Renting with pets

Pet ownership has been on the rise in recent years as people add furry friends to extend their family units; and while attitudes are evolving, there are still several things to consider before welcoming a new family member, if you are renting.

Seek permission from your property manager and landlord

Depending on the type of property that you are renting will determine the levels of permission that are required before you can bring a new pet into your home. 

In cases where you are in a strata complex including units, apartments and townhouses, permission is required from not only the Owner but also through strata and the Body Corporate. 

Strata will often require that you complete documents and include registration details for microchipping, vaccination status and council registration to ensure that you comply with the relevant legislation. 

Your Property Manager may also request that you complete a pet application form prior to approaching the Owner for permission so that they have all the relevant details required for approval. 

If you cannot provide the necessary details, permission for a pet may be declined and in strata, while the Owner may approve, the body corporate may not. 

Understand the obligations

It’s an exciting step to bring a new pet home and it can be overwhelming in the weeks and months as you are settling them into their new environment. 

If you were approved by strata and your property manager, you may be required to sign an agreement outlining your obligations as a pet owner and tenant. These may include requirements while using common areas and care of the property that you are renting.

You will often be required to ensure that any damage caused by the pet during your tenancy is rectified once you vacate including repairs to scratches on floors and steam cleaning of carpets and soft furnishings. 

There may also be repairs needed for door frames if you have a puppy that likes to chew or replacement of screens that may have become torn by an excited kitten or puppy. 

Other things that may need to be considered are damage that may have occurred to carpets from scratching and a pest spray for fleas or bugs once you have vacated the home.