Kara Stuart and her partner Jesse have been looking for a new rental property for six months with no luck.

Key points: The rental tenancy laws were announced 10 months ago but legislation has not been introduced into Parliament

The rental tenancy laws were announced 10 months ago but legislation has not been introduced into Parliament Advocates are worried the laws may not be passed with just four sitting weeks left this year

Advocates are worried the laws may not be passed with just four sitting weeks left this year The Government says it plans to introduce the legislation this week

They've lived in the same property at Knoxfield, in Melbourne's east, for two years and now want to move into a nicer place.

But Ms Stuart is getting frustrated because it's difficult to find a home when you have two dogs.

Finding a place with their first dog meant an additional bond and a special written agreement.

"Trying to find a modern nice place that's pet friendly, it just doesn't exist," Ms Stuart said.

"We're kind of stuck here."

It's been nearly 10 months since the Victorian Government announced sweeping reforms to the state's rental tenancy laws — including a promise to give renters the right to own a pet — but so far, the legislation hasn't been introduced to Parliament.

And with four parliamentary sitting weeks left this year, pet-loving renters and tenant advocates have raised concerns the Government could run out of time before the election.

Many landlords do not want pets like Benji living in their investment properties. ( ABC News: Zalika Rizmal )

While out and about spruiking the reforms on Sunday, the Government denied it was dragging its feet and promised to introduce the legislation this week.

But the Government does not have a majority in the state's Upper House, meaning it will need support from the Opposition or minor parties and independents to pass.

"We've been working on this for a very long time, it's up to the Liberal Party and the Greens to ensure that renters' arrangements are fairer and the relationship between landlords and tenants is rebalanced," Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz said.

"Absolutely we want to see it go through and voted on before the state election."

Renting in Victoria still not pet-friendly

Under current laws, landlords can include a no-pets clause in any rental agreement.

The changes would give tenants the right to keep pets, provided they get the landlord's written consent first.

Landlords would not be allowed to unreasonably refuse a request for consent.

More and more people are becoming lifelong renters in Victoria. ( AAP: James Ross )

But the Government has remained tight-lipped on the details, including what might constitute an "unreasonable" refusal.

Other changes include limiting rent increases to once a year, and making bonds smaller and fairer.

Rental properties will also have to adhere to minimum standards, including having deadlocks, heating in living areas and a working stove.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said Labor had done more to jack up rents than any other government.

"I think the Government's done this announcement [the proposed legislation reforms] maybe three times," he said.

"But when the Government won't approve supply in our downtown area of Melbourne, that means that we have fewer homes [and] a rental market that is price-wise going through the roof — and that means that people get priced out."

For current and would-be pet owners, renting with pets is a challenge that won't be fixed until the laws are passed.

Claire Higgins wants to adopt a greyhound but her landlord is refusing to give his permission. ( ABC News: Zalika Rizmal )

Claire Higgins has lived with partner Mat in a rented unit in Ivanhoe in Melbourne's north-east for over a year.

The 40-year-old music teacher is keen to adopt a retired greyhound and has asked her landlord for permission three times, offering an additional bond and regular inspections.

"All we want is just to rescue one dog from an uncertain future. We're in a good position work-wise and financially," Ms Higgins said.

"But the answer is no so far."

Real estate industry remains opposed to changes

Tenants Victoria said the legislation was needed to adapt to a rapidly changing rental landscape.

"More households now will be lifelong renters," spokesman Mark O'Brien said.

"You've got to have a more modern law that recognises that these are people's homes and they have to be able to create a home in the houses they rent.

"If you have too many exemptions for landlords to be able to say, 'Well I don't want you to have a pet on that basis', then the theoretical entitlement to have a pet is of no practical value."

But the changes have been opposed by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).

"By reducing landlords' rights and their security, it is likely to result in enhanced screening of applicants and increases in rents," REIV president Richard Simpson said.

"Some landlords have indicated that they will withdraw their investment property from the private rental market if these reforms are passed."

Mr O'Brien said the Government was rapidly running out of time to introduce the changes, which have been on the agenda for nearly a year.

"The Government, even with the best will in the world, doesn't control the Upper House in Victoria," he said.

"Something can be introduced but it won't necessarily pass the Parliament."