PETS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES

PETS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES

While changes to legislation in NSW have clarified many of the grey areas in property management, the issue of pets is still not well regulated in comparison. For both tenants and landlords, getting a clear agreement in place up-front is a good idea to avoid any arguments down the track.

Landlords are generally less favourable in regards to pets because of negative past experiences, or the belief that animals will cause pest infestations, damage to the property and carpets, or even cause noise issues with neighbours. However, by showing that these sorts of problems can be entirely avoided, you stand a very good chance of negotiating to allow your pet/s to move in. And remember, it is generally regarded that responsible pet owners make responsible tenants. Tenants need to keep in mind that having a pet can be seen as a major drawback during the application process, especially if there are other applicants who don’t have pets.

Create a pet resume

If you are a tenant or intend to rent and you are a pet owner, create a pet resume as soon as possible. This can include copies of doggy day care and dog training certificates and vaccination and desexing certificates. All these documents show that you are a responsible pet owner. In addition, if you have rented with pets, ask your previous or existing landlord for a reference specifically for your animals. References could include details about how long the pet was in the property, the pet’s temperament, and the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.  

References for pets can be checked in the same way as other references and if approval is granted, the lease should clearly state the animals name, age and breed. You don’t want Daisy the Poodle who was listed as “one dog” on the lease to turn into Wally the Wolfhound somewhere during the term of the lease!

As a landlord, you are protected

Landlords would be within their rights to withhold bond money to repair any damages caused by a pet. This extends to steps required to remove any animal odours and carry out pest treatments at the end of the tenancy.

Landlords do need to be cautious when a tenant requests approval for a pet as the potential for complications is high. The flipside is that it may be to the landlord’s advantage, creating longer term tenants who take greater care of the property.

The landlord should contact their insurer to advise of any changes and update/modify insurance policies if required as a result of allowing a pet to reside in the property.

The lease should also specify exactly what the tenant needs to do at the conclusion of the tenancy.

The agreement could include dry cleaning of any carpets (NOT steam cleaning, which will exacerbate animal smells), flea bombing, professional cleaning and rectification of any damage, including lawns and gardens.

It’s not a good plan for a tenant to have a pet in a rental property without approval, as if the animal is discovered, will most likely result in a notice to remedy the breach being issued or a Termination Notice.

As with all aspects of property management, it’s far better to have an agreement in place from the beginning which clearly sets out each party’s rights and responsibilities.

At Angell Property, we have over 30 years of experience assisting both landlords and tenants in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and we have addressed the issue of allowing pets in an investment property on countless occasions.

As expert property managers, we conduct regular inspections to monitor the condition of the property. We are dedicated to finding reliable, long-term tenants on behalf of landlords.

We play a key role with communicating and negotiating the terms between the landlord and tenant and it is important to treat every situation on a case by case basis.