Welcome to our comprehensive information hub dedicated to understanding and addressing the presence of pets within a body corporate community.
Here, we provide owners, tenants, and committees with an abundance of information designed to navigate not only the legislation and by-laws, but also the emotional aspect of pets when they become a part of shared living spaces.
Follow us on social media to continue learning more about where you live.
Here, we provide owners, tenants, and committees with an abundance of information designed to navigate not only the legislation and by-laws, but also the emotional aspect of pets when they become a part of shared living spaces.
Follow us on social media to continue learning more about where you live.
LEGISLATION AND FACT SHEETS
Animals in Community Titles Schemes
Queensland Government
Tenants and pet approvals
Queensland Government Fact Sheet
Renting with pets
Residential Tenancies Authority
Local government ANIMAL REGULATIONS
What is the current legislation?
Understanding the government’s stance on pet ownership is important, especially considering the stringent regulations governing body corporate, which significantly influences how it functions.
In 2022, Queensland underwent a significant legislation change, giving tenants the right to own pets. While this primarily impacted tenants and landlords, it serves as a clear indication that the government supports pet ownership for both owners and tenants, unless there is a compelling reason not to.
This is a big change from previous approaches, highlighting the societal shift towards pets as integral members of the family unit.
For owner-occupiers, this pet right was already in place within bodies corporate. While an approval process was, and still is, required, the focus has shifted from asking whether a person should be allowed to have a pet, to the mechanics of how to make that happen.
Landlords in Queensland are no longer permitted to reject pets in their properties unless, as previously mentioned, there is a compelling reason not to. The grounds for refusal are outlined in the law and are very narrow.
In 2022, Queensland underwent a significant legislation change, giving tenants the right to own pets. While this primarily impacted tenants and landlords, it serves as a clear indication that the government supports pet ownership for both owners and tenants, unless there is a compelling reason not to.
This is a big change from previous approaches, highlighting the societal shift towards pets as integral members of the family unit.
For owner-occupiers, this pet right was already in place within bodies corporate. While an approval process was, and still is, required, the focus has shifted from asking whether a person should be allowed to have a pet, to the mechanics of how to make that happen.
Landlords in Queensland are no longer permitted to reject pets in their properties unless, as previously mentioned, there is a compelling reason not to. The grounds for refusal are outlined in the law and are very narrow.
Changes to the BCCMA
The Queensland Parliament passed a new bill on 15 November 2023, which strengthens the rights of pet owners, and diminishes the power of a body corporate to keep pets out of the scheme.
The new legislation will mean body corporate by-laws cannot restrict the number, type, or size of pets that can be approved by the committee or the body corporate.
By-laws
Faster pet approvals in body corporate schemes
On 24 April 2024, the Queensland Government announced more changes to the legislation regarding pets. Taking effect from 1 May 2024 these will impact nearly ...
By-laws
Pet owners win under new body corporate law
In November 2023 the Queensland parliment passed a new bill which strengthens the rights of pet owners, and diminishes the power of a body corporate ...
Legislation
New body corporate legislation passed
Earlier this year we published an article discussing the proposed changes to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act. This legislation has now been passed. ...
What a reasonable grounds to refuse a pet?
These are some acceptable grounds to refuse a pet application in a body corporate scheme:
- If the pet has a dangerous animal order against it
- If it’s a banned dog breed in your local council area
- If it’s an animal, but not considered a domestic pet – so a goat, llama or pig could be refused by the body corporate.
- If there was more than a reasonable number of animals
- If it was a commercial pet operation like doggy daycare
- If the owner refused to have the pet vaccinated, microchipped or registered
As pets are now considered a right, committees can no longer make sweeping bans based on breeds, size, and potential barking issues. Refusals must be based only on the characteristics of the individual pet.
Acceptable grounds for refusing a pet application
Pets have long held a special place in our hearts and homes, and while pet ownership was already a right for owners with a body ...
Read More →
Can a particular breed of dog be banned?
While some dogs may have a ‘reputation’ for being dangerous or aggressive, the body corporate must consider each pet application based on the characteristics of that particular animal.
Unless the dog has a) been issued with a dangerous dog notice or b) is a banned breed in your local council, the body corporate cannot reject the application based on reputation or personal bias.
Unless the dog has a) been issued with a dangerous dog notice or b) is a banned breed in your local council, the body corporate cannot reject the application based on reputation or personal bias.
Barking dogs in a body corporate
Can a dog over 10kg be refused?
The short answer is no. Weight cannot be a deciding factor on whether to approve a do in a body corporate development. It has no baring on whether a dog will bark, bite or be a nuisance or not.
Like the type of breed of a dog, weight is arbitrary and should be removed from the body corporate by-laws.
Like the type of breed of a dog, weight is arbitrary and should be removed from the body corporate by-laws.
Committee webinar: New pet laws in Qld
What is the current legislation?
Understanding the government’s stance on pet ownership is important, especially considering the stringent regulations governing body corporate, which significantly influences how it functions.
In 2022, Queensland underwent a significant legislation change, giving tenants the right to own pets. While this primarily impacted tenants and landlords, it serves as a clear indication that the government supports pet ownership for both owners and tenants, unless there is a compelling reason not to.
This is a big change from previous approaches, highlighting the societal shift towards pets as integral members of the family unit.
