How to find a rental property when you have pets

Finding a rental property where your pets are welcome isn’t always easy in Australia.

Pet owners can often have difficulty securing a home where their furry friends will be welcome.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place for you and your pets.

Be honest and open

There’s no point lying about not having pets because eventually, the landlord will most likely find out. Be upfront, be honest and be very enthusiastic about the house and how much you and your pets would enjoy living there. You never know, your landlord may be a secret dog lover and your pet pooch may just seal the deal on getting you the lease you want.

Show proof of your pets’ rental history

If you have previously rented a home with your current pets, it’s a good idea to ask your previous landlord for a pet reference. If they can sign a statement saying that your pets were excellent tenants and didn’t damage their property, you’ll likely have a better chance of securing the property you’re applying for.

Show proof of your pets’ health history

Landlords are often concerned about pets because of potential damage they could cause to their property and potential disruption they could cause for surrounding homes. If you provide a statement from your vet showing that your pet is in good health and has been taken for regular check ups the landlord may consider your pet request more favorably.

Keep your eyes and ears open

Let your local real estate agent know that you’re interested in a pet-friendly property and have them keep an eye on the market for you. Looking for a pet-friendly property is hard enough but if you’re in a hurry it can be extremely stressful. If you keep yourself informed of available rentals well in advance, it will save you a lot of stress in the future.

Don’t take no for an answer

Just remember that the default response on most landlords advertisements is no pets. This doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t allow them at all though. Put your application in, be honest about your pet situation and try your best to charm the landlord. You’ve got nothing to lose and your application may well be the best one, pets included.

Suggest a pet bond

If the landlord is worried about long-term damage your pet could cause, you could offer a pet bond. That way if your pet does cause damage to the property, the landlord will be financially compensated.