Proposed changes to the state's strata laws which could make it easier for pet owners have been applauded by Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston.
The changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 will stipulate that by-laws cannot unreasonably prohibit the keeping of an animal on a strata lot.
"Owners should be able to use their property as they wish as long as it doesn't unreasonably interfere with the rights of other owners to enjoy their own home and the common property in their apartment," Ms Preston said.
"These amendments provide a sensible solution that balances the rights of pet owners with those of other apartment owners.
"Importantly, the changes also recognise there will be times when the keeping of a pet may not be appropriate in a complex due to the impact this will have on neighbours or the welfare of the animal.
"These changes are a sensible response to modernise our strata laws by removing outdated and unfair blanket pet bans where it can be shown that keeping a pet won't impact other people."
The proposed changes will also make it easier for tenants to introduce sustainable energy projects to their apartment blocks by lowering the voting threshold from 75 to 50 per cent to have projects approved.
"We know that apartment blocks are lagging behind in the uptake of green energy like solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points," Ms Preston said.
"This important change will remove a huge barrier in strata schemes getting sustainability projects over the line.
"Importantly, in time these measures will ease cost of living pressures by encouraging less electricity and water usage, which will flow on to their bills."
Following a review of comments from recent public consultation the government will establish clear guidelines on when it will be considered unreasonable for a pet to be kept in a strata complex and intends to finalise regulations within six months, before the amendments come into force.