RSPCA Tasmania has welcomed the passage of the Government’s pets in rentals legislation, describing it as a long-overdue reform that will deliver better outcomes for animals, renters and the broader community.

From 20 March 2026, renters in Tasmania will no longer be forced to choose between securing housing and keeping their companion animals — a decision that has historically driven high rates of pet surrender during housing stress.

Andrea Dawkins, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania, said the reform reflects modern community values and strong evidence linking housing insecurity with poor animal welfare outcomes.

“For too long, RSPCA Tasmania has seen people surrender much-loved pets simply because they could not find a rental that would accept them,” Ms Dawkins said.

“This reform keeps families together, reduces unnecessary surrenders, and eases pressure on shelters that are already stretched responding to cruelty, neglect and crisis cases.”

RSPCA Tasmania emphasised that the legislation strikes an appropriate balance by protecting the rights of property owners while removing blanket ‘no pets’ policies that do not reflect individual circumstances.

“Allowing pets in rentals is not about removing safeguards for property owners — it’s about replacing blunt refusals with fair, transparent and reasonable decision-making,” Ms Dawkins said.

“Other Australian jurisdictions have shown that these laws work, and Tasmania now joins that national shift.”

RSPCA Tasmania also acknowledged the collaborative approach taken across Parliament to progress the reform.

“This legislation demonstrates that practical, compassionate reform is possible when animal welfare, housing security and common sense are considered together,” Ms Dawkins said.

The organisation said it would continue to work with government, housing providers and tenants to support responsible pet ownership and successful pet-inclusive tenancies as the reforms come into effect. We urge renters to read up on the coming reform, ensuring that when they apply to their property owner or manager to include a companion animal on their lease that they understand their rights and responsibilities.

MEDIA CONTACT
Andrea Dawkins, CEO – RSPCA Tasmania
Mobile: 0438 346 445
Email: adawkins@rspcatas.org.au