Finding a rented dwelling can be tricky at the best of times, but throw a furry friend or two into the mix, and it can feel like you’re chasing your tail. You love your pet, but it sometimes seems like landlords and rental agencies see your animal as a deal-breaker. But don’t despair just yet! Renting with pets is entirely possible. It just takes a bit of patience, strategy, and maybe a little bit of puppy eyes (from both you and your furry friend).
In this guide, I’ll list down tips to keep a pet and live in your dream apartment. I'll add some tips to make sure you and your four-legged friend can live happily ever after.
Are there a lot of pet-friendly rentals in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. According to the RSPCA, around 62% of households in Australia have pets, yet many renters struggle to find pet-friendly properties. Despite the increasing love for pets, the rental market hasn’t fully caught up. Landlords are often hesitant to allow animals due to concerns over damage, noise, or general upkeep. Recent changes in tenancy laws across Australia are making it easier for renters with animals to find a home.
Changes in pet-friendly tenancy laws
The laws vary by state, but overall, there’s a movement toward giving animal owners more rights.
- Victoria: The state has led the way with a landmark reform. Since 2020, proprietors in Victoria can’t unreasonably refuse a pet. If a landlord objects, they need to apply to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) to prove why they should be allowed to say no.
- ACT: Canberra has rules similar to those of Victoria. Lessors can't unreasonably deny a tenant's request to keep a pet on rental premises without seeking approval from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
- NSW has its own rules concerning pets in rentals. It’s not as pet-friendly as Victoria, but owners still have to be transparent about the pet at the rental space. Tenants can negotiate and include a “pet clause” in their agreement.
- QLD: As of late 2022, new rental laws in Queensland allow tenants to request pets, and landlords must respond within 14 days. While they can still refuse, they have to provide a legitimate reason.
These changes offer some wiggle room for pet owners, but the reality is, that it's still up to the property owner to keep your fur baby. So how can you boost your chances?
Tips for renting with pets in 2024
Applying for a property for you and your fur baby
Not all properties for rent are suitable for pets. Sometimes the home you want to live in won’t be the best for your pet because of a lack of amenities. Find a space that can humanely accommodate the pet. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in the inner city might not be the ideal home for a Border Collie or Golden Retriever as large breeds of dogs need high levels of exercise and space to run and play. This property may be unsuitable for keeping the pet. It might be better suited to a household with a cat or a smaller animal.
Ask for approval to keep a pet
Tenants may request to keep a pet with their lessor. The approval should be in written form. Start by checking your tenancy agreement. Some might already have clauses about pets, while others could be silent on the matter. When you reach out, tell them what type of pet you own. Explain politely why you want a pet, whether it's for companionship, security, or other reasons. It helps to offer some reasonable conditions upfront, like agreeing to cover any potential damage or committing to regular cleaning to keep the property in good shape. You might also suggest a pet interview or trial period to show you're serious about being a responsible pet owner.
Take note that the proprietor must respond to your request within 14 days. Your request is automatically approved if there is no response within the said time frame. However, if you want to keep a working dog, the owner's approval is unnecessary.
What if the owner refuses a tenant's request?
The good news is, that tenants applying to keep a pet in rental premises can no longer have their request denied without approved reasons for the refusal.
Your request can still be denied based on legal requirements stated in the Residential Tenancies Act (e.g. keeping the pet would contravene by-law regulations). Another example is if your pet is venomous. If the property owner's reasons for the refusal did not comply with the law, the request is considered approved.
What is a Renting with Pets Fact Sheet?
This fact sheet is a handy guide for animal owners looking to rent. It explains how to ask landlords about pets, what to include in your lease, and tips for keeping your place pet-friendly. With advice on pet deposits and keeping neighbours happy, it’s a great resource for making renting with animal companions easier.
Write a resume for your pet application
Think of this as your furry buddy's LinkedIn profile. It can highlight your pet’s personality, training, and overall behaviour. A well-prepared resume shows you're responsible and gives the landlord peace of mind. Owners want to feel that not only their tenants, but their tenant’s animal companions, will look after the property and treat it with respect. Include the following:
- Type of pet and nature
- Age
- Temperament
- Vaccination history
- Any training
- References for your pet or other animal can help strengthen your case for keeping the pet at the rental.
If yours is not the type of pet ordinarily kept inside, the property owner might ask for the pet to be kept outside of the rental premises. Also, consider speaking to your veterinarian and asking them to vouch for your animal’s good behaviour. Just like a job interview, the next step is an interview. First impressions are important, so consider introducing your pet to the property manager.
Pay a rental bond or insurance
While not legally required in all states, offering a pet bond or extra security deposit can sweeten the deal. It shows you're serious about covering any potential damage. Some states, like Victoria, no longer allow specific bonds, but it doesn't hurt to offer extra rent or insurance that covers property damage caused by a pet. It’s all about making the landlord feel safe. Western Australia is the only state where bonds can be charged, however, they are not compulsory. The bond must be no more than $260, unless the weekly rent is more than $1200 per week, according to WA’s Department of Commerce. If you have an assistance dog, you cannot be charged with said bond.
Introduce your furry companion
A meet-and-greet can go a long way if the owner is local and willing. Let them meet your well-behaved cat or dog in a controlled environment. They may be more inclined to say yes when they see how calm and friendly your animal is.
Offer more rent
Consider offering a landlord more than the advertised rent to expedite the pet approval. If you can afford to pay more, the extra rental income may help the owner protect their property from perceived risks accompanied by keeping the pet.
Keep it clean
One of the common concerns about renting to pet owners is cleanliness. They shed fur and can bring mess inside from the backyard. By offering to deep clean carpets and deodorise the property when you leave, you are minimising the associated risks with renting to pet owners. Actions that show you’re willing to go above and beyond to keep the premises clean and pass property inspections will be well-received by landlords. The property owner may also ask you to shoulder damages incurred by the approved pet at the end of the tenancy.
Prove yourself (and your animal)
If you’ve successfully rented a property with your pets previously, providing contact details of your former property manager to prospective new landlords could help convince them you’d make a good tenant. If the property manager for new rentals is still not convinced, you may like to suggest a rental trial. This could be a short lease period where you can prove to your landlord that you are a responsible fur-mum.
How to keep a pet in a rental property (cont.)
Get it in writing
Once you’re successful in finding a pet-friendly property for rent, get it in writing. Your rental agreement should specifically state that you are allowed to keep pets. This provides some reassurance if the unforeseen were to occur, or circumstances change.
Be honest when renting with pets
Honesty is the best policy. Tenants should communicate openly and honestly with their lessor about pets and not keep a pet without their permission.
While a Terri Scheer landlord insurance policy covers lessors for pet damage by pets not listed on the rental agreement, this practice gives animal owners a bad name. Plus, it can make property managers even more reluctant to accept pets in the future.
A tenant caught disobeying a ‘no pets are allowed’ rule is unlikely to get a good future reference and could be blacklisted by the lessor from any of their future listings.
Summary: How to keep a pet in a rented room or apartment
Bringing your furry companion into a private rental property can be smooth if you’re prepared. If your pet is allowed inside, make sure you know the rope. Check for any pet-related rules. You’ve got your rights and responsibilities, like making sure your pet is well-behaved and doesn’t wreck the place. If you have multiple pets, check local council laws as some limit the number of animals allowed to be kept at the premises.
If your pet causes damage, it's usually on you to fix things up. Always get approval to keep the pet upfront, so there are no surprises later. By keeping your landlord in the loop and looking after the property, you can enjoy a happy home for you and your furry buddy without any hiccups.
