Pets

Paddington Central is a pet-friendly building that welcomes responsible pet ownership while respecting the rights of all residents to enjoy peaceful living. Our approach aligns with both NSW strata law and the building’s by-laws.

✅ What the Law Says

Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) and the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Sustainability Infrastructure) Act 2021, an Owners Corporation:

  • Cannot unreasonably prohibit pets in strata schemes
  • May adopt by-laws that allow pets with reasonable conditions (e.g. requiring approval, managing nuisance behaviour)

This means a request to keep a pet can only be refused on reasonable grounds – such as the animal posing a threat, causing damage, or unreasonably disturbing other residents.

📜 What the Paddington Central By-Laws Say

Under Paddington Central’s by-laws:

  • You must obtain written approval from the Owners Corporation before bringing a pet onto the property (with exceptions for small birds or aquarium fish)
  • Pay the Pet By-Law Administration Fee online.
  • Applications must include:
    • A photo and description of the pet (type, breed, size, temperament)
    • Any relevant registration or training certificates
    • Written consent from the owner (if you’re a tenant)

🚫 What Pets Are Not Allowed?

Approval will not be granted for:

  • Restricted, dangerous, or menacing dogs (as defined by the Companion Animals Act 1998)
  • Venomous or exotic animals (e.g. snakes, spiders, or prohibited reptiles)
  • Any animal considered a health or safety risk, or one that is unsuitable for apartment living

🐶 Once Approved – Resident Responsibilities

All approved pets must:

  • Remain within your apartment, or be on a lead, in a carrier or carried when on common property
  • Be under effective control at all times
  • Use designated access routes only
  • Not enter a lift if another resident already inside declines to travel with the pet
  • Not be left unattended on balconies or terraces
  • Be groomed and cared for to avoid hygiene issues
  • Have their waste cleaned up immediately by the owner – this applies both within your apartment and on common property, to maintain health and hygiene standards
  • Not engage in any behaviour that reduces the peaceful enjoyment of another resident’s home – whether on common property or within other lots. This includes noise, odour, or nuisance.

🚷 Visitors with Pets

Visitors may only bring pets onto the property with prior notification and consent. Dangerous or exotic pets are not permitted under any circumstances.

🦮 Assistance Animals

Assistance animals are permitted and do not require approval under the law, provided they are:

  • Trained to assist a person with a disability
  • Identifiable as an assistance animal
  • Supported by documentation if requested under relevant legislation (Disability Discrimination Act 1992)

⚠️ Breaches

Failure to comply with the pet by-laws or causing repeated nuisance may result in:

  • Written warnings
  • A requirement to remove the animal
  • Orders issued by the Owners Corporation or through NCAT

📝 How to Apply

To apply for pet approval, contact the Building Manager: paddingtoncentral@excelbm.com.au