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Editorial See other Editorial Articles Title: Family eviction threat over pet fish A FAMILY has been told to get rid of their pet fish - or face the threat of eviction. Fiona and Rick, who asked that their surname not be published, and their three children were shocked when their landlord issued a notice saying they were in breach of their tenancy agreement because they had a tank with 15 South American fish in it. The couple admit they broke their agreement by getting a cat - to control rats from nearby bush - and have given it away. But Fiona says the demand to get rid of the fish and their son's pet parrot is heartless and ridiculous. The Tenants Union of Queensland says the case is a sign of the times, as landlords almost routinely ban animals, making family pets the latest victims of the rental property crisis across the state. Co-ordinator Penny Carr said the union was lobbying for a question about pets to be dropped from tenancy agreements as part of a review of the Residential Tenancies Act. The RSPCA Queensland is being inundated, as thousands of people are giving up their animals in order to get into rented accommodation. More than 700 pets have been handed in to shelters this year because landlords would not allow them in the property. "We've had families in tears at the counter because they have to give up their pets," said RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty. "It's very distressing for them and for the staff. "Losing the family pet just adds to the stress they are already under in trying to find somewhere to live." Rick and Fiona moved to Queensland from Melbourne with their children - twins Harley and Benjamin, 16, and Amelia, 6, a year ago, and rented a house in Pine Rivers, north of Brisbane. Fiona said that after the owner inspected the property last week they were told they were in breach of their tenancy, and given seven days to comply. But they say the fish and the parrot are staying. "We never thought for a moment that a fish tank would not be allowed. It's just a joke." The family has six weeks to run on their 12-month lease and they are looking for a new home. Ms Carr said there was nothing in the Residential Tenancies Act in relation to pets, so potential tenants should not be asked whether they owned any. She said excluding pets was a breach of Section 101 of the Act, which guaranteed tenants "quiet enjoyment" of properties. Mr Beatty said the RSPCA had sample pet agreements that landlords and tenants could use. Animal-owners could provide written references from previous landlords and neighbours attesting to their pets' behaviour and cleanliness. Demand for rentals meant some agents and landlords were using pet ownership as a screen to reduce the number of applicants, Mr Beatty said, but it was out of step with most big cities in the world.
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