AN overhaul of the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act could see more pets allowed into rental properties, with the RSPCA calling for the removal of the ‘no pets’ clause landlords can put on rental agreements.
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Horsham People for Animal Welfare and Support’s Carolyn Stow said moving house and being unable to secure a pet-friendly rental property was one of many reasons people surrendered their pets to the pound.
She said she would welcome a move away from ‘no pet’ clauses and the change would lessen the burden on rescue organisations.
“One would hope it would lighten the load,” she said.
“Some people are genuine about owning a pet and wanting to take responsibility for the animal.
“But when the place their currently living doesn’t extend the lease or they have to move for some reason or need more space and have to move, if they can’t find anywhere to take them and the animal, they have a tough decision to make.”
RSPCA Victoria said in a submission to the government, more than 700 animals were surrendered to RSPCA shelters alone in the last financial year because their owner was moving.
The RSPCA said the current system assumed any pet would be a nuisance or damaging to property but the assumption was unfounded.
The group said tenancy agreements should automatically include a provision for tenants to keep pets, with checks and balances to protect the property owner, including pet references to check the animal’s suitability or pet bonds.
The state government is currently calling on feedback on proposed changes to the rental act, including facilitating fixed term leases of longer than five years, restricting rental increases to once a year, banning rental bids and introducing minimum health and safety standards for rental properties.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy urged residents and landlords to provide input to the proposed changes, which include improved incentives for landlords to make repairs quickly, a mediation service to make binding decisions and requiring notices to vacate to have supporting evidence.
Proposed changes also include requiring tenants to have landlord consent before listing a property on Airbnb or similar site and allowing tenants who are victims of family violence to challenge notices to vacate given as a result of a perpetrator’s conduct.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
