3 Tips to Help Get Your Pet Approved

Did you know that 61% of households in Australia own a pet according to RSPCA? (updated 6 March 2020)

Unfortunately for pet owners that need to rent, their furry, feathered or scaly companions can make it difficult to find a new home when the time comes. Tenants are forced into finding new homes, fostering them out with family members, hiding them or worse still surrendering their pet to secure a property to live in.

There are just 216 properties available for rent in Toowoomba at the moment and only 46 of them are willing to accept a pet – that’s 21%! (Statistics from Realestate.com using 4350 postcode as at the 15/09/2020)

Pets in rental properties often get a bad rap, but in our experience, honest pet owners are responsible, do the right thing and treat their pet like family. These tenants will look after a property like it’s their own home and meet their pet obligations. They will ensure their pet, just like children, don’t cause damage and if they do, will repair it promptly.

Tenants often get frustrated by owners not allowing pets but these few tips might help you secure a great property for you and your best friend, when applying for a rental property.

1. Consider the property size and condition

Purchasing a Great Dane might seem like a great idea for security however a large dog needs a large yard. Consider the property and what type of pet would not cause damage which may be costly to repair. Dogs can damage a yard if they are tied up or ‘run’ along the fence in the same spot continuously creating a worn trail.

Cats can damage carpets or curtains by clawing or by rubbing along them. Cats have an oil in their coats that can remain in the carpet or curtain fabric even after cleaning. Replacing carpet or curtains could be a costly exercise. Perhaps a property with no carpet may be a better option if your cat is an inside cat.

If you don’t already have a pet and are looking to get one, perhaps a reptile may be a better option than the standard domestic cat or dog.

2. Supply a picture and registration details

Once you have decided on a pet, or if you already have one, take a picture of the pet to give the landlord an idea. Just putting outside dog on an application doesn’t explain the size or breed of the dog. Often lazier dogs are preferred over the working style dogs, so you may be missing properties because of a lack of detail to give an owner all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Research pet registration and costs. Advise the landlord that the pet will be compliant with local laws and supply the registration details if already registered.

3. Offer more rent

For tenants already in a rental property, be aware that many owners are dubious about pets and may not be keen. As you are asking to change the terms of the lease, perhaps offer additional rent to help get your pet approved. In other states, a pet bond may be applicable, but this is not an option in Queensland. Offering to renegotiate the terms of the lease may just help the owner agree to your pet request.

Download a pet application to fill out and return if needed .

Finally, make your tenant application stand out from everyone else and show how much you love and care for your pet. If you have an inside pet, be honest and upfront about it. There are owners that will allow an inside cat or dog but we agree they can be hard to find.

Check out Obi’s page – we setup this page for a couple moving to Toowoomba and were trying to find a property that would allow ‘Obi’ to live inside with them. Obi’s wrote his own letter and it made all the difference – helping them to secure the perfect property for both Obi and his parents.

If you are having trouble finding a home to suit you and your pet or if you are an owner that would like to discuss allowing pets in your property feel free to give us a call on 07 4642 0007 or email [email protected].