@Miranda said:
we in Vic have recently had this legislation passed … it means that only Landlord approval must be sought.
I’m not sure that would have the effect you are suggesting in a Victorian strata scheme where, for instance, there is a rule (by-law) that doesn’t allow animals.
The Victorian model rules assume permission for animals but allow for them to be removed if they prove to be a nuisance. However, it seems to me that, just as in NSW, different schemes can pass their own rules provided they aren’t discriminatory or contradict or contravene other laws.
The Pet Are Welcome change seems to relate to rental properties only, in that the tenant only has to inform the landlord who can’t refuse unless they have a good reason for doing so.
I would think a rule banning or restricting pets in a strata building would be an acceptable reason for refusal.
The point I’m making is that this change in the law doesn’t change anything in apartments, except that landlords can’t refuse pets in blocks where owners are allowed to have them.
And to reiterate – I am totally in favour of people having well-behaved pets in apartments. But I respect the right of people to choose to live in buildings that don’t allow pets.
There are enough of both around for owners and tenants to have a pretty free choice.