The Tasmanian Government continues to deliver on its 100-day Plan, today tabling legislation to allow pets in rentals, as well as reducing the risk of toppling furniture.
Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie, said changes to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 would ensure that Tasmanians do not have to choose between a place to live, and the pet they love.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are amending the law so that owners will not be permitted to unreasonably reject applications from prospective tenants because they have a pet,” said Minister Ogilvie.
“Under the Amendment, current and future tenants will be able to keep pets, as long as the tenant notifies the owner.
“We want to get the balance right which is why the owner can object and apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) within 28 days of the notification. The Bill also provides an avenue for an owner to withdraw consent and to seek an order from the Tribunal that a pet must be removed in the event of a pet causing a nuisance, damage over and above reasonable wear and tear, posing an unacceptable safety risk or other reasonable grounds.
“Amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act also allows tenants to fix potentially dangerous furniture like cabinets or TVs to walls, on the proviso that the tenant is responsible for any plastering and paint touch-ups at the end of the tenancy.
“Being able to fix furniture to walls will prevent toppling furniture which we know is a real risk to younger children.”
The Amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act follows targeted consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.
Minister Ogilvie thanks those groups who provided feedback on the amended legislation.
