Tips for Renting a Pet-Friendly Home
over 1 year ago
Tips for Renting a Pet-Friendly Home

Securing a rental property when you have pets can be challenging, especially in today's competitive rental market. With vacancy rates hitting all-time lows across the country, pet owners need to be strategic in their approach. However, don't despair! There are several simple strategies you can employ to increase your chances of finding the perfect home for you and your furry friend. In this blog article, we will explore some practical tips to help you ace your application and secure a pet-friendly rental property.

Choose Your Suburb Wisely

When searching for a new rental, it's important to consider the neighbourhood carefully. Look for areas that offer pet-friendly amenities that suit your lifestyle. Access to parks, including those with off-leash areas, dog-friendly parks, and walking tracks, can provide ample space for your pets to exercise while also allowing you to connect with like-minded locals. Additionally, ensure you feel safe walking around the neighbourhood, especially if your pet is an early riser!

Consider the Type of Property and Amenities

Before applying for a rental property, evaluate its suitability for your pet. Does it have a backyard or access to a balcony? Consider factors such as stairs and common spaces. During your property search, focus on properties labelled as pets allowed and within close proximity to pet-friendly amenities

Be Thorough with the Information

To increase your chances of impressing prospective Rental Providers, provide as much detail as possible in your application. Property managers appreciate having comprehensive information before making an assessment. Include details about your pet's breed, age, temperament, and behaviour, accompanied by a photo. Attach your pet's Certificate of Registration or microchip number and their vaccination history. Document your pet's overall health and training record.

Ask Your Current Agent for a Reference

Including rental references in your application can significantly enhance your chances of standing out from the competition. Property managers conduct thorough screenings and consider tenant references carefully. Adding a previous Rental Provider as a reference demonstrates your ability to care for a property while having a pet. If you have a new puppy, enrolling them in a training program and mentioning it in your application can also be beneficial.

Act Quickly

Due to the limited supply of pet-friendly rental properties, they tend to be rented out faster. To maximize your chances, ensure all necessary paperwork, such as photo IDs, recent pay slips, and a cover letter, are copied and certified if required. Arrive early to property inspections and greet the real estate agent. In a competitive market, timing is crucial. You can save time by filling in application forms online before attending the inspection or hand your application directly to the property manager.

Be Aware of Your Responsibilities

Rental Providers value reliable and trustworthy tenants. To avoid potential issues down the line, be upfront and honest about your pet from the start. Failing to disclose your furry friend could result in breaching your contract or even eviction. Rental Providers want assurance that you will respect your neighbours' privacy, maintain their comfort, and keep noise levels under control. Prepare to answer questions about your pet's breed, size and daily behaviour. Inform the agent about your daily routine, such as whether you work from home or if your pet accompanies you to the workplace.

The Property Management team at McKean McGregor are always happy to answer any questions you may have in relation to Rental Rules & Regulations. You can reach us on (03) 5454 6600 or via our contact form