Rental reforms could save lives say Gold Coast animal advocacy groups

IF you’ve ever been forced to give up your cat or live in your car with your dogs because your rental wouldn’t allow them, this could be the most important email you read today as the rental industry receives a major shake-up.

WHEN Mika Dargie had to move house, she knew she couldn’t leave her pets behind – even if that meant living from her car.

But such drastic options to save pets from being given up could soon be a thing of the past if laws are relaxed following a state government-led review into the rental industry.

Tenants with the Rental Tenancy Authority in Queensland will receive an email today asking for their opinion on how renting in the state could be improved. Submissions will be received until November 30.

Mika Dargie, who once lived out of her car short term because she was waiting on a pet friendly rental, now runs Kitt Kat Care, a rescue group for pets. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mika Dargie of Upper Coomera, who now runs rescue group Kitt Kat Care, said that at one point she was forced to live for four days in her car with her pet dogs while she waited for a pet-friendly place to come up.

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Ms Dargie said she had now bought a property, but she still faced the same problems running a rescue group.

“That would be a big game changer, not only for rescue but for friends and family that still rent,” she said.

Ms Dargie in her car with her Border Kelpie cross puppy named Wilma. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The number one excuse that we get is ‘we’re moving’ and we can’t take our animal. If that wasn’t a problem anymore, 40 to 50 per cent would keep their animals. Euthanasia rates would go down.”

Animal Welfare League of Queensland strategic officer Joy Verrinder said making it easier to rent with pets could reduce the shelter’s waiting list for surrenders and save more lives by opening opportunities for adoption.

“It would make a big difference, I think it’s 22 to 30 per cent of our animal surrenders are due to not finding pet friendly accommodation,” she said.

A rental shake-up could see more pets being adopted, like Miranda the greyhound.

There could be fewer surrenders if there were more pet friendly homes available.

“We understand that landlords want to protect their properties, but it’s important not to discriminate and give owners a chance to prove themselves. That can be done through pet referrals, referrals from vets, neighbours and other landlords.”

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Administrator for Facebook page Strata Owners Speaking Out Julie-Anne James said there was already a precedent set for body corporates that they could not refuse tenants who owned pets.

REIQ Gold Coast zone chairman Andrew Henderson said there would need to be a balance between tenant and landlord needs to ensure the market kept going.

As cute as pets are, REIQ Gold Coast Zone Chair Andrew Henderson said there had to be a balance between tenants and landlords.

“If it just goes in the tenant’s favour and owners stop buying, then owner-occupiers dominate the market, we just wouldn’t want to see investors drop out of the market,” he said.

“Any sway away from balance could provide tighter housing options. There’s pet owners that are great, and pet owners that are terrible.”

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Gold Coast Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon said the consultation would take on board any issues renters or landlords had that they felt needed to be addressed, including pets.

“I certainly do think that is an issue we will have for the Gold Coast,” she said.

“I’ve had people talk to me about pet-friendly accommodation.”

Minister for Housing Mick de Brenni said allowing more pets into rentals was an issue worth tackling.

“They say it’s difficult to hang a picture on a wall or reach an agreement with their landlord to have a pet,” he said.

“In fact, pets are part of our families and 62 per of Queensland properties have a pet but when it comes to rentals, there’s only 10 per cent (of properties available).

“In some other jurisdictions across the country they’ve established a regime where you can make easier arrangements with landlords and the tenant to agree on having a pet.”

To have your say, visit the Open Doors to Renting Reform website: https://www.yoursayhpw.engagementhq.com/rentinginqld