The Greens welcome the passage through the Tasmanian House of Assembly of reforms which give renters the right to have pets – something we’ve been fighting for for years. But the major parties stopped there at giving rights to renters, with Labor siding with the Liberals to vote against our amendments which would’ve allowed renters to make minor modifications, despite their election commitment.
Pets are part of the family. Having a pet shouldn’t impact Tasmanian renters’ ability to find a safe and affordable home. For too long there’s been limited legal protections for renters with pets. It can mean renters have to make the impossible choice between giving up their family pet and keeping a roof over their head. Renters are already doing it tough enough in the cost of living and housing crises.
It’s long overdue, but these changes are a great step forward for renters who have pets. We’re pleased the Liberal Government took up the Greens’ and community advocates’ suggestion to ensure protections for renters with guide dogs would also be extended to assistance animals.
Our amendments would have allowed for tenants to install potentially life-saving disability, safety, or security modifications – like handrails in showers or security cameras. Despite Labor committing in the election to support renters making minor modifications, they once again sided with the Liberals to deny rights to renters.
Without pressure from the Greens and community advocates, the Liberals wouldn’t have been forced to take up reforms allowing pets in rentals during the last election campaign. While progress for renters from the major parties has been limited and slow, we welcome this important step forward. Unlike the major parties, we’ll keep fighting to ensure other, real rights for renters.
