pets and renting

[moggs]

Hi,

We've got a cat and recently a small dog. Does anyone know how hard it'll be trying to find another residency to rent. Even though i'm australian, i've been in the UK the past 5 years and don't really know these things. Also we're renting at the moment off of a friend of my husband who doesn't mind pets.

Can anyone help?

Moggs xx

[jamb]

It is kinda hard to find rentals that will accept pets. I had 2 dogs and it took us quite awhile to find a house- in the end we used an agency where you tell them what you are looking for and they only give you suitable ones (it suxs too much when you find the perfect home only to find out they won't take pets :( )

Also say they are outdoors animals (then be a little sneaky!!). I can't remember the name of the agency but they were in the classifieds sections near rentals. You may even be able to search now yourself with that criteria on websites such as www.realestate.com.au ???

Good luck

[Chickadee]

We have 2 largish hyper dogs and have been renting the entire time we've been here in Australia, about 4 years. We're on our 4th house as the owners keep wanting to move back in! grrr.

We've had no trouble finding places that accept dogs, but as Mummajack said, you do have to do a fair bit of searching. Sometimes private rentals are a bit more lenient on having pets, compared to agencies, and you'll find those advertised in the classified section of the local papers. There is usually a pet bond, around $100 to $300, just to cover any carpet cleaning or damage. Lease conditions generally state that dogs have to be kept outside, but ours are indoor/outdoor and we've never had a problem. I just make sure to do a thorough clean and remove any smelly dog bedding before an inspection, and we keep them off the carpets. Most agents realise that dogs will be inside but are reasonable about it as long as you are taking care not to cause damage. For example, our current lease says dogs must be outside, but also requires us to get the house flea treated before we move out - obviously they know the dogs will be in!

Another website which I usually use is www.aussiehome.com.au, but I think it may be mainly WA and Melbourne.

[madvoice]

Some Real Eastate Agents will be swayed if you offer a relatively high pet bond. I know some people who have got in touch with the owner of the property and stated that they were willing to double the bond money in case the pets did damage.

Though it is starting to get where its almost impossible to rent and have pets.

[mumofethan]

hi moggs,

it is almost impossible to find rental properties in SA that allow pets, especially inside cats. this is mainly because so many ppl have let their pets ruin properties, and dogs dig the backyard.

generally private rent is easier, most agents have a "no pets" rule. plus u can introduce the owner to your pets, showing them that your pets are ok...

all the best to you.

:D

Michelle

[Chickadee]

Forgot to say... The first rental is the worst. Once you've successfully rented and can get a reference from that owner/agent it might be easier? Our dogs dig but we've always repaired lawns, screens, etc before moving so that we keep a good reference for the next place. So if your hub's friend will vouch for you that might help.

[Rainbowbrite]

My husband and I have just recently rented a house for the first time (lived in his parents place), and we told them we have 2 large dogs (didn't mention the cat or small shih-tzu ;) ). What we also did (which helped) is said that the dogs are slightly older than they are.

We have also been told NO animals in the house, but the cat and shih-tzu live indoors. We are lucky to have found a house with hardwood floors too. As MarthaM said, just clean and remove evidence before inspections. I take the small dog to mums, and put the cat in a cat cage in the garage which he loves :p