St Vincent de Paul Society calls for an end to blanket no pet bans for renters

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is calling for an end to blanket no pet clauses for renters in the next term of the State Government.

“Allowing bans on pets under NSW tenancy laws is an unnecessary obstruction to people finding a safe, secure, long-term home,” St Vincent de Paul Society Acting CEO, Yolanda Saiz, said.

“It’s a barrier to people who are experiencing homelessness when they work with our members and services to get back on their feet.

“Many people experiencing homelessness have pets who are very important to them.

“Their pets are often their only companionship and yet they are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their heads.

“The pets often have to be left behind when going into private rental and the animals that are surrendered frequently have to be put down,” Ms Saiz said.

“Queensland, the NT, Victoria, and the ACT have changed their laws to prevent blanket no pet bans.

“Pets may still be prevented from being kept in rental homes but only under set conditions.

“It’s time that NSW joined these other jurisdictions,” Ms Saiz said.

“The NSW Government has already changed laws preventing blanket no pet bans imposed by strata owners corporations,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State Council President, Paul Burton, said.

“We are simply asking for the next logical step to make is easier for renters.

“This would be of massive benefit to people who have experienced homelessness, many of whom keep pets.

“They often credit pets with being the thing that got them through periods of hardship.

“To demand that someone part with an animal companion who has become so important to them when they start to get back on their feet compounds the cruelty of the experience.

“It’s true, not all pets are suitable for all properties but to have a blanket ban does a disservice to vulnerable people,” Mr Burton said.