Pet-Friendly Rental Properties Melbourne: What Every Renter Must Know

Finding a home that welcomes both you and your pet can feel like an uphill battle in Melbourne’s competitive rental market. With vacancy rates at record lows and many rental providers still hesitant to allow animals, renters often face a difficult choice: compromise on housing or fight for a space where their furry companion is truly welcome.

But things are getting better. Recent changes in Victorian law, along with smarter search and application strategies, now make securing pet-friendly rental properties in Melbourne more achievable than ever.

This guide will walk you through your rights as a renter, where to look for suitable homes, and how to make your application stand out, so you and your pet can settle comfortably into your next home.

Understanding Victorian Law & Renter Rights for Pet Rentals

For many years, renting with pets in Melbourne was challenging. “No pets” clauses were common, and renters often felt they had little bargaining power. This changed on 2 March 2020, when new Victorian tenancy reforms came into effect.

These laws were designed to make it easier and fairer for renters with pets to secure housing.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Pet request process: If you want to keep a pet in your rental property, you must submit a written request using the Consumer Affairs Victoria pet request form. Your rental provider then has 14 days to respond.
• Consent by default: If the rental provider does not respond within 14 days, consent is automatically granted.
• Rental Provider refusal: Rental providers cannot unreasonably refuse your request. If they do wish to deny it, they must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within the 14-day period. VCAT will then decide whether keeping the pet is reasonable.
• ‘No pets’ clauses invalid: For any agreements signed after March 2020, blanket “no pets” clauses are no longer enforceable. Older agreements may still reference them, but rental providers cannot evict renters simply for having a pet unless the pet causes proven issues, such as damage or nuisance.
• Assistance animals: These are exempt and do not require permission.
• If refused: If VCAT orders that your pet cannot stay, you have 14 days to comply. Failure to do so may allow the rental provider to issue a 28-day notice to vacate.
• Renter responsibilities: Renters must ensure their pet does not damage the property, cause nuisance to neighbours, or create safety concerns.

These laws give renters far more protection and clarity, but it’s still important to approach applications professionally.

How to Find Pet-Friendly Rental Properties in Melbourne

Finding a rental that welcomes pets requires strategy, persistence, and local insight. Below are proven tactics and tips to help you uncover more opportunities in rental properties Melbourne that are genuinely pet-friendly.

1.   Use the right platforms and filters

The fastest way to start your search is by using property websites that allow you to filter for pet-friendly listings. Some of the best platforms that offer this feature include Rent.com.au, Domain, Realestate.com.au, and Rentberry.

Dedicated sites such as PetFriendly.io also provide access to homes specifically advertised as pet-friendly, while platforms like Stayz or Airbnb can be a useful stepping stone if you’re considering short-term rentals while you search for something permanent.

Keep in mind, however, that not all platforms highlight pet policies clearly. Following up directly with the agent or the rental provider is still essential to avoid misunderstandings.

2.   Look through pet-friendly suburbs and property types

Some Melbourne suburbs naturally lend themselves to more pet-friendly housing, including areas such as Brunswick, Collingwood, Elwood, Port Melbourne, and Hawthorn.

Suburbs with leafy parks, larger blocks, or lower-density housing are also generally more accommodating than high-rise complexes in the CBD. Newer build-to-rent developments in Melbourne are also marketing themselves as pet-friendly, with amenities like dog wash stations and landscaped courtyards designed with pets in mind.

3.   Read between the lines in listings

A listing that simply says “pets considered” doesn’t give the full picture. As you browse, look for clues that indicate a property is genuinely pet-suitable.

Even the wording of an ad can be telling: phrases such as “pet negotiable” or photos that reveal courtyards and pet bowls often suggest the property has housed animals before.

4.   Contact property managers directly

Even if a listing doesn’t explicitly mention pets, it is often worth asking. Property managers and rental providers sometimes list “no pets” as a default, but can be open to negotiation depending on your circumstances.

When inquiring, introduce yourself as a strong renter first, then outline details about your pet, such as size, breed, and behaviour. Offering to provide a pet resume, references, or committing to additional cleaning demonstrates responsibility and can make your application more appealing.

5.   Tap into local networks and pet communities

Melbourne has an active network of pet owner groups, both online and in person, where available rentals are often shared.

Facebook groups dedicated to pet-friendly rentals, local dog-walking communities, or even conversations at your local vet can uncover leads that never make it to the mainstream platforms.

Word of mouth is particularly valuable in a competitive rental market, so let your personal network know you’re searching for a home that welcomes pets.

How to Make a Strong Pet-Friendly Rental Application

Applying for a rental property is already competitive in Melbourne. When you include a pet, you need to go above and beyond to reassure the rental provider or agent. A thoughtful, well-prepared application can turn hesitation into “yes.”

Below are the key components and strategy to make your case compelling.

1.   Use the official pet request form and be thorough

In Victoria you must use the Consumer Affairs Victoria / Victorian pet request form to request permission to keep a pet. If you simply mention the pet informally, it may not count as a formal request under the law.

When filling out that form, be as detailed as possible:

• Include type, breed, age, size, vaccination status, desexing, microchip registration
• Describe the animal’s temperament, training, and behaviour
• Explain why the property is suitable (yard, fencing, ground-floor access)
• Indicate how you will manage any risks (noise mitigation, cleaning, pet care)
• Submit it by email, post, or hand delivery (as allowed) and keep a dated copy

2.   Create a pet resume that stands out

A “pet resume” is a powerful addition that helps humanise your animal and build trust. A strong pet resume should include:

• Photos (good quality, showing calm temperament)
• Description of breed, size, age, and personality traits
• Training or obedience certificates (if any)
• Vet references or health records (vaccinations, desexing, microchipping)
• Prior rental provider or neighbor references about your pet’s behaviour
• Pet insurance details (if applicable)
• How you manage pet waste, noise, grooming, outdoor access

By making your pet appear responsible, well cared for, and non-disruptive, you reduce perceived risk in the rental provider’s mind.

3.   Emphasise that you are a reliable renter first

Rental providers and agents ultimately care most about securing a reliable renter, and that’s where your application should begin.

Before you mention your pet, make sure you highlight your strongest credentials: a solid rental history, steady employment or income, and a track record of paying rent on time.

Once you’ve established yourself as a dependable renter, you can then introduce your pet. This allows the animal to be seen as part of a well-prepared household rather than as a potential complication.

It’s also worth going the extra mile by offering reassurances upfront, such as arranging professional cleaning, agreeing to extra inspections, or covering any accidental damage promptly. This approach shifts the conversation from risk to responsibility, making it clear that your pet won’t interfere with your reliability as a renter.

Find the Right Pet-Friendly Rental Properties in Melbourne with Confidence

When looking for rental properties in Melbourne that allow pets, it’s important to approach the process with respect, preparation, and the right channels. Remember, the goal is not just to “get permission,” but to foster a rental relationship built on transparency and mutual respect, a foundation that benefits both you and your rental provider in the long run.

At Melcorp Real Estate, we understand the unique challenges renters face when searching for pet-friendly homes in Melbourne. Our team is here to help you navigate the market and connect you with rental properties Melbourne residents and their pets are proud to call home.

Explore our latest listings or reach out today to find your next perfect space.