Can a strata scheme ban pets entirely?

No, not in NSW, VIC, QLD or the ACT. Recent court decisions and legislative changes mean blanket pet bans are unenforceable in most states — owners must allow pets unless there's a genuine reason to refuse a specific animal.

Blanket pet bans were once standard in Australian strata schemes. After a string of court decisions and legislative reforms since 2020, they're now unenforceable in most states — and committees that try to keep them on the books are routinely overturned at tribunal.

The owners corporation can still impose reasonable conditions (size limits in lifts, noise rules, cleaning up after animals) and refuse a specific pet for a good reason (aggression, allergies of nearby owners, prior misbehaviour). A blanket 'no pets' by-law is almost always struck down.

Related questions

Can the committee charge me a pet bond?
No. Pet bonds aren't permitted in strata. The OC can require pet registration and clean-up, but not a refundable bond.
What if my neighbour's pet causes a real problem?
The OC can issue a notice to comply for nuisance or breach of conditions, and ultimately seek tribunal orders to remove the specific animal — without needing a blanket ban.

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