause damage.
If a landlord refuses for reasons outside these grounds, they may need to apply to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection to have that refusal authorised.
3. Bond and Conditions — Understand Your Responsibilities
Even with consent, landlords can set reasonable conditions on keeping a pet, for example:
- Limits on the number of pets
- Requirements for cleaning or pest control
- Conditions around fencing or outdoor access
Some pet conditions may also require approval by the Commissioner.
Pet Bond
Landlords can request a pet bond — an additional security amount to cover possible pet-related damage — this is a standard $260.
4. Your Obligations as a Tenant
If your request to keep a pet is approved:
- You are responsible for any damage your pet causes beyond normal wear and tear.
- You must ensure the pet does not become a nuisance (such as chronic barking, odours or uncontrolled behaviour).
- Damage or issues caused by neglect may be deducted from your bond when the tenancy ends.
This means maintaining good pet behaviour and promptly addressing any issues is key to a successful tenancy.
5. Assistance Animals Are a Separate Category
It’s also important to note that assistance animals (including trained guide dogs, hearing dogs and certain therapy animals) are not treated as ordinary pets under WA tenancy law.
That means:
- Landlords cannot refuse an assistance animal.
- No consent is required to keep an assistance animal.
- This right is protected under anti-discrimination laws.
Always provide documentation from a recognised professional where possible to support an assistance animal request.
6. Tips for a Successful Pet Request
To improve the chance your pet request is approved:
- Submit a complete Form 25 with clear details.
- Include a photo of your pet.
- Communicate respectfully and proactively with your property manager or landlord.
Summary
- Tenants in WA can request to keep pets in rental homes by law.
- Landlords must respond within 14 days or the request is automatically approved.
- Refusals must be based on legitimate grounds, not arbitrary decisions.
- Pet bonds and conditions are permitted but regulated.
- Assistance animals are treated differently and cannot be refused.
Renting with pets doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps ensure happier homes for you, your landlord, and your animal companions.