Pet bonds, which require an upfront payment to cover any pet damage outside of a lease bond, are not currently mentioned in the Rental Tenancies Act.

Slated state government reforms will allow tenants to keep a pet given the written consent of a landlord, with landlords unable to unreasonably deny the request. 

Ballarat resident Kym McKenzie moved into rental accommodation after her family, including two St Bernards, got too big for her home. 

She said when lodging a new rental application, she attaches a letter describing her dogs and offers a pet bond of $1000. 

“When you offer to pay that amount of money, the landlord probably realises that you’re serious about looking after the property, and will make sure your pets don’t destroy the place,” Ms McKenzie said. 

“The fact I’m upfront about having two big dogs which weigh more than 100 kilograms each and sleep all day has probably helped me secure more homes than it’s disqualified me from. 

“Some tenants might use the new reforms as an excuse to get away with more when it comes to pets.

“The changes will mean less pet bonds and pet clauses in the future,” she said.   

If a landlord requests a pet bond, and the weekly rental amount is less than $350, they must apply to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal to seek approval to take more than four weeks’ rent as bond. 

Hayden Real Estate property manager Chris Miller said some landlords ask for a pet bond to cover themselves outside of normal wear. 

“I’ve heard of landlords stipulating an $800 pet bond for a tenant, alongside their usual bond, to cover any costs that might come from the pet being in the house,” Mr Miller said. 

“It’s a real headache to have to go to VCAT and get costs back, and decisions about who can have pets is usually on instinct.

“We usually ask for breed information, but if a tenant seems reasonable and has a decent temperament, we just have to hope that’s rubbed off on the pet,” he said.

The proposed reforms by the Andrews government state tenants must undertake cleaning and fumigation if there is pet-related damage.

As both a landlord and a tenant, Ms McKenzie said she always has a pet surety clause in her lease contract, stating the renter will fix any damage caused.

“I really feel for renters who can’t afford to pay a pet bond, and are forced to pick between renting and keeping pets who are part of the family,” she said. 

“I personally would never give up my dogs, it would be an awful situation to be in.”