All Topics / General Property / Pets in rental properties

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  • Profile photo of Mezma3Mezma3
    Participant
    @mezma3
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 6

    Hi Everyone,

    This is my first post on the forum despite being a regular reader.  My hubbie and I have just purchased our first investment property in Brissy.  We purchased a house with a small back yard, which suited us from a low maintenence point of view.  The property is due to settle at the end of next month which is very exciting.  

    We like the idea of making the property pet friendly to prospective tennants but would like to hear about what other's have experienced.  We are thinking of restricting to small, mature pets.  Is there anything we need to be wary of?

    I must add that we found Richard Taylor on this forum   He was absolutely brilliant to deal with and we want to say a big thank you to him for being so helpful, efficient and knowledgeable.  

    Looking forward to the responses     
       

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    There is a large untapped market for 'pet friendly' housing. You may be able to consider charging a premium for 'pet friendliness' and also look towards some special conditions in the lease eg steam cleaning of carpet (but you are probably better off with hard flooring).

    Profile photo of PaulliePaullie
    Member
    @paullie
    Join Date: 2009
    Post Count: 217

    I can see how it might be an untapped market but heres a story for you, close to home.

    Father in law rented one of his IPs (happened to be next door to him). He allowed one pet rabbit.

    When the tennant moved out, he found lumps of sand outside and one wall cracked right through. To his amazement the rabbitS burrowed under the house, beneath the foundations.

    We had to pull parts of the floor boards up, dig it out and we cemented all the holes.

    Pets – hell no.

    Profile photo of Mezma3Mezma3
    Participant
    @mezma3
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 6

    Damage caused by pets it definately a concern and your story Paullie highlights this.  Did the insurance cover the damage?

    We're still unsure as to what we will decide and being pet owners ourselves, we are well aware of how destructive they can be.  On the other hand, we had to give up a dog we had because a previous property we rented would not allow pets, which was very disappointing.  

    Very tough decision  

    Profile photo of DerekDerek
    Member
    @derek
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 3,544

    Put a clause in your lease agreement 'Pets only approved with prior approval of owner"

    You can vet the type of pet permitted.

    Profile photo of PaulliePaullie
    Member
    @paullie
    Join Date: 2009
    Post Count: 217

    He didnt have insurance. He also self manages.

    Profile photo of Jamie MooreJamie Moore
    Participant
    @jamie-m
    Join Date: 2010
    Post Count: 5,069

    We've always allowed pets and have had no issues – it's also a handy way to boost the rental yield as pet owners are generally willing to pay more for a property that allows them to keep a pet.

    Cheers

    Jamie

    Jamie Moore | Pass Go Home Loans Pty Ltd
    http://www.passgo.com.au
    Email Me | Phone Me

    Mortgage Broker assisting clients Australia wide Email: [email protected]

    Profile photo of Mezma3Mezma3
    Participant
    @mezma3
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 6

    Thanks for the replies.  We have just found ourselves a PM who will start advertising the property and hopefully we will have a tenant ready and signed before settlement.  17 days to go

    Should we be asking our PM to openly advertise that we will consider small pets? Or should we cross this bridge if a prospective tenant brings up the issue?

    Thanks again

    Profile photo of DerekDerek
    Member
    @derek
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 3,544

    Hi Mezma,

    No harm in advertising that pets will be considered. Can only add to your pool of potential tenants.

    Profile photo of maree_bradrossmaree_bradross
    Member
    @maree_bradross
    Join Date: 2007
    Post Count: 401

    We always state pets considered – very rare that we have a tenant with a pet and when there has been it has never been a problem, Is it bad to say would prefer 4 legged or small 2 legged?

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