NT pet lovers rejoice as rule changes make it easier to own pets at home
It will be easier for residents of the Northern Territory to keep pets in their homes after a host of rule changes are set to come into effect in the new year.
The legislation changes will come into play on January 1 and aim to increase the harmony between Territorian tenants and landlords.
After almost 20 years with no alterations, the NT Residential Tenancies Act 1999 is undergoing a shake-up, with other alterations including changes to unclaimed bond money.
Attorney General and Minister for Justice Selena Uibo says the welcome legislation amendments will provide more cohesion between rental parties and bring the current systems in place up to date.
“These changes offer clarity around a range of issues impacting the rental market and have been widely consulted,” she says.
The Act had not been reviewed for 18 years, however this new regulatory framework guides interactions between landlords and tenants and reflects modern practices across the Northern Territory
Selena Uibo– Attorney General and Minister for Justice
Under the new rules, tenants will be allowed to have pets unless the landlords have reasonable grounds to refuse tenants’ requests, swinging the pendulum in favour of Territorian pet owners.
“For many people, pets provide emotional support and are important family members of many Territorian households,” Ms Uibo says.
“With this in mind, the Territory Labor Government supports the rights of both tenants and landlords and this legislation aims to strike a fair balance,” she adds.
