Renting with Pets – Intro Post
// September 30th, 2009 // Renting with Pets
We are fortunate enough to have five of the sweetest animals in the world that live in our rented home – 2 budgies and 3 guinea pigs. We were also fortunate enough to have a very supportive and understanding real estate agent who took our committment to our animals’ welfare into account when we were looking for a rental property. However, not everyone is so lucky. So what is it about pets that send landlords and real estates running from potential tenants?
1. They create mess. Some animals don’t know about proper human ettiquette, which is apparently a bad thing.
2. They create noise. Landlords don’t like getting slugged with noise complaints due to unruly tenants. A dog at home alone, birds chattering to each other – these can deter the sense of peace and privacy for neighbours.
3. They cause unpredictable damage. Let’s face it – pets are chaos creators. You can’t scold them in the same way you can a child. Urinating on carpet or digging holes in yards devalue the property.
These were the three main issues that we faced when we looked for a rental property. These are not misconceptions, but they are all mangeable concerns if they are discussed upfront with property owners and tenants. Here are my tips on how to start that conversation.
New Pet Owners
- Be upfront. If you are currently on a lease and are thinking about buying a pet, contact your real estate and/or landlord and discuss this. Acknowledge that you know that they might have concerns, and that you will not do anything without their permission.
- Do your research. Unit dwellers – check the body corporate policy about pets in the complex. House tenants – survey your house and note issues with fencing. Note which inside areas are carpeted and where is tiled (tiled areas are easier to clean!). Decide where the bed/cage/hutch will be, and where you can store toys and food. Find out if there are any neighbours who are pet owners and talk about their setup (a great way to meet new people too!)
- Don’t adopt an inappropriate pet! Yes, we all want the kitty or puppy to hold and snuggle. However, will you be home often to care for a young pup and enforce good behaviour patterns? Is your home appropriated for a dog or cat? Do you have time to walk or play with a dog every day? If you are uncertain, don’t go for one of these just yet. Additionally, first pet owners should go for a smaller animal to give them a “stepping stone” into pet ownership. Trust me – smaller animals are just as cute and fun as that schnauzer across the street! As smaller animals are very sociable, they should be bought as “bonded pairs” so that they have someone to talk to when you are away at work.
- Budget. There will be food and toys and bedding, but what about budgeting for vet fees, or for possible damage? If you can’t afford to replace/clean carpet every time Pooky does a “naughty tinkle”, then consider a smaller pet such as a bird, rat, fish or guinea pig. Added bonus – landlords are usually more approachable when you are purchasing a smaller critter! :)
Current Pet Owners
- YOUR PET IS A TENANT TOO! I can’t stress this enough. Just like you have to give information about your occupation, your pet should be able to account for his daily activities too. Fill out a “pet profile”, including information about their dwelling (hutch or cage for smaller pets, bedding for larger ones – take photos if you can!). Your pet should have references too – your previous landlord/real estate and your vet are two places to go to get a reference regarding behaviour and likelihood to create mess. Get some general information flyers about your pet from websites online so that the landlord knows more about your four-footed friend.
- Offer a “pet bond”. If you know that your Squawky sometimes likes to nibble at wooden railings, you should not only endeavour to keep him away, but offer a pet bond as a sign of good faith and have this written into the tenancy agreement. This shows that you are responsible about your pet ownership as well as concerned about another person’s property.
- Report damage immediately. It is not your house – you are renting it. The owner of your home has the right to know when damage is made so that you and they can negotiate repairs quickly. And ALWAYS offer to pay the full amount of the damage bill.
Advice for Landlords
- GIVE A PET A GO! Statistically, companion animals bring happiness and good health to a home. Just because your tenant is not able to live in a permanent dwelling doesn’t mean that they should be punished by not having the opportunity to have a faithful companion.
- Remind your tenant to adopt, not to buy. Organisations such as the RSPCA will always check with a landlord before releasing an animal into a new owner’s care. This is also a way for you to verify about the nature of the animal being adopted so that you are prepared.
- Write all arrangements into the Tenancy Agreement. If you are concerned about a new tenant’s level of responsibility, make sure you get all agreements in writing. Also make sure that, when inspections are carried out, agents can check on the welfare of the animal and call the RSPCA if they are concerned about the care of the pet (write this into your Tenancy Agreement as well).
We were very lucky with our five sweet boys to find a good home. We clean their hutch and cage regularly, sweep/vacuum around them, and make sure they are kept away from areas of potential damage. We make time for them every day – feeding them, cuddling them and even just talking to them. We love each and every one of them, and they have brought nothing but happiness and humour to our lives. Our home was recently sold to new owners, and the real estate praised us every day for the level of care that we gave to our boys.
Too many animals are surrendered to shelters every year because new landlords refuse to have animals on their property. I will not deny that the concerns are valid, but this should not be an “all-or-nothing” scenario. There are good ways to negotiate the terms for having a pet. I hope that some of the suggestions in this post will show landlords and tenants the ease of having a pet in a home, and also the responsibilities of having a pet in a rental property.
Take it seriously, folks – animals should not have to suffer based on irresponsible pet owners or ignorant landlords.
