Can I Have An Animal?

The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 allows for strata schemes to make their own by-laws in relation to the keeping of animals or they can adopt one of these model by-laws:

Option A
(1) An owner or occupier of a lot may keep an animal on the lot, if the owner or occupier gives the owners corporation written notice that it is being kept on the lot.
(2) The notice must be given not later than 14 days after the animal commences to be kept on the lot.
(3) If an owner or occupier of a lot keeps an animal on the lot, the owner or occupier must:
(a) keep the animal within the lot; and
(b) supervise the animal when it is on the common property; and
(c) take any action that is necessary to clean all areas of the lot or the common property that are soiled by the animal.

Option B
(1) An owner or occupier of a lot may keep an animal on the lot or the common property with the written approval of the owners corporation.
(2) The owners corporation must not unreasonably withhold its approval of the keeping of an animal on a lot or the common property and must give an owner or occupier written reasons for any refusal to grant approval.
(3) If an owner or occupier of a lot keeps an animal on the lot, the owner or occupier must:
(a) keep the animal within the lot; and
(b) supervise the animal when it is on the common property; and
(c) take any action that is necessary to clean all areas of the lot or the common property that are soiled by the animal.
(4) An owner or occupier of a lot who keeps an assistance animal on the lot must, if required to do so by the owners corporation, provide evidence of the owners corporation demonstrating that the animal is an assistance animal as referred to in legislation.

An assistance animal cannot be banned from the property. Along with guide dogs for the sight impaired, this category includes dogs or other animals which offer assistance and support to those suffering conditions like psychiatric disability. 

From our experience, a lot of strata schemes are now allowing animals but this may depend on the type of animal and size. Animals that are seen as a ‘nuisance’ or ‘hazard’ will not be allowed. Most strata schemes will allow small pets such as fish or birds without the need of approval from the owners corporation. Do not assume your strata scheme will allow animals of any kind, ensure you satisfy yourself before you are locked into a contract where you cannot have your pet.

If you are an animal owner and are buying a strata property, Search My Strata can conduct an inspection of the records on your behalf to ascertain the rules regarding animals at the property.