Top tips for securing a rental property with pets

With rental stock down across the country, applying for a rental property with pets can be an uphill battle. But there are a few tricks to the trade. Here’s how pet-owners can secure rentals.

With rental stock down across the country, pet owners are facing an uphill battle when it comes to securing a new home. But with the right approach and a few tricks of the trade, you and your furry friend could soon be considered the pick of the litter.

CHOOSE YOUR PET—FRIENDLY HOME WISELY

Finding a pet-friendly home has become more challenging in the current market due to the lack of rental listings available, tenant’s agent and director of Rent Fairy Sarah Elkordi said.

“Landlords are spoiled for choice,” she said.

“It’s proving a lot more difficult than it was a couple of years ago.”

She said it’s important to target suburbs or regions that are known to be more pet-friendly. The availability of dog parks or cafes that allow dogs could provide some clues.

“Another thing you can look at is weight restrictions,” she said.

Some strata complexes have restrictions on the weight of pets allowed, so if you are planning on applying for an apartment, it’s helpful to discuss this with the listing agent.

Choosing a property that is suitable for the type of pet you have is also key, Melbourne-based property manager Penny Costa from Ray White Oakleigh said. She has seen the owners of German Shepherds and Huskies unsuccessfully apply for one bedroom apartments.

“I always ask, what is the pet and is this an appropriate property for your pet to reside in,” she said.

It’s not a home without one ...

DEVELOP A PET RESUME

As part of your application, it can be very useful to include a pet resume, Ms Elkordi said.

This should include a photo of your pet and information around its breed, age and temperament as well as a couple of references.

“References are really important,” she said. These could come from a groomer or neighbour plus a previous agent.

McGrath Surry Hills BDM Richie Hughes agreed that a comprehensive pet resume was essential for getting an application over the line with a landlord.

“I always ask them to provide as much information as possible,” he said.

“Put forward a plan on how you are going to look after it and stop it from damaging the place or annoying the neighbours,” he said.

Ms Elkordi said when Rent Fairy makes applications on behalf of pet owners, they include the pet’s sleeping arrangements and whether or not they are an indoor or outdoor animal.

They also provide assurances to the landlord by offering more frequent inspections than usually scheduled.

BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT

The worst thing a tenant can do is not disclose that they have a pet, Ms Costa said. She said it’s better to be completely transparent, because the property manager will often find out one way or another.

“We had a reference on a brand new townhouse and on the application form it had ‘no pets’,” she said.

“We contacted the current rental agent who advised us the tenants had a pet dog – and this client actually had a very good reference with a pet.”

TOP TIPS FOR RENTING WITH PETS

* Know your rights – the rules for renters and landlords vary across the states and territories, so check your state authority to see whether you may be required to provide a pet bond, sign a pet clause or pay for professional carpet cleaning at the end of your lease

* Choose a suitable property – even though it can be hard to find a property that ticks all the right boxes in the midst of a rental crisis, you’ll have a better chance at success if the property is pet appropriate

* Make a pet resume – write a cover letter than introduces your family, including your pet, and provide registration and vaccination details as well as a photo and information around their age, breed, temperament and sleeping arrangements

* Talk to the listing agent – call the agent or speak to them during an open inspection and ask if pets are allowed before submitting an application

Originally published as Top tips for securing a rental property with pets