Pet-Friendly Rentals in Perth: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
Updated 29 August 2024
Here’s a fun fact: Australia has one of the highest percentages of pet ownership in the world! It’s no wonder legislation has been amended to allow more people to keep pets in rental properties.
While renting to pet owners has traditionally been viewed as a riskier avenue for landlords, there are measures all parties can take to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone involved.
By setting out clear expectations from the start, these tenancies can be a mutually beneficial experience for both renters and owners. For example, making your property pet-friendly can be a more cost-effective way to increase rental yields from long-term tenants.
This blog should allay some concerns that property owners may have, as well as offering some valuable guidance to would-be tenants with pets.
For Renters: How to Find a Pet-Friendly Rental in Perth
You may need to be more flexible on both location and price to secure a pet-friendly rental home in Perth – so keep an open mind regarding the options available to you, and be prepared to cast a wider net.
You should also consider the needs of your pet specifically. Are they going to be ok living in a small inner-city apartment, or do they need a backyard and plenty of space?
Tips for rental applications:
- Prepare good references ahead of time for both yourself and any animals
- Be able to show records of responsible ownership:
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations
- Regular flea, tick and worming treatments
- Any obedience training
- Any insurances taken out (renter’s insurance as well as for insurance for pets)
- Be prepared to pay an extra bond and/or commit to additional cleaning services – this is an easy way to show the owner you will take the overall condition of their property seriously
And of course, the most valuable tip we can give – be upfront about owning a pet, and only apