Dogs, And Rental Properties.

[snow_wolf]

It seems to me, that there are quite a few people with dogs, living on a rental property.

How is this done? Because i am having the most difficult time trying to find suitable rental houses that will allow pets. Everything i find will not allow pets, or will only allow cats or possibly a small dog.

Does anyone know of any goodways to find properties hat are ok with pets? Are there particulr agencies that specialise in it? Particular suburbs even?

[W Sibs]

I don't particular had a hard time looking for a house with my dogs. But, it's an advantage to have 2 small breed dogs though. Both dogs have references and their own resume too. They are are house trained and trained too.

It's all depends which area you want to live and how much rent you are willing to pay.

[snow_wolf]

I don't particular had a hard time looking for a house with my dogs. But, it's an advantage to have 2 small breed dogs though. Both dogs have references and their own resume too. They are are house trained and trained too.

It's all depends which area you want to live and how much rent you are willing to pay.

I'm looking in the richmond area. My budget is anywhere up to about $430.

I dont need to move yet, im just searching for now, but intend to begin renting in about 6 months or so.

[Sayreovi]

I moved into my first rental with 2 dogs, we had no references or anything, just happened to be a severe lack of renters in the area so got to pick.

It really depends on how much you can afford as well, I know there are alot of houses in my town that are pet friendly for around $250-$300 a week. Really cheap compared to Sydney prices but still hard on a single income. Do up a resume for your dog including any references for the dog, a cute photo and anything that puts your dog in a good light.

Edited February 15, 2011 by tollersowned

[snow_wolf]

I moved into my first rental with 2 dogs, we had no references or anything, just happened to be a severe lack of renters in the area so got to pick.

It really depends on how much you can afford as well, I know there are alot of houses in my town that are pet friendly for around $250-$300 a week, fairly difficult on a single income though.

Do up a resume for your dog including any references for the dog, a cute photo and anything that puts your dog in a good light.

Thats probably not a bad idea. Alot of people have a soft spot for the sibes. "Omg blue eyes!!!" etc etc...

Plus if i pick one of her, showing she's well groomed [which at the moment she isnt ] it might go in my favour :D

[-Megz-]

We had no problems, open and honest on the application. Pup is allowed inside and all no problems at all only had an inspection a week or two ago.

[Muttaburra]

Check out all the private landlord ads in the newspapers, also the local community noticeboards around shopping centres.

Go and meet the landlord, with your references etc. and then discuss about the dogs, I find this better to do once you are there and talking to them.

I have rented with 2 (small terriers) dogs for the last 8 years, sometimes you do have to settle for a lower standard, but that is nothing compared to being without the dogs.

Also try an advert on gumtree.

[Dxenion]

We submitted a pet resume for each dog from: http://www.petfriendlyrentals.com.au/resources/pet-resume/

This site also includes a free download which helps filter through all the rental property ads, highlighting ones that may be missed in a general search. We found our new rental property using that tool. We were also advised to check homes that didn't mention pets as they may consider your application.

In your dog's pet resume, include as much detail as you can about the dog and remember to highlight your dog handling/ training experience as well. We were told that the property manager looks for evidence that the dog is not a mobile garden ornament, has a significant role in your family, has had training (preferably beyond sit/ down and stay) and is well catered for with bedding etc.

They want to know what you will do with the dog if you have to go out without it. Brownie points includes references (verbal and written if you can get them) from current and previous neighbours, a letter of reference from your vet (to show how you manage your dog's health) and even a statement from the council stating that there have been no reports made against the dog. It builds up a picture of a responsible dog owner with a well adjusted dog that is an integral part of the family. They are looking for reasurance that you are going to look after the house and not let your dog eat it.

It also helps to offer a pet bond and offer to bring your dog to the inspection so that the manager can meet it. A photo of your dog looking at it's endearing best will also help. Who could resist this?

Getting the first rental is the hardest bit but if you are a great tenant, a reference from your current property manager will make it much easier to get the next place.

