The Greens welcome the passing through Parliament of reforms which will give renters the right to keep pets. The right for renters to own a pet is something we have been fighting alongside the community for for years.
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.
This has meant that too many renters have had to make the impossible choice between giving up their family pet and finding a place to call home. In the cost of living and housing crises, renters are already doing it tough enough. It’s long overdue, but these changes are a great step forward for renters who have pets.
Without pressure from the Greens and community advocates, the Liberals would never have been forced to take up reforms allowing pets in rentals during the 2024 election. We acknowledge the efforts of the Tenants’ Union of Tasmania and the Dogs Home of Tasmania, amongst others.
While progress on pets in rentals is welcome, the Liberals continue not to take the action needed to ensure Tasmanians have an affordable home. We’ll keep fighting to ensure real rights for renters, regulation for short stays and the building of more social and affordable homes.
