Are Dogs Allowed in Queensland Body Corporate Pool Areas and What Can Owners Do If Bylaws Aren’t Enforced?

QLD

Rules & Bylaws

This article discusses dogs in Queensland body corporate pool areas, health and safety concerns, and owners’ rights when body corporate pet bylaw enforcement is not being followed.

Are there any laws regarding dogs in a pool enclosure? The owners accompany the dogs, however, the dogs are unrestrained

I live in a complex of 12 units in QLD.

Are there any laws regarding dogs in a pool enclosure? I feel this is a safety and health issue.

The owners accompany the dogs, however, the dogs are unrestrained.

Our bylaws state that no dog is to be in common areas, but there is no enforcement of bylaws due to weak committee members.

Have you approached the dogs’ owners to voice your concerns?

Bodies corporate are obliged to enforce their by-laws. If you’re saying that your committee is declining to enforce the by-laws, then an owner or occupier (tenant) can take action themselves. The action could either be to compel the body corporate to do something, or to take action directly against the allegedly-offending owners.

If the issue continues, or there is a refusal to act, then you can consider dispute resolution proceedings through the Commissioner’s Office.

Have you approached the dogs’ owners to voice your concerns? That’s probably your first step, assuming it is safe to do so.

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Published: 26 Mar 2026

Last Updated: 14 Sep 2026

This post appears in The QLD Strata Magazine March 2023

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Answer by

Chris Irons

Strata Solve

Chris is a strata unicorn: he is not a strata lawyer, manager or caretaker. He was Queensland’s Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management for over 5 years. That is the only role of its type in the world. Chris is also an owner in one strata scheme, and a tenant in another.

As Director of Strata Solve, Chris focuses on communications and strategic advice, rather than legal action, to solving strata problems. Strata Solve works with owners, committees, strata managers and caretakers to tailor practical solutions to stressful strata situations. Chris holds an Honours degree in Communications and is a nationally accredited mediator.

Chris is a regular contributor to LookUpStrata.