Edited February 15, 2011 by Dxenion

[sas]

Never had any dramas with renting with 2 Great Danes, just have a good pet resume together.

[Nekhbet]

pet resumes worked for me too, photo of the dog, training level etc

I also aimed for older houses. Technically the dogs are not allowed inside but after almost 4 years of inspections they've never been anything but really happy with the condition of the house and yard. I covered all the floorboards and vacuum/mop often. No dog smell at all because I cant stand it either.

[Esky the husky]

Check out the thread I started on pet resumes in general a few days ago.

There were some really helpful hints and samples in there.

The pet friendly rentals website also has a filter that you can apply to the rent searches on domain or realestate websites.

Use that as a starting point I guess.

Since getting these resumes done we've had 3 inspections with another 2 to come today.

If our rental history comes up as good then it looks like we'll have our pick of 3 properties as long as the land lord approve too.

But we've been getting really positive vibes from the agent.

I think it helped to have present ourselves well at the inspections too, neat clothes etc.

[Esky the husky]

It was a few pages back so here's the link to the pet resume thread

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...6&hl=resume

[jacqui835]

I used to live in Sydney renting with a dog and honestly, there was a lot of stress involved. I was one of those people who got a dog before they had a proper house, because I wanted to take advantage of the extra time I had available whilst at uni to raise a puppy. I lived at home, and planned on doing so until I had finished uni and had a job. My mum rented a house in Woollahra for an exorbitant price but they never worried about what pets she had, just said she had to steam clean the carpets when she left. She had 2 cats of her own. So things were pretty good.

But you can't plan for everything. My mum got a new bf, who quickly moved in with us. Bf didn't like dogs, and had dumped his 2 (after his wife left him) at the pound. Soon he decided he didn't like me either, and I was kicked out. So with 4 months left of my degree, I was homeless and with a large dog. My bf lived in an apartment, and although he wanted me to move in, it just wasn't practical. Plus I had refused to move in with him earlier when he'd been looking for a place, and didn't want to move in now just because I needed somewhere to live. I was homeless for 2 months. Me and the pooch stayed with all of my friends and my siblings, moving constantly between apartments and houses/terraces because I was desperate not to damage any of my relationships by becoming a burden. I had a job, earned good money, but despite applying for heaps of places, I was never offered any. Would have been different of course if I didn't have the dog, but, if I didn't have the dog, I don't think I would have made it through the whole experience. I was starting to lie about having a dog, and if I admitted to having one, I lied about his breed (told people he was a lab cross rather than a dobe).

It was becoming extremely difficult to concentrate at uni, I could only think about the fact that I had no where to live and I was on the verge of giving it all up, but finally, I found an ad on gumtree from someone who was breaking their lease. I sucked it up, went to meet the agent in business attire and put it on heavy. I was offered the place, and moved in the following week. The dog was on the lease as a lab cross (no-one ever called me back when I told them he was a doberman). The dog and I stayed with my bf in his apartment for the week before we moved in, and despite my fears, now that I knew I had a home to go to soon, it was actually quite nice.

So end of the year, partner wanted to move back to Adelaide after he'd spent 3 years in Sydney, and I didn't have a whole lot holding me back. Again we had no luck going via the real estate agents, but I put an ad up on gumtree with a photo of all of us and again talked us up, and we were offered several places by private advertisers. We moved in together into a house on 1/4 acre. Pooch is on the lease as a lab cross again lol and things are pretty good.

In short, there are places, but they are few and far between. Private advertisers are your best bet, but if you meet the agent talk yourself up and make yourself memorable in a good way. Emphasise the amount of care you provide for your dog, and hence why they won't be an issue (rather than playing the dog down). Place an ad on gumtree with photos, and most of all, stick to your word so you get good references. It was a lot easier the second time round because I received excellent references, despite breaking lease early.

