Can I have pets in a rented room in Melbourne?

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Victoria's rental laws around pets are among the most tenant-friendly in Australia — but the reality for room renters in share houses is more complicated than the law suggests.

Victorian pet law in 2026: Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (as amended), landlords in Victoria cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet. If you want to keep a pet, you must:

Submit a written request to your landlord
Your landlord has 14 days to respond
They can only refuse on specific grounds (e.g. the property is unsuitable for that type of animal, body corporate rules prohibit pets)
They cannot charge a pet bond — pet bonds are explicitly prohibited in Victoria

The complication for share house room renters: If you are subletting from the main tenant (not directly from the owner), the main tenant — not the owner — is your landlord for legal purposes. They may have their own lease conditions about pets, or the other housemates may have objections.

Practical tips for renting a room with a pet in Melbourne:

Be upfront about your pet from your very first enquiry — attempting to hide a pet in a share house is almost impossible and creates conflict
Mention your pet's breed, size and temperament in your initial message — landlords and housemates respond better to specific, reassuring information
Offer to show your pet's vaccination and desexing records
Confirm in writing that your pet is approved before signing the lease