Victorian tenants given right to have a pet under sweeping changes to rental laws
By Jonathan Hair and Brendan Arrow
PHOTO: Owning a pet in a rental will be made easier under the new rules. (ABC: Harriet Tatham)
Key points:
"One in in four Victorians rent and for too long we've had an imbalance," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
"Things have not been as fair as they should be.
"To make sure everyone's got a secure, fit-for-purpose home, whether they own it or not."
Owning a pet in a rental will also be made easier under the new rules.
Existing rules allow landlords to automatically include a no pets clause in rental agreements.
The RSPCA said over the past two years, 15 per cent of the dogs and cats turned in to them were surrendered because the owners were moving and could not take their pets.
While landlords will still need to provide consent, they will only be able to refuse in certain circumstances.
If, for example, a renter was refused the right to have a dog, the decision could be appealed to VCAT or the courts.
In a limited number of circumstances, it would not be possible to have a pet, if for example a local council banned backyard chickens, or if a body corporate banned pets.
Animals could also be banned in a heritage dwelling if the cost of repairs was considered to be too high.
The move which is expected to cover the "vast majority" of rental households, the Government said.
Daniel Andrews
✔@DanielAndrewsMP
People shouldn't have to give away their best mate to another family just so they can stay living in their house.
So we're doing this.
By Jonathan Hair and Brendan Arrow
PHOTO: Owning a pet in a rental will be made easier under the new rules. (ABC: Harriet Tatham)
Key points:
- Owners who are refused permission to have a pet can appeal to VCAT, courts
- Premier Daniel Andrews says the reforms will make renting fairer
- It is expected the legislation will be introduced in 2018.
"One in in four Victorians rent and for too long we've had an imbalance," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
"Things have not been as fair as they should be.
"To make sure everyone's got a secure, fit-for-purpose home, whether they own it or not."
Owning a pet in a rental will also be made easier under the new rules.
Existing rules allow landlords to automatically include a no pets clause in rental agreements.
The RSPCA said over the past two years, 15 per cent of the dogs and cats turned in to them were surrendered because the owners were moving and could not take their pets.
While landlords will still need to provide consent, they will only be able to refuse in certain circumstances.
If, for example, a renter was refused the right to have a dog, the decision could be appealed to VCAT or the courts.
In a limited number of circumstances, it would not be possible to have a pet, if for example a local council banned backyard chickens, or if a body corporate banned pets.
Animals could also be banned in a heritage dwelling if the cost of repairs was considered to be too high.
The move which is expected to cover the "vast majority" of rental households, the Government said.
Daniel Andrews✔@DanielAndrewsMP
People shouldn't have to give away their best mate to another family just so they can stay living in their house.
So we're doing this.