[mumof3]

I used to live in Sydney renting with a dog and honestly, there was a lot of stress involved. I was one of those people who got a dog before they had a proper house, because I wanted to take advantage of the extra time I had available whilst at uni to raise a puppy. I lived at home, and planned on doing so until I had finished uni and had a job. My mum rented a house in Woollahra for an exorbitant price but they never worried about what pets she had, just said she had to steam clean the carpets when she left. She had 2 cats of her own. So things were pretty good.

But you can't plan for everything. My mum got a new bf, who quickly moved in with us. Bf didn't like dogs, and had dumped his 2 (after his wife left him) at the pound. Soon he decided he didn't like me either, and I was kicked out. So with 4 months left of my degree, I was homeless and with a large dog. My bf lived in an apartment, and although he wanted me to move in, it just wasn't practical. Plus I had refused to move in with him earlier when he'd been looking for a place, and didn't want to move in now just because I needed somewhere to live. I was homeless for 2 months. Me and the pooch stayed with all of my friends and my siblings, moving constantly between apartments and houses/terraces because I was desperate not to damage any of my relationships by becoming a burden. I had a job, earned good money, but despite applying for heaps of places, I was never offered any. Would have been different of course if I didn't have the dog, but, if I didn't have the dog, I don't think I would have made it through the whole experience. I was starting to lie about having a dog, and if I admitted to having one, I lied about his breed (told people he was a lab cross rather than a dobe).

It was becoming extremely difficult to concentrate at uni, I could only think about the fact that I had no where to live and I was on the verge of giving it all up, but finally, I found an ad on gumtree from someone who was breaking their lease. I sucked it up, went to meet the agent in business attire and put it on heavy. I was offered the place, and moved in the following week. The dog was on the lease as a lab cross (no-one ever called me back when I told them he was a doberman). The dog and I stayed with my bf in his apartment for the week before we moved in, and despite my fears, now that I knew I had a home to go to soon, it was actually quite nice.

So end of the year, partner wanted to move back to Adelaide after he'd spent 3 years in Sydney, and I didn't have a whole lot holding me back. Again we had no luck going via the real estate agents, but I put an ad up on gumtree with a photo of all of us and again talked us up, and we were offered several places by private advertisers. We moved in together into a house on 1/4 acre. Pooch is on the lease as a lab cross again lol and things are pretty good.

In short, there are places, but they are few and far between. Private advertisers are your best bet, but if you meet the agent talk yourself up and make yourself memorable in a good way. Emphasise the amount of care you provide for your dog, and hence why they won't be an issue (rather than playing the dog down). Place an ad on gumtree with photos, and most of all, stick to your word so you get good references. It was a lot easier the second time round because I received excellent references, despite breaking lease early.

That's a great story. thanks for sharing. Real kid rises above the odds story. Bet it built some character. Sometimes the hardest times we look back upon with affection, or at least a greater appreciation of the good times.

[jacqui835]

That's a great story. thanks for sharing. Real kid rises above the odds story. Bet it built some character. Sometimes the hardest times we look back upon with affection, or at least a greater appreciation of the good times.

I do not look back on those times with affection, but it's true, I really appreciate what I have now.

[mumof3]

They are looking for reasurance that you are going to look after the house and not let your dog eat it.

Getting the first rental is the hardest bit but if you are a great tenant, a reference from your current property manager will make it much easier to get the next place.

As a landlord, these are two very relevant points.

1) We are worried about the condition of our property. Many of us have left management to a property manager. In my case, I don't necessarily feel ok about letting the property manager decide whether or not a particular pet owner / pet is a good risk. So I've got a blanket "no pets" policy. Also, our property has carpet, which I think means no pets in a rental property too. And the property manager simply has to do what I say. I'm not interested in meeting tenants. The property is 1000's of km from where I live, so it is impractical too. I prefer the distant professional relationship with tenants. Owning a rental property is after all, a business. And it is a business which we have put in ALOT of hardwork to be able to achieve. We, like many rental property owners, are not independently wealthy people, just very hardworking ordinary people who invested young and worked like mad to build something for our kids. We only have one rental property, so it is a large chunk of our personal assets ( our largest single asset). There may also be insurance issues with pets - Ive never looked into it. Landlords hold insurance against the damage tenants may cause and the loss of income when they don't pay rent or skip out on a lease. It would possibly be dearer if you allowed pets. And additional claims drive your premium price up too.

My point is, if you can mitigate these fears, and show a real respect for how valuable the asset is to the owner, then you may be off to a good start.

And, our property manager has a scheme where tenants with a good rental history get cheaper rent. We always go for these tenants. The reassurance that the property will be cared for, and that the tenant will pay their rent is worth alot more than bagging the greatest amount of rent per week. So, good rental history pays dividends to tenants, on a number of levels. Incidentally, to keep our very good tenant happy we allow them to choose an improvement to be made to the property every year.

[freundhund]

Renting in the Richmond, Windsor and surrounds is actually quiteexpensive due to the RAAF base and the University of Western Sydney having a campus at Richmond as well as a large TAFE in Richmond. My goddaughter and her husband pay $350.00 for an extrememly small 20+ yearold house with 3 tiny bedrooms.

Can I suggest contacting Real Estate Agents now, letting them know when you will be looking to move, and asking them if they have any vacancies coming up around that date to let you know. I fully agree with pet references etc, also pet bond.

One positive note is as a lot of landlords have had RAAF families renting with dogs, they are not to phased by people having a dog/s.

Good luck for finding somewhere suitable to live.

[Bjelkier]

I had a hell of a time trying to find a rental with dogs in the Canberra area.

We have a great rental history, the dogs have good resume, we both had full time jobs but it was still an uphill battle.

What we ended up doing was looking further away from the areas we wanted, older houses and such and we got a much better response from people.

[SnoPaws]

I am a landlord and I have found a good tenant will be a good even if they have pets and a bad tenant will be a bad tenant even if they don't have pets

[spoilt lab lives here]

They are looking for reasurance that you are going to look after the house and not let your dog eat it.

Getting the first rental is the hardest bit but if you are a great tenant, a reference from your current property manager will make it much easier to get the next place.

As a landlord, these are two very relevant points.

1) We are worried about the condition of our property. Many of us have left management to a property manager. In my case, I don't necessarily feel ok about letting the property manager decide whether or not a particular pet owner / pet is a good risk. So I've got a blanket "no pets" policy. Also, our property has carpet, which I think means no pets in a rental property too. And the property manager simply has to do what I say. I'm not interested in meeting tenants. The property is 1000's of km from where I live, so it is impractical too. I prefer the distant professional relationship with tenants. Owning a rental property is after all, a business. And it is a business which we have put in ALOT of hardwork to be able to achieve. We, like many rental property owners, are not independently wealthy people, just very hardworking ordinary people who invested young and worked like mad to build something for our kids. We only have one rental property, so it is a large chunk of our personal assets ( our largest single asset). There may also be insurance issues with pets - Ive never looked into it. Landlords hold insurance against the damage tenants may cause and the loss of income when they don't pay rent or skip out on a lease. It would possibly be dearer if you allowed pets. And additional claims drive your premium price up too.

My point is, if you can mitigate these fears, and show a real respect for how valuable the asset is to the owner, then you may be off to a good start.

And, our property manager has a scheme where tenants with a good rental history get cheaper rent. We always go for these tenants. The reassurance that the property will be cared for, and that the tenant will pay their rent is worth alot more than bagging the greatest amount of rent per week. So, good rental history pays dividends to tenants, on a number of levels. Incidentally, to keep our very good tenant happy we allow them to choose an improvement to be made to the property every year.

Can you be my landlord!! I have a list of things that need attending to. Starting with the venetians in all the bedrooms, hideous, faling apart and unuseable!

My last inspection the R/E walked in and said 'gee you keep this place beautifully clean, I have no need to worry about you' made me feel awesome !

Hope you find a place soon. Getting a rental is hard but very do-able!