Login
iscover
Over two-thirds of Australians own pets, but in some areas it can be hard to find a rental that’s accepting of a furry friend.
Laws have been changing, and while many states now require a landlord to have a legitimate reason for rejecting a pet in a rental property, some still leave it up to the property owner’s discretion.
It’s understandable that landlords might have some concerns about animals in their properties, but as national real estate Hockingstuart recently noted, there are ways to protect the property owner’s interests while still making the property flexible and open to tenants’ fur family.
“Making your investment property pet friendly isn’t just a kind gesture, but a strategy to help attract reliable tenants, reduce vacancy periods, and potentially increase rental returns. By considering simple adjustments and clear guidelines, you can create a win-win for tenants and landlords,” the network noted.
Here are Hockingstuart’s top tips for what property managers should highlight with their landlord clients who are considering allowing tenants to keep pets.
- Increase the number of tenant applications and speed up move-in times
Due to their scarcity, pet-friendly properties usually attract a lot of applications and can rent faster. This gives landlords a larger pool of potential tenants, increasing the chances of finding a suitable occupant and reducing vacancy periods.
- Attract loyal, long-term tenants
Pet owners understand the difficulty of finding a suitable home with a pet and generally look for long-term leases to avoid having to find a new place and move frequently.
According to Hockingstuart, they’re also more likely to abide by rental rules to avoid risking their housing situation and disrupting themselves – and their pet.
This is a win-win for both parties, as longer leases benefit landlords by reducing advertising and vacancy costs and minimising the hassle of finding new tenants.
- Increase the profitability of your rental
In areas with high demand for pet-friendly rentals, accommodating tenants with pets can allow you to charge higher rent if your property comes with pet-friendly amenities that tenants find value in, such as a fully fenced backyard.
How to help mitigate landlords’ concerns
- Discuss flooring
If a landlord is renovating an investment property and plans to make it pet-friendly, consider suggesting durable and easy-to-clean floor surfaces.
Tiled floors are ideal as they are scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. Floorboards are another good option but may show scratches, while carpeted areas will require professional cleaning and pest treatments upon the tenant vacating.
- Request a “pet resume”
Before accepting fur tenants, a landlord can request to see the animal’s “pet resume”. This gives an overview of everything you need to know, including details such as the pet’s breed, age, size, vaccination records, temperament, and a reference from a previous landlord or vet.
- Check insurance
Encourage property owners to read their landlord’s insurance policy so they know what is covered if there’s damage caused by a pet living in the property, and any exclusions or limitations.
- Add a “pet clause” in the tenancy agreement
To protect your investment property, it’s a good idea to outline the tenant’s responsibilities regarding pet ownership in a tenancy agreement. Common clauses may include:
-
Covering any damage caused by the pet.
-
Responding to noise complaints about the pet.
-
Removing faeces from lawns, gardens and outdoor areas.
-
Organising and paying for professional carpet cleaning or pest treatments before vacating the property.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.