Making apartment living work with your pet

Written by Pip Harry for Australian Seniors

Living with chronic health conditions means Jan Syme, 70, spends a lot of time at home, her straight-haired cavoodle happily curled up on her lap. Buddy, aged four, is a very special source of comfort and companionship for Jan, a retired Anglican chaplain.

Having owned her Western Sydney apartment for more than two decades, and having owned a dog previously, Jan was familiar with the strata rules for dogs when the rehomed puppy came to live with her in 2022. Unfortunately, the “loving, intelligent but anxious” Buddy took a while to adjust, and although neighbours had assured Jan his barking wasn’t a problem, after three months one neighbour complained.

“At the beginning, he would bark at any noises in the foyer or outside,” Jan says. “I had been working really hard with Buddy to get him to be a quiet, calm dog. By the time I got a phone call from the strata manager saying a neighbour had complained, I thought Buddy was doing much better.”

Working with a trainer, Jan learned strategies to help Buddy pay less attention to noises outside, reinforced with treats and affection for good behaviour. She also downloaded the Barkio app to log his noise while she was out, which showed he didn’t have separation anxiety.

Related: What is your pet trying to tell you?

But while the barking was improving, the neighbour still wasn’t happy. Eventually, the matter went to mediation through NSW Fair Trading, who manage property disputes.

“I had to agree that I would continue training Buddy and giving him anxiety medication, and the neighbour had to agree that if he had issues, he would send an email to the strata and would not knock on my door.”

Over time, Buddy has become much less triggered by noise, but friction with the neighbour remains, which is a sore point for Jan: “I’ve spoken to the other neighbours, and they are all fine with Buddy.”

“I don’t take much notice of the other dogs in this building. We live in an urban area – if you want absolute quiet, go out to the bush. This is apartment living – kids practise musical instruments, people have parties.”

Her advice to anyone moving into an apartment with a dog is to get help with behavioural issues early. “There are some really good dog trainers around, as well as vets and animal behaviourists. Work hard with your dog, giving it lots of treats and training.”

Related: City vs country pets: understanding the differences

Bringing a pet into a rental or strata-managed property

While Buddy’s barking wasn’t excessive, dogs that bark constantly (especially if left alone all day) are a common cause of problems in strata-managed properties, says Grant Mifsud, partner at Archers The Strata Professionals in Queensland. Cats roaming free on common property is another regular source of conflict. 

“Bringing in a pet that isn’t suited to strata community living can also be a problem when the pet may need more space,” he adds. “Some residents think the common property is the solution, but this is a shared area and usually should only be used for transporting the pet in and out.” If you’re downsizing to an apartment or a rental property, Grant says it’s crucial to follow rules set by the landlord and strata from the beginning, rather than “seeking forgiveness” later. “It’s also a good idea to let your neighbours know you have a pet when you move in and invite them to tell you if any issues arise.”

Related: New pet-friendly laws for aged care facilities

Preparing for your pet

To help avoid problems with neighbours, landlords or strata when you’re downsizing, Grant recommends getting a vet certificate confirming your furry friend is suited to the space.

“Otherwise, you may wind up being in dispute with your neighbours and disrupting the harmony, which is so important in close-proximity communities,” he says. Companion Animal Network Australia provides a checklist and a template for a pet résumé. A pet résumé shows a potential landlord and strata that your pet suits the space, and that you take your responsibilities as an owner seriously.

It could include:

• Your pet’s age and health, including vaccination status and confirmation of desexing
• Their temperament, including attributes making them suited to a small space
• Obedience training certificates
• Pest prevention measures you’re taking, for example against fleas and parasites
• A summary of how you’ll meet your pet’s needs for exercise and stimulation, and keep them happy while you’re out or on holiday
• A plan for how you’ll dispose of their waste to avoid odours
• References from pet trainers and previous landlords or neighbours

If you want to find a dog that is suited to apartment living, read our guide to help choose the right breed for you.

Related: Australia’s most beloved pet names

State rules for keeping pets in rental properties

• NSW: Tenants must get consent to keep a pet, but landlords can only refuse for certain conditions. Pets are allowed in strata unless they cause unreasonable interference
• VIC & QLD: You must get landlord consent for pets; they can’t refuse without reasonable grounds
• SA: Landlords can prohibit you from keeping pets. You must get strata permission too
• ACT: You must get permission to have a pet; landlords can only refuse on very specific grounds
• WA: Tenants must apply to have pets; landlords must have good reason to decline. You may have to pay a ‘pet bond’
• NT: You must notify the landlord in writing about your pet. They have 14 days to object
• TAS: You must seek landlord permission for pets