How to apply for a pet in Strata?
Applying to Keep a Pet in a NSW Strata Scheme (2026 Guide)
For many Australians, a home simply isn’t complete without a pet. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird or another companion animal, pets are increasingly recognised as an important part of family life.
If you own a lot in a NSW strata scheme, however, keeping a pet may require approval from the Owners Corporation. The good news is that NSW strata laws strongly support responsible pet ownership and prevent unreasonable restrictions on keeping animals. Blanket bans on pets are generally invalid, and an Owners Corporation can only refuse a pet where it would unreasonably interfere with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their lot or the common property. (NSW Government)
Understanding the approval process before bringing a pet home can help avoid delays, disputes and unnecessary stress.
Apply to keep a pet in a rental property
Note: this link is to a standard NSW Fair Trading Form which may not apply to your building as per below.
And refer to the Keeping a pet in a rental property | NSW Government
Can My Strata Scheme Ban Pets?
Generally, no.
NSW legislation makes it clear that by-laws which completely prohibit pets, or prohibit them based solely on their size, breed, type or number, are generally not valid.
Instead, each application should be considered on its own merits.
An Owners Corporation may still have reasonable by-laws that regulate how pets are kept, but those by-laws cannot operate as a blanket prohibition. (NSW Government)
Do I Need Approval?
Many strata schemes still require owners to submit an application before keeping a pet.
Even where approval is required, the Owners Corporation must consider the application reasonably and in accordance with the legislation and the scheme’s by-laws.
Before obtaining your pet, check:
- Your registered strata by-laws.
- Whether committee approval is required.
- Whether your strata manager has a standard pet application form.
- Any reasonable conditions that may apply.
Submitting a complete application usually results in a quicker decision. (NSW Government)
What Should Be Included in Your Pet Application?
A well-prepared application demonstrates that you are a responsible pet owner and have considered the impact on your neighbours.
You should normally include:
- Type of animal.
- Breed.
- Age.
- Size and expected adult size.
- Recent photograph.
- Vaccination status.
- Microchip details (where applicable).
- Council registration details (if required).
- Confirmation that the pet is desexed (where applicable).
- Description of the pet’s temperament.
- Details of training or obedience classes.
- How barking or noise will be managed.
- How waste will be disposed of.
- Confirmation that common property will be kept clean.
Providing this information allows the Owners Corporation to make an informed decision.
Can My Application Be Refused?
Yes—but only for legitimate reasons.
An Owners Corporation cannot simply say “we don’t allow dogs” or “pets are not permitted.”
Instead, any refusal should be based on evidence that the particular animal would unreasonably interfere with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their property or the common property.
Examples may include:
- Persistent excessive barking.
- Aggressive behaviour.
- Significant safety risks.
- Repeated damage to common property.
- Serious hygiene issues.
- Large animals that cannot reasonably be accommodated within the lot.
- Previous history demonstrating the particular animal creates ongoing nuisance.
Each application should be assessed individually.
Can the Owners Corporation Charge a Pet Bond?
No.
Under NSW strata legislation, an Owners Corporation cannot require:
- A pet bond.
- An additional fee.
- Extra insurance.
- A security deposit.
However, owners remain responsible for any damage their pet causes to common property or another person’s property.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are treated differently from household pets.
Owners and occupiers with a lawful assistance animal generally cannot be refused permission simply because the building has pet restrictions.
These animals perform an important role in supporting people with disability and are protected under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation. (NSW Government)
Your Responsibilities as a Pet Owner
Receiving approval is only the beginning.
Owners should ensure their pets:
- Do not create excessive noise.
- Are supervised on common property.
- Are kept on a lead or appropriately restrained where required.
- Do not damage gardens or common areas.
- Do not foul common property.
- Are properly registered where required.
- Comply with council requirements.
- Comply with the strata by-laws.
Responsible pet ownership helps maintain good relationships with neighbours.
What Happens if Complaints Are Made?
If complaints are received, the Owners Corporation will usually investigate before taking any action.
This may involve:
- Speaking with the pet owner.
- Requesting evidence of the alleged nuisance.
- Issuing a Notice to Comply if a by-law has been breached.
- Attempting mediation through NSW Fair Trading.
- Applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) if the issue cannot be resolved.
In many cases, simple measures such as obedience training, adjusting walking routines or improving supervision resolve concerns without formal proceedings.
Tips for a Successful Pet Application
You can improve the likelihood of approval by:
- Applying before bringing the pet into the building.
- Providing complete information.
- Demonstrating that the pet is well trained.
- Offering references from previous strata schemes if available.
- Explaining how barking, waste and exercise will be managed.
- Being open to reasonable conditions imposed by the Owners Corporation.
A cooperative approach often leads to faster and more positive outcomes.
How Strata Real Estate Services Can Help
At Strata Real Estate Services, we understand that pets are an important part of many families, but we also recognise the need to protect the quiet enjoyment of all residents.
We assist owners and strata committees by:
- Assessing pet applications fairly and consistently.
- Advising on current NSW legislation.
- Reviewing pet by-laws.
- Preparing committee recommendations.
- Managing correspondence between owners and committees.
- Assisting with nuisance complaints and dispute resolution.
- Helping schemes update outdated pet by-laws to comply with current legislation.
Our objective is to balance responsible pet ownership with the rights of all residents.
Your Strata, Our Expertise.
Key Takeaways
NSW’s strata laws continue to favour responsible pet ownership while protecting the rights of neighbours.
If you are considering bringing a pet into your strata home:
- Check your scheme’s registered by-laws.
- Submit an application if approval is required.
- Provide comprehensive information about your pet.
- Understand that blanket pet bans are generally invalid.
- Remember that an Owners Corporation can only refuse a pet where it would unreasonably interfere with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their lot or the common property.
- Continue to manage your pet responsibly after approval is granted.
With clear communication and responsible ownership, most pet applications can be considered fairly and successfully under the current NSW strata legislation. Keeping a pet in a rental property | NSW Government