From Monday, December 1, Hibiscus Coast rentals shift to clearer pet consent rules and a new online bond system that trims paperwork and speeds up decisions.

If your tenancy allows pets or you have written consent, you can keep one.

A landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds and may set fair conditions.

Tenants cover pet damage beyond fair wear and tear.

From December 1, a single pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent is allowed.

Disability assist dogs sit outside these settings, so no consent or pet bond applies.

Landlords must state the type and amount of each bond.

When a pet leaves, the pet bond can be refunded.

A new pet can mean a new pet bond.

If rent rises, landlords can ask for a top-up on general and pet bonds.

The Tenancy Tribunal can order either bond to meet any shortfall.

If you already have a lawful pet before the change, you don’t need fresh consent and you can’t be charged a pet bond or given new conditions.

Add a new pet later and consent conditions and a pet bond can apply.

Also on December 1, Bond Hub goes live for lodgements and top-ups, including pet bonds.

Landlords register and verify with RealMe, Microsoft or Google, then manage everything from a dashboard.

Tenants complete their part via emailed links, no login needed.

Refunds keep using the Bond Refund Form until the process moves into Bond Hub in 2026.

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