westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) Hi All, Just want to check with the DOL brains trust that I'm not being unfair to my tenants in saying 'no' to their request for an Akita... The property is an inner city Adelaide duplex with a small well fenced backyard of just over 123 sqm (roughly 15m x 8 m) and double gates down the side. The fact they are asking for such a big dog with such a small backyard suggests to me that they aren't dog savvy and I think its grossly unfair to the dog to put him/her in such a small backyard. Not to mention if the dog goes stir crazy it'll upset the strata units next door and the tenants in the other side of the duplex. And in SA we are not allowed to ask for pet bonds (go figure). So unless the DOL Brains trust says otherwise I'm going to say 'no'. Thoughts? TIA Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodoggies2001 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I wouldn't want it in one of my properties either. We had a request from a couple who had a Husky and we refused the application on the grounds that there was only a smallish courtyard on the property where the dog could be outside and the couple were away at work during the day. On the other hand, we rented out the adjoining townhouse to a stay at home mum with two dachshunds because we felt that was more reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) I wouldn't want it in one of my properties either. We had a request from a couple who had a Husky and we refused the application on the grounds that there was only a smallish courtyard on the property where the dog could be outside and the couple were away at work during the day. On the other hand, we rented out the adjoining townhouse to a stay at home mum with two dachshunds because we felt that was more reasonable. Thanks two doggies - if they'd ask for a more suitable dog I might be more inclined - but I must admit not being able to tie them to make good/repairs has changed my thoughts on this. I'm very happy to consider suitable pets in these houses but not large dogs with unsavvy owners who are likely to turn into problems. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I really don't think that the yard size matters if the owners are dog savvy and will take pains to provide the dog with daily enrichment and exercise suitable to the breed. That said, it is true that a bored Akita is a destructive Akita, so if you have any doubt of their commitment then you are well within your rights to refuse permission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) Thanks RP - I did think of that. There was no mention on their application of wanting pets or having pets in June, and having met them I suspect this would be their first dog. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Hi All, Just want to check with the DOL brains trust that I'm not being unfair to my tenants in saying 'no' to their request for an Akita... The property is an inner city Adelaide duplex with a small well fenced backyard of just over 123 sqm (roughly 15m x 8 m) and double gates down the side. The fact they are asking for such a big dog with such a small backyard suggests to me that they aren't dog savvy and I think its grossly unfair to the dog to put him/her in such a small backyard. Not to mention if the dog goes stir crazy it'll upset the strata units next door and the tenants in the other side of the duplex. And in SA we are not allowed to ask for pet bonds (go figure). So unless the DOL Brains trust says otherwise I'm going to say 'no'. Thoughts? TIA Definitely NO in that house/yard !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 Thanks for popping along Perse - and thanks for that - of course you know said backyard well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minxy Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I have an Akita. The size of an apartment/courtyard probably wouldn't be an issue for them exercise wise. Akitas are fairly lazy low energy dogs. Kyojin has slept all day every day since he was a puppy. If you throw a ball for him, he'll fetch it twice and then go and have another snooze. He'll happily go for a walk, but also would be totally fine if he never went for another one in his life. However, I would say they'd most definitely be unsuitable for that sort of living arrangement because they are a protective breed, which means that even though they don't bark just for the sake of it, any time a stranger walks past or something that is unfamiliar etc, there will be very LOUD barking that would definitely upset neighbours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lhok Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Depends on the owner and on the Akita. Some are low energy some are more, some owners are good with all the traits that Akitas have and some aren't. I agree with Minxy in that there will be some very loud barking at times and that would be off putting for neighbours. Not only that but there will be inspections of the property too and while Akitas in general are good with people that their owners have said can come on the grounds they are protective and they like to think for themselves so I wouldn't be too keen to put the dog in that situation routinely. I would be saying no as well, they very well could be good dog owners but the other factor is that your gut is saying no and that is probably the biggest deciding factor in my opinion. --Lhok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen15 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I