Finding a rental can be tricky under the best of circumstances, but add a furry friend or two to the mix and you’ll feel like you’re chasing your own tail. You love your pets, but sometimes landlords and leasing agencies seem to think your animals are a deal breaker. But don’t despair! Renting with pets is entirely possible. It just takes a little patience, strategy, and maybe a little puppy eyes (from you and your furry friend).
In this guide, I’ll list my tips for owning a pet and living in your dream apartment. I’ll add a few tips to ensure you and your four-legged friend live happily ever after.
Are there many pet-friendly rental properties in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), about 62% of Australian households have pets, but many renters struggle to find pet-friendly properties. While people’s love for pets is growing, the rental market hasn’t quite caught up. Landlords are often hesitant to allow animals due to concerns about damage, noise, or general maintenance. Recent changes to tenancy laws across Australia are making it easier for tenants with animals to find homes.
Changes to Pet-Friendly Rental Laws
Laws vary from state to state, but in general, moves are being made to give animal owners more rights.
- victoria: The country has taken the lead in implementing landmark reforms. As of 2020, owners in Victoria cannot unreasonably refuse to keep a pet. If the landlord objects, they will need to apply to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) to demonstrate why they should be allowed to say no.
- Behavior: Canberra’s rules are similar to those in Victoria. A lessor must not unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet in a rental property without the approval of the Australian Capital Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
- New South Wales has its own regulations regarding rental pets. It’s not as pet-friendly as Victoria, but owners still have to be transparent about pets in rental spaces. Tenants can negotiate and include a “pet clause” in the agreement.
- Queensland: From late 2022, Queensland’s new tenancy laws will allow tenants to request pets, with landlords required to respond within 14 days. While they can still refuse, they must provide valid reasons.
These changes give pet owners some wiggle room, but the reality is that it’s still up to the owner to keep your fur baby. So how can you increase your chances?
Tips for renting with pets in 2024
Apply for a property for you and your fur baby
Not all rental properties are pet-friendly. Sometimes, the home you want to live in is not suitable for your pet due to a lack of amenities. Find a space that can humanely accommodate your pet. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in the inner city may not be an ideal home for a border collie or golden retriever, as large breeds require a high level of exercise and space to run and play. The property may not be suitable for pets. It may be more suitable for households with cats or small animals.
Approval is required to keep pets
Tenants can ask the lessor to keep pets. Approval shall be in writing. Start by checking your rental agreement. Some may already have provisions regarding pets, while others may remain silent on the matter. When you reach out, tell them what type of pet you have. Politely explain why you want a pet, whether it’s for companionship, safety or other reasons. It helps to provide some reasonable conditions up front, such as agreeing to pay for any potential damage or committing to regular cleaning to keep the property in good condition. You can also suggest a pet interview or trial period to show that you are serious about becoming a responsible pet owner.
Please note that the property owner must respond to your request within 14 days. If there is no response within the above time period, your request will be automatically approved. However, if you want to get a working dog, you don’t need the owner’s consent.
What if the landlord refuses the tenant’s request?
The good news is that requests from tenants applying to keep pets in rental properties will no longer be denied without an approved reason for denial.
Your request may still be refused based on legal requirements set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (e.g. keeping a pet would be a breach of by-law regulations). Another example is if your pet is poisonous. If the owner’s reasons for refusal do not comply with the law, the request will be deemed to be approved.
What is the Renting with Pets Fact Sheet?
This fact sheet is a handy guide for animal owners looking to rent. It explains how to ask your landlord about pets, what to include in your lease, and tips for keeping your place pet-friendly. It offers advice on pet deposits and keeping your neighbors happy, and is a great resource for making renting with an animal companion easier.
Write a resume for your pet application
Think of this as your furry companion’s LinkedIn profile. It can highlight your pet’s personality, training, and overall behavior. A well-prepared resume shows you are responsible and puts landlords at ease. Landlords want to feel that not only their tenants, but also the tenants’ animal companions, will care for the property and respect it. Includes the following:
- Pet type and nature
- age
- temperament
- vaccination history
- any training
- References to your pets or other animals can help give you more reasons to keep a pet in your rental.
If your pet is not the type typically kept indoors, the owner may require that the pet be kept outside the rental property. Also, consider talking to your veterinarian and asking them to vouch for your animal’s good behavior. Just like a job interview, the next step is the interview. First impressions are important, so consider introducing your pet to the property manager.
Pay a rental deposit or insurance
While not required by law in all states, providing a pet deposit or additional security deposit can sweeten the deal. This shows that you take any potential damage seriously. Some states, such as Victoria, no longer allow certain bonds, but it doesn’t hurt to offer insurance for extra rent or to cover property damage caused by pets. Everything is designed to make landlords feel safe. Western Australia is the only state where bond fees can be charged, but this is not mandatory. According to WA Department of Commerce regulations, the security deposit cannot exceed $260 unless the weekly rent exceeds $1200. If you have an assistance dog, you will not be charged the above security deposit.
Introduce your furry companion
Meet and greets can be helpful if the owners are local and willing. Let them meet your well-behaved cat or dog in a controlled environment. When they see how calm and friendly your animal is, they may be more inclined to say “yes.”
Offer more rentals
Consider offering your landlord a higher rent than advertised to expedite pet approvals. If you can afford to pay more, the additional rental income may help owners protect their property from the risks of having a pet.
keep clean
One of the common issues when renting to pet owners is cleanliness. They shed their fur and bring mess from the backyard into the house. You can minimize the risks associated with renting to pet owners by offering deep carpet cleaning and deodorizing services while you are away. Actions that show you are willing to go to great lengths to keep your home clean and pass property inspections will be viewed favorably by your landlord. The landlord may also hold you responsible for damages caused by approved pets at the end of the lease.
Prove yourself (and your animals)
If you have successfully rented a property with pets before, providing a potential new landlord with the contact information of the previous property manager can help them trust that you will be a good tenant. If the property manager of your new rental property is still not convinced, you might suggest trying a rental. This may be a short tenancy and you can prove to the landlord that you are a responsible furry mom.
How to keep pets in a rental property (continued)
obtained in writing
Once you successfully find a pet-friendly property, get it in writing. Your tenancy agreement should clearly state that you are allowed to keep pets. This can provide some assurance if unforeseen circumstances arise or circumstances change.
Be honest when renting with pets
Honesty is the best policy. Tenants should have open and honest communication with the lessor about pets and should not keep pets without the lessor’s permission.
While the Terri Scheer landlord policy covers pet damage caused by the lessor due to pets not listed in the rental agreement, this practice gives animal owners a bad name. Plus, it may make the property manager less willing to accept pets in the future.
Tenants who are found to be violating the “no pets” rule are unlikely to receive good future references and may be blacklisted by the lessor from any of their future listings.
Summary: How to keep pets in a rental house or apartment
Bringing your furry companion into a private rental property can be smooth sailing if you’re prepared. If your pet is allowed inside, make sure you are familiar with the ropes. Check to see if there are any pet-related rules. You have your own rights and responsibilities, such as making sure your pet is well behaved and doesn’t damage the place. If you have multiple pets, check your local council laws as some limit the number of animals allowed on the premises.
If your pet causes damage, it’s usually up to you to repair it. Always get approval before keeping a pet so there are no surprises later. By keeping the landlord informed and taking good care of the property, you and your furry companion can enjoy a happy home without worries.
