There was a time in apartment blocks when “no pets” was the default rule.
Then, when the model by-laws in various states changed to allow residents to apply for permission to keep pets, it was establshed that permission could not be unreasonably refused.
For many years “we have never allowed pets” was considered to be a reasonabe reason for refusal.
Then, in 2020 a legal battle between pet owner Jo Cooper and the owners corporation of her Sydney strata block ended up in the NSW Court of Appeal – the state’s highest court – where it was established that blanket no-pet by-laws, were harsh, unconsionable and discriminatory and therefore invalid.
Shortly thereafter NSW strata law changed to reflect that.
Ms Cooper’s case had begun that the NSW Tribunal (NCAT) which found in her favour, then went to the NCAT Appeals Boart which reversed the decision, then went to the Court of Appeal whose final decision in her favour could be referenced in similar cases in other jurisdictions.
However, the battles for and against pets in strata continue. Here are some of those and other pet-related stories.
NB: Some of the stories in these pages go a long way back – check the dates as the laws may have changed.