Keeping Pets in Strata Schemes
Keeping Pets in Strata Schemes – Can You Have Pets in an Apartment?
Have you ever been forced to choose between keeping your pet and living in a strata building? You are not alone. Australia has one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world, and yet more and more Australians are living in apartments and townhouses, where strata schemes may prohibit pets.
In this article, we explore the NSW strata laws in relation to keeping pets in a strata building. But first, a quick recap of strata schemes.
Strata Laws, By-Laws and Owners Corporation
If you live in an apartment or townhouse, then you are probably living in a strata scheme. The strata laws (Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW)) regulate an Owners Corporation’s rights and responsibilities. All the owners in a strata scheme make up the Owners Corporation. Owners Corporations can adopt the model by-laws that are set out in the Act, or they can amend them or write their own.
Can I Keep My Pet in a Strata Scheme?
This depends on the by-laws that apply to your strata scheme.
Previously, the model by-laws excluded pets unless the owner was given permission. The new strata laws amended the model by-law to be more pet-friendly, as it encourages schemes to allow pets rather than ban them altogether.
The new model by-law for pets includes two options for new schemes to choose from:
- Option A– An owner or occupier may keep a pet if they give the Owners Corporation written notice.
- Option B– An owner or occupier may keep a pet with the written approval of the Owners The Owners Corporation cannot unreasonably refuse the owner or occupier permission to keep their pet.
What if I am a tenant living in a strata scheme?
If you are either a prospective or current living in an already established strata scheme, you will still need permission from your landlord to keep a pet in your apartment or townhouse.
Seek Legal Advice
It is important to be fully aware of your obligations under your strata scheme in relation to retention of pet. If you would like further information regarding strata schemes or general strata law advice, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced solicitors on 9963 9800 or via our contact form here.