For owner-occupiers, this pet right was already in place within bodies corporate. While an approval process was, and still is, required, the focus has shifted from asking whether a person should be allowed to have a pet, to the mechanics of how to make that happen.
Landlords in Queensland are no longer permitted to reject pets in their properties unless, as previously mentioned, there is a compelling reason not to. The grounds for refusal are outlined in the law and are very narrow.
In 2022, Queensland underwent a significant legislation change, giving tenants the right to own pets. While this primarily impacted tenants and landlords, it serves as a clear indication that the government supports pet ownership for both owners and tenants, unless there is a compelling reason not to.
This is a big change from previous approaches, highlighting the societal shift towards pets as integral members of the family unit.
For owner-occupiers, this pet right was already in place within bodies corporate. While an approval process was, and still is, required, the focus has shifted from asking whether a person should be allowed to have a pet, to the mechanics of how to make that happen.
Landlords in Queensland are no longer permitted to reject pets in their properties unless, as previously mentioned, there is a compelling reason not to. The grounds for refusal are outlined in the law and are very narrow.
If pets are allowed, why do I need to apply?
In Queensland, the pet approval process is governed by the unique by-laws specific to each body corporate building. Typically, these by-laws include a provision regarding pets, that will often stipulate that no resident can have a pet without prior approval from the body corporate committee.
Both owners and tenants are required to seek pet approval, resulting in frequent committee votes, and communicating the decision-making process to all owners.
Both owners and tenants are required to seek pet approval, resulting in frequent committee votes, and communicating the decision-making process to all owners.
How do I apply for a pet in a body corporate?
A request for a pet is made to the body corporate committee. If you have a body corporate manager like BCsystems, you may find an application form on their website.
With this application you’ll need to include some information about your pet like it’s type, sex, proof of vaccination, and local council registration.
Committees, under the law, have 6 weeks to respond to all pet approvals. Most committees do it much faster than this, however, 6 weeks is the maximum legal timeframe.
With this application you’ll need to include some information about your pet like it’s type, sex, proof of vaccination, and local council registration.
Committees, under the law, have 6 weeks to respond to all pet approvals. Most committees do it much faster than this, however, 6 weeks is the maximum legal timeframe.
What a reasonable grounds to refuse a pet?
These are some acceptable grounds to refuse a pet application in a body corporate scheme:
- If the pet has a dangerous animal order against it
- If it’s a banned dog breed in your local council area
- If it’s an animal, but not considered a domestic pet – so a goat, llama or pig could be refused by the body corporate.
- If there was more than a reasonable number of animals
- If it was a commercial pet operation like doggy daycare
- If the owner refused to have the pet vaccinated, microchipped or registered
As pets are now considered a right, committees can no longer make sweeping bans based on breeds, size, and potential barking issues. Refusals must be based only on the characteristics of the individual pet.
Acceptable grounds for refusing a pet application
Pets have long held a special place in our hearts and homes, and while pet ownership was already a right for owners with a body ...
Read More →
Can I have more than one pet?
The chances of the body corporate approving a second pet would be greatly improved if you can demonstrate the good behaviour of the first one.
Again, if there are no reasonable grounds to reject the application, and your second pet is within the approved number allowed by your local council, then it is likely to have a second pet approved.
Again, if there are no reasonable grounds to reject the application, and your second pet is within the approved number allowed by your local council, then it is likely to have a second pet approved.
Can a particular breed of dog be banned?
While some dogs may have a ‘reputation’ for being dangerous or aggressive, the body corporate must consider each pet application based on the characteristics of that particular animal.
Unless the dog has a) been issued with a dangerous dog notice or b) is a banned breed in your local council, the body corporate cannot reject the application based on reputation or personal bias.
Unless the dog has a) been issued with a dangerous dog notice or b) is a banned breed in your local council, the body corporate cannot reject the application based on reputation or personal bias.
Barking dogs in a body corporate
Pets in holiday apartments
Holiday apartment buildings are still body corporate schemes but with a slightly different use.
Catering to short-term residential stays, you will most likely find by-laws appropriate to the accommodation and catering to a quick turnover of residents. These may allow pets without a formal body corporate approval process, if they are disclosed at the time of booking.
Check the terms and conditions of your booking, which should reflect the by-laws of the property.
Catering to short-term residential stays, you will most likely find by-laws appropriate to the accommodation and catering to a quick turnover of residents. These may allow pets without a formal body corporate approval process, if they are disclosed at the time of booking.
Check the terms and conditions of your booking, which should reflect the by-laws of the property.
Can a dog over 10kg be refused?
The short answer is no. Weight cannot be a deciding factor on whether to approve a do in a body corporate development. It has no baring on whether a dog will bark, bite or be a nuisance or not.
Like the type of breed of a dog, weight is arbitrary and should be removed from the body corporate by-laws.
Like the type of breed of a dog, weight is arbitrary and should be removed from the body corporate by-laws.
Do you have a question about pets in a body corporate community that we haven’t covered here?
Fill in the question form below, and one of our team will provide an answer.
*General questions only. We cannot provide answers to specific circumstances without knowing the full details.
Fill in the question form below, and one of our team will provide an answer.
*General questions only. We cannot provide answers to specific circumstances without knowing the full details.