The state government is working to make it easier for pet owners to secure rental properties by requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for denying pets. While this move aims to improve housing access for pet owners, the Premier acknowledges that the criteria for reasonable excuses is still being developed.
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00:00It's been said if you want a friend in politics, get a dog.
00:07Simple enough if you're an MP with your own home, but not if you're a renter.
00:13The Premier hopes to change that.
00:15So that the landlord can't automatically say no to a pet in a NSW rental.
00:21Relaxing pet ownership rules was one of the Premier's election promises.
00:25The government says it'll stop animals being abandoned and help victim survivors of domestic
00:30violence flee abusive relationships.
00:32If they can't bring their dog or their cat with them, that makes it even more difficult.
00:37But many landlords want the right to just say no, as the Premier discovered on Talkback Radio.
00:42$47,000 worth of damage by a tenant was paid by the landlord.
00:48I don't want to over-egg the changes.
00:50It will mean that the owner of the property, the landlord of the property, will have to
00:54have a reason if they're going to reject an application to have a pet.
00:59The government is still working on a list of acceptable reasons for refusal, but some
01:03of the examples it's given include a pet being in breach of council regulations, there being
01:08too many pets already on site, potential damage exceeding the bond, or broadly whether they
01:14believe a pet is unsuitable.
01:16A pet's suitability for a rental property could be incredibly subjective.
01:20The government says a tribunal will be able to decide, but it'll be up to the tenant to
01:25take action.
01:26Let's not put the onus on the tenants.
01:28What we know is that the landlords are in the position of power.
01:32The opposition supports the idea in principle, but wants to see the legislation.
01:36We're now 18 months since the election and we still don't have the detail.
01:40The government says it'll bring its plan to parliament next month.