The attitude to pets is changing - are strata schemes keeping up?

Some of the strongest opinions in residential complexes today have four legs and a collar. The humans who love them have also been vocal about the right to keep pets in strata schemes, and rightfully so. Attitudes have changed. Pets are family, and it makes sense that all forms of housing accommodate them. This is an evolving matter, and if you’re considering buying or renting in a strata property, your rights to animal companionship are stronger than ever.

At All Suburbs Strata Management, we bring over 40 years of experience in residential strata management in Greater Sydney, Nepean and the Central Coast. While you cannot be refused the right to keep pets at your property, strata schemes may apply reasonable by-laws and conditions intended to support community living. Here’s what you need to know.

Prior to recent reforms, many strata schemes in NSW enforced strict by-laws that either prohibited pet ownership or required owners corporation approval, which could be declined without explanation. The priority was community harmony, and understandably, not everyone in a shared building welcomes animals. As societal values shifted and pets came to be seen as companions and family members, legislation began to reflect the need for a more balanced approach.

Pets have been integrated into most parts of daily life, from accompanying their humans to cafés and retail stores to workplaces and even on holidays. Policies across various sectors have evolved, with airlines, aged care facilities and developers now offering pet-friendly options as a standard feature rather than an exception, so it’s no surprise strata schemes have followed suit.

Additionally, it’s no secret that pets positively impact our mental health. They offer comfort, ease loneliness and bring structure to daily life—benefits that have been widely acknowledged in studies by the Australian Psychological Society and RSPCA Australia. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, these emotional connections became even more important. With millions of Australians spending more time at home, pet ownership surged. Remote work removed some of the practical barriers, and for many, having an animal around became essential to coping with isolation. This sudden shift exposed how out of step some strata by-laws were with modern living, and prompted a wave of demand for rules that reflect the way people actually live now.

By-laws in NSW strata schemes are not standardised, which means rules can vary considerably from one building to another. Some schemes provide clear, updated guidance around pet ownership, while others rely on vague or inconsistently enforced clauses. This variation can leave residents uncertain about their rights. To clarify, NSW legislation now makes it unlawful for an owners corporation to impose a blanket ban on pets. By-laws must allow for reasonable consideration and cannot prohibit animals without justification under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and the associated regulations.

While strata schemes in NSW must review their by-laws within 12 months of registration, many aren’t updated again unless a major issue arises or the property changes hands. It’s not uncommon to find buildings still operating under rules set years ago, including pet by-laws that no longer reflect current laws or community expectations. In many cases, this isn’t about resistance, but rather a lack of awareness, competing priorities or limited involvement from owners.

Outdated or vague by-laws still leave some buyers and renters unsure about whether pets are genuinely welcome. Strata schemes with clear, inclusive rules are more likely to stand out as modern, well-managed communities, which is something people notice when deciding where to live.

It’s not just laws, by-laws and attitudes changing. Across NSW, Australia and beyond, many new residential community living developments are incorporating features that make these properties more pet-inclusive. Some of these amenities include dog parks, on-site pet wash stations and designated pet relief zones. These measures don’t just make strata life easier for pet owners—they also encourage responsible ownership and help reduce the impact on shared spaces for those who may not welcome the sight of wagging tails or the sound of barks and meows.

Some owners corporations are now giving pet ownership more structured attention through strata meetings and planning. This can include adding pet-related items to AGM agendas, reviewing existing by-laws and setting up clearer approval procedures. These practical steps help reduce misunderstandings and support fair decision-making, particularly in larger schemes where resident turnover is high. Taking the time to formalise these processes also signals that the scheme values both individual rights and community harmony.

Technology is increasingly helping to streamline strata operations, and pet management is no exception. Some committees and strata managers are already using apps and portals to register pets, record approvals and share relevant by-law information with residents. This makes things easier for residents by reducing confusion and speeding up responses. At ASSM, our Connect app allows strata residents to submit a pet application quickly and easily.

Not everyone in a strata community is an animal lover, and that’s okay. What matters is maintaining respect for shared spaces. Being a responsible pet owner means managing noise, hygiene and behaviour, especially where others are affected. By-laws help and common examples include requiring pets to be leashed in communal areas, cleaned up after and kept from causing disturbance.

If problems like persistent barking or damage to gardens arise, residents can speak to the owner or raise the issue with the strata committee. If it continues, formal action through council or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is available.

Clear communication plays a big role in preventing pet-related disputes. Some schemes are now distributing guidelines or information sheets that set expectations for pet behaviour in shared areas. These resources help ensure residents understand their obligations. Simple, proactive education can make a big difference in maintaining harmony.

Strata living is, at its core, about people sharing space in a way that works for everyone. When communities recognise the role pets play in people’s lives, and support that with fairness and care, it builds something stronger than just compliance. It builds trust.

At ASSM, we’ve seen pets and people live in residential strata harmony long-term when everyone does the right thing. Animals can bring a lot of happiness and companionship, but they do come with plenty of responsibility. A little consideration goes a long way in making shared living work for everyone.

If you’re looking for a reliable strata manager, ASSM brings over 40 years of experience across residential, community, commercial and industrial properties.

If your current manager isn’t meeting expectations, get in touch with our professional team today. We’ll make the transition simple.