Great news for (future) pet owners in Apartment / Strata buildings. Effective 25 August, 2021 new Strata Law changes came into effect in relation to pets and will put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata.
As I am sure most people would agree, with the COVID lockdowns that we have all been facing, having a trusty companion by our side is more important than ever. The rise in pet ownership since the start of COVID is testament to this, 69% of Australian households own a pet, and 19% of pet dogs in Australia* were acquired during COVID.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new laws reflect broad community sentiment from the review, and demonstrate a balanced approach for both residents and owner corporations in keeping furry friends in strata.
The new regulations will outline a limited list of specific grounds where an owners corporation can refuse a lot owner from keeping an animal in a strata scheme or take steps to remove an existing animal from the scheme. These circumstances include repeated damage of the common property, menacing behaviour, persistent noise and odour.
Owners corporations will also be able to set reasonable conditions through their own by-laws on how pets are kept in their scheme, for example whether they have to be supervised on common property or enter and exit through a dedicated entrance or lift.
Living in strata has become increasingly popular and the new laws have been designed to strike the right balance for everyone living in strata communities.
NSW Fair Trading is offering support, advice and mediation services for residents and owners corporations who are unsure about the new rules and how they apply within their scheme. Unresolved disputes can also be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal where appropriate.
* Source: Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) 2021 Report – Pets in the Pandemic – a social research snapshot of pets and people in the COVID-19 era. Link to full report: https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AMAU005-PATP-Report21_v1.4_WEB.pdf