agree with your last point Lhok. If the gut says no, my experience is it is best to follow it. Your subconscious sees lots of things that don't register and those niggles are it's way of sending a message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) Thank you minxy, karen and Lhok - was hoping some breed/ big dog people would pop along. I'm a small dog person and my guys are lounge lizards who spent their days at the same property snoring their heads off. There is only a medium size doggie door there as well which a full grown Akita wouldn't fit through - which means s/he's confined to a small back yard all day while owners are at work and the child is at school. I genuinely don't want to be unfair to them, but until today I didn't know we aren't allowed to charge a pet bond in South Australia. And I've just remembered I knocked back an applicant with a kelpie cross for similar reasons back in June. Thanks all - I'll get back to my property manager with a 'no'. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) Just for interest, I've just found this on a property management site... it appears that pet bonds are not legal anywhere except WA and then only for fumigation. Gee makes it hard for Landlords to say 'yes'. I'd genuinely love to say 'yes' if I can have some protection for my property. Being allowed to have a pet CV/references and a pet bond would change the whole situation for me. And it would seem to be a very simple way of opening up more properties to pets. Shame. Can I charge a pet bond?
ACT,NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC: No! WA: yes, maximum of $260 pertenancy (ie not per pet) and must only be used for fumigation. More can berequested / negotiated in $1200pw+ places. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Not a real estate agent but I would assume anything would be covered by the usual bond. Damage is damage whether done by an adult, a child or a dog... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodoggies2001 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Not a real estate agent but I would assume anything would be covered by the usual bond. Damage is damage whether done by an adult, a child or a dog... The problem is that somtimes the bond doesn't cover the damage done by humans or animals and it leaves the landlord considerable out of pocket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Not a real estate agent but I would assume anything would be covered by the usual bond. Damage is damage whether done by an adult, a child or a dog... The problem is that somtimes the bond doesn't cover the damage done by humans or animals and it leaves the landlord considerable out of pocket. True, in which case your landlords insurance kicks in. Still sucks though. Anyway back to Akitas. With a shortage of pet friendly rentals I think tenants with dogs would most likely be super careful with the place, but suitability is important. I hope you find a great tenant soon, westiemum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Any dog can do damage ,I don't see it as an issue .Many large breeds are very lazy and a lot depends on the owners . If your going to judge breeds then I think you need to just say no to dogs because bigger does not mean more damage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) I have a young active working breed who as long as he has access to inside when Im home is fine in small yards. Its going to depend on the owner. I agree with show dog. Do they have references, a pet resume maybe? Edited November 21, 2016 by LisaCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodoggies2001 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Any dog can do damage ,I don't see it as an issue .Many large breeds are very lazy and a lot depends on the owners . If your going to judge breeds then I think you need to just say no to dogs because bigger does not mean more damage I don't think anyone is judging the breed. It was mentioned that the owners didn't appear to be dog savvy and that could be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) Not a real estate agent but I would assume anything would be covered by the usual bond. Damage is damage whether done by an adult, a child or a dog... The problem is that somtimes the bond doesn't cover the damage done by humans or animals and it leaves the landlord considerable out of pocket. Yes that's correct. I've actually seen damage bills of well over $20k which the bond will nowhere near cover - the poor old landlord gets stuck with it.. And the most damage I've ever seen done to a property was by children, not animals. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) I have a young active working breed who as long as he has access to inside when Im home is fine in small yards. Its going to depend on the owner. I agree with show dog. Do they have references, a pet resume maybe? And therein lies the problem. There was no mention of having or wanting pets at the time they applied and I accepted the application. This has come out of the blue today. No they haven't got the dog yet so theres no pet resume and I think they are first time dog owners so doubt there are any references. The dog will not have access to inside while everyone is at work and school (the doggy door is too small) so will be outside in a small yard all day. And I can't protect myself with a pet bond. Edited November 21, 2016 by westiemum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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