Pet Application

How to Apply, What to Expect

Request to Keep a Pet – WA Tenants' Guide

Pets are part of the family and in Western Australia, tenants can request permission to keep one in their rental property. Since July 2024, the law provides a clear, fair process for pet applications under the Residential Tenancies Act (WA).

What Is a Pet Request?

To officially seek permission to have a pet, tenants must complete the Form 25 – Pet Request Form and provide as much detail as possible (e.g., pet type, breed, size, temperament, area of home used). Once submitted, the landlord has 14 days to respond; if they don't reply in time, approval is automatic.

 Form 25 – Pet Request

The Application Process: 4 Simple Steps

01. Submit Form 25

Fill out and submit to your property manager. Keep a copy for yourself.

Form 25 – Pet Request 

02. Landlord Response Within 14 Days

The landlord must reply in writing within 14 days. They can:

  • Approve – You may keep the pet.
  • Approve with Reasonable Conditions – Some do not need extra approval (e.g., carpet cleaning).
  • Refuse – Only on specific lawful grounds.

03. No Response = Approval

If the landlord doesn't reply in writing within 14 days, the request is automatically approved.

04. Commissioner Approval (if needed)

If the landlord refuses or imposes conditions requiring additional approval, they must apply to the WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection within 14 days. Tenants can also appeal to the Commissioner.

Why Pet Requests Matter Under WA Law

With the July 2024 reforms, tenants gained greater rights to personalise their homes. Pet ownership is now more open, but only when following the approved process. Ignoring it can result in breach of tenancy and penalties.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Do:

 

Tenant Refusal Without Commissioner Approval is allowed if:

  • Keeping a pet would violate laws or strata/council rules (e.g., no-pet strata by-laws).
  • It's a prescribed ground such as property being heritage listed or containing asbestos.

 

 

Refusal or Conditions Requiring Commissioner Approval include:

  • Property is unsuitable (e.g., no fencing).
  • Too many pets.
  • Possible damage exceeding bond value.
  • Pet poses health, safety, or hardship ris

 

 

Typical Conditions (No Commissioner Needed):

  • Limit to number of animals.
  • Require carpet cleaning, fumigation, or maintenance.

Why It Works

For Tenants and Landlords

  • For Tenants: Allows personalization and comfort in your home within a clear legal framework.
  • For Landlords: Retain control and protect your property while complying with WA law.
  • For Everyone: Encourages respectful, lawful communication—and stronger landlord-tenant relationships.

Ready to Proceed?

If you're ready to ask for pet approval:

  • Download Form 25 – Pet Request Form
  • Submit it to your property manager
  • We'll support you through each step and ensure the process is fair and on time.

 Form 25 – Pet Request