Family forced to give up pet dog after being 'dobbed in' to real estate agent
Queensland's tenancy laws have been brought into question following the devastating decision.
Queensland's tenancy laws have been brought into question following a family's heartbreaking decision to give up their pet dog after their real estate agent allegedly found out they had one at their rental property.
The Aussie family were faced with a tough situation when a neighbour reportedly "dobbed them in" — being made to choose between rehoming the chihuahua or finding a new home themselves.
Chihuahua Rescue Queensland, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at rehoming chihuahuas, explained that the rental crisis plaguing Australia made it difficult for the family to move. The only option, it said, was to put two-year-old Maui up for adoption claiming the property was considered a "non-pet friendly rental" by the agent.
"We know there are supposedly new laws in place about pets and rental properties, but nothing seems to have really changed? It’s a joke - and not a funny one," the organisation posted on Facebook last week, introducing Maui to its followers.
What is Queensland's tenancy law regarding pets?
The law in question was introduced in October 2022 and states that landlords will not be able to refuse a tenant’s request for a pet unless it's a reasonable excuse as outlined by the state government.
It's not known if the family had requested to keep the dog, but if they had, a landlord must give a reason for refusing a tenant's request to have a pet — and those reasons are laid out in legislation.
According to the Residential Tenancy Authority, simply stating that ‘no pets are allowed' "is not sufficient and will not be a compliant response". Neither is a landlord's preference of not having a pet at the rental property.
Reasons why a landlord can refuse a pet in Queensland
Brisbane renter challenges tenancy law and wins
Last month, a Brisbane renter challenged the law in court and won after her agent refused her request to get a chihuahua, ABC reported. The woman, named Kelly, was told the property she was renting was not big enough to have a pet, so she lodged an application with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
On May 10, the tribunal found in her favour and two weeks later, she picked up a chihuahua named Arlo. Queensland Tenants CEO Penny Carr said the new law won't fix everything for renters and their pets, but it is a "huge step forward".
In NSW, tenants aren't required to ask before bringing a pet into the house, but a landlord is able to prohibit them in their rental agreement. Read more about pet-friendly laws in other states here.
Yahoo previously reported on a 53-year-old full-time chef who had to leave her pet cat in the foyer with food and bedding after she was evicted from her building and forced to live in her car.
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