Setting Expectations with Pet Owners

What to do when you have an application from a quality tenant but they have a pet?

There have been discussions for a while now on changing the Western Australian tenancy legislation around renting with pets. While many states have adopted changes where pets are essentially automatically allowed to be kept by tenants, in Western Australia it is still something that is required to be agreed to by the landlord.

So what to do when you have an application from a quality tenant but they have a pet? Let’s take a look at the requirements that our real estate agency in Perth works under.  

Renting in Western Australia with Pets 

Under the current legislation, landlords do not need to provide a reason for denying a request for a pet by the tenant. There is however an incentive for property owners to allow pets, and that is through the charging of a pet bond.  

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety notes “For pets capable of carrying parasites that can affect humans, a pet bond of up to $260 can be charged in residential tenancies, while for long-stay tenancies in a residential park a maximum amount of $100 can be charged. The only exception is for assistance dogs, for which a pet bond cannot be charged at all.”  

The pet bond is to cover potential costs around pest control once the tenant has vacated the property.  

Effective Strategies for Pet Ownership in Rental Properties  

With years of experience in property management in Perth, we know that allowing pets can be a contentious issue. However, when the right approach is used, all parties can have their needs met when it comes to pets and rental properties.  

The key to creating an agreeable path forward lies in setting clear expectations from the beginning, around guidelines, responsible pet ownerships and maintaining a positive rental experience for everyone.  

Establish Pet Policies  

The first way to set expectations with pet owners is establishing clear and comprehensive pet policies. Most real estate agencies offering property management in Perth will have their policies already in place, but as the property owner, you can request variations to these policies to ensure they work for you.  

You should consider the types and number of pets allowed, any restrictions of various breeds of animals, size limitations and whether you require a bond deposit to be charged. Of course, some of these restrictions and expectations may come from strata by-laws, however it is important to be sensible when setting pet expectations. For example, it may be expected that a tenant needs to apply for a cat or dog to be on the property, however keeping fish or a bird doesn’t require approval.  

Any policies should be clearly communicated and included as an addendum to the lease agreement, ensuring that both landlords and tenants are aware of and agree to the terms upfront. By setting clear expectations regarding pets, landlords can proactively address potential issues and promote responsible pet ownership within their rental properties. 

Conduct Pet Interviews  

While many in property management in Scarborough may shy away from doing this as it does take up time, implementing a pet interview process is a great way to meet a prospective tenant’s pet before approving their rental application. In this meeting, you should get an idea of the behaviour, temperament and cleanliness of the pet. Meeting in person also allows both parties to address any concerns in regard to the pet and the property.  

Pet Vaccinations and Registrations  

It is really important that applicants and tenants provide up-to-date vaccination certifications (for any required vaccinations) as well as a copy of the local council registration, and licences if required (usually the case with reptiles). This can help to ensure that the pet is vaccinated against diseases, which may spread to neighbouring properties, and confirms that the pet is legally registered, and that the tenants are legally licenced to own that particular pet.  

Compliance with this requirement should be non-negotiable.  

Enforce Responsible Pet Ownership  

Most pet owners are responsible. They know how difficult it can be to rent a property when they have a pet, so they do everything they can to keep the property clean, prevent excessive noise and train their pets.  

Putting into place guidelines to ensure pets are house-trained, that they are cleaned up after, and noise kept at a minimum level will go a long way to ensure a harmonious relationship with neighbours.  

You may also consider requesting regular flea treatment be undertaken by the tenant to prevent a breakout of fleas in the property.  

Address Pet-Related Damages Early  

Much like having children in a rental property, accidents can happen with pets. It is important to speak with your real estate agent in Perth to find out their process for addressing pet-related damages to the rental property. This generally includes specific protocol and procedures for reporting damages, working out who is responsible for the damage and handling any repairs, and whether payments are made by the owner or by the tenant (or deducted from the bond).  

By ensuring potential applicants understand what will happen if their pet damages anything early on, you are setting clear expectations from your tenants.  

Encourage Open Communication  

Encouraging open communication with your tenants should be done whether they have a pet or not. Your tenants should be encouraged to report any concerns or issues promptly; early communication of potential issues can prevent further damage in the future.  

When it comes to pets, your property managers should have a system for documenting and resolving pet-related complaints and issues that they may receive from neighbours or strata managers. This process should be approached impartially, and your tenants should be given an opportunity to respond.  

As many as 61% of Australian households have a pet today, and up to 90% have had a pet at some time - with those figures there is a good chance that at some stage your current tenants, or potential future tenants, will approach you with a request to keep a pet at their home.  

Allowing pets can be a mutually beneficial agreement, and when proper expectations are set and maintained, both the tenant and landlord can often expect a long, and trouble-free tenancy.  

Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Rental 

If you’ve been approached by your current tenants to obtain approval for a pet, or your best tenancy applicant has a pet, you may be considering whether there are any benefits of having your property as pet friendly.  

While some property owners may be hesitant to approve pets, and sometimes with good reason, there are plenty of benefits to be gained.  

Larger Tenant Pool  

With so many households owning pets these days, by allowing pets in your property you open yourself up to a larger pool of prospective tenants. You have the opportunity to tap into a bigger market of potential tenants who may be excluded from other properties. This larger pool of potential tenants can help reduce your vacancies and enhance the desirability of your property.  

Reduced Turnover 

Along with having a bigger pool of tenants to choose from, you’ll also likely experience reduced turnover with your tenants, and this is because pet owners know that they face difficulties in looking for properties that will accept pets. In turn, this means that they stay longer in a pet friendly rental, take care of the property better and ensure rent is paid on time.  

Regular tenant turnover can be expensive and time-consuming, so if you’re looking for lower turnover, choosing a tenant with a pet may be a great way to achieve that lower turnover.  

Increased Property Value 

It may be surprising, however allowing pets can indirectly contribute to an increase in the value of your rental property. In our years of property management in Perth, we have often noticed that those who own pets can be willing to pay more for suitable properties where they are allowed pets. Pet friendly homes can be hard to get, so by allowing your tenants to have pets, your property can become more desirable and in demand, which may mean you can command a higher rental price.  

Enhanced Security  

This tends to be an area many don’t consider, but dogs can act as an additional layer of security for rental properties, protecting your property from damage from break-ins. Dogs tend to have a natural instinct to protect their homes and alert their owners to any potential threats, while their presence alone, particularly for bigger dogs, can deter potential criminals.  

Allowing your property to be pet-friendly can be a win-win situation for yourself and current or potential tenants.

With an expanded tenant pool, reduced turnover rates and the additional layer of security that owning a pet can bring, your tenants are likely to be happier and take great care of your property.  

As the rental property market becomes tighter, pet-friendly properties are increasingly sought-after and can make for a wise investment for landlords looking to maximise rental returns, as well as create a long-term tenant-landlord relationship.