Myth:

I cannot have a pet when I live in an SDA apartment

Fact:

You might be allowed to have a pet if you live in an SDA apartment however, this is not a given. Having a pet is subject to approval from your SDA provider and the Strata Committee of your apartment building.

Exploring the fact

Tenancy rights within SDA (including whether you have the right to have pets) are outlined in the applicable state residential tenancy legislation. Please check your state Residential Tenancies Act for more details about your rights:

• Australian Capital Territory 
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Additionally, many SDA housing providers that offer apartments will have their stance on pets on their websites. For example:

• Ability SDA says that “the landlord allows pets within reason, and subject to approval.”
• Enliven Housing says that “Enliven welcomes pets, however this is subject to Strata Committee rules and approval. Each Enliven apartment complex will have its own by-laws governing pets. You will need Enliven Housing and Strata Committee approval prior to having a pet in your apartment. Companion pets fall under Companion Pet Legislation in your state.”
• Liverty Housing (formerly Summer Housing) says that “Provided that you can demonstrate that you can adequately care for your pet, Liverty Housing will accept pet applications. Pets must comply with body corporate by-laws and be approved by the body corporate.

Case Study

Kara currently lives with her parents, and has recently been approved for SDA funding. She has applied for an SDA apartment and has been given an offer of tenancy. Kara has two cats, Starbuck and Apollo. Her SDA provider has given their permission for her cats to move into the apartment with Kara. However, she will need written approval from the body corporate of the building before she can move them in. Kara’s support coordinator assists her to write the application email to the body corporate.

Any questions?

Contact our NDIS Housing Advice Line on 1300 61 64 63 from Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm (AEDT).

Learn more about SDA

• Find out if you are likely to be eligible for SDA with our easy-to-use SDA Eligibility Checker!
• The Housing Hub has great resources to help people understand SDA!  You can learn more about different types of housing and places to live here. 
• The Housing Hub also provides free information sessions about SDA and you can find more out here.
• To keep up to date with accessible housing news, events, stories and NDIS, updates, you can subscribe here.