Pet-friendly rentals are becoming harder to find in many Australian cities, as landlords are realising that there are more tenants than there are apartments in some areas.
However, just because you have a pet doesn’t mean that you can’t find a decent apartment, even in a building that does not accept them. There are ways around everything, as you will see by reading the following tips for finding pet-friendly rentals:
“If your dog is smaller or well-behaved they may make an exception”
Tip #1: Buy a pet that can live anywhere. This advice may come too late, but if you don’t already have a pet, buy one that can realistically live in a small apartment if need be. Many apartments that say ‘no pets’ will become pet-friendly rentals if all you have is a cat or a small dog like a Chihuahua.
Tip #2: Talk to your potential landlord or body corporate of a building before automatically assuming that they do not have pet-friendly rentals. What you may find is that the rule was enacted specifically after someone moved in with a pit bull or other large dog that did substantial damage or bite someone. If your dog is smaller or well-behaved they may make an exception.
Tip#3: If you have a well-behaved dog, take them with you when you go to look at apartments. You will be surprised at how many property agents will be sympathetic to the fact that you need pet-friendly rentals so that your pet can come with you. No one can resist a loveable dog, and if there is an exception to be made, you will get it.
“Take your vet records with you. Landlords like to see that a pet has had its shots and if it is also a dog that it has been to obedience school.”
Tip #4: Take your vet records with you. Landlords like to see that a pet has had its shots and if it is also a dog that it has been to obedience school. Most landlords are mainly concerned about the damage a pet will do to a property. If you have all of your pet’s papers in order, then they will be much more likely to see that you are a responsible pet owner and make pet friendly rentals out of properties that otherwise don’t accept them.
If you really like a property, don’t be afraid to challenge what should be pet-friendly rentals. By making a few phone calls, you may just find that you have four legs to stand on if you want to move your furry friend into your apartment with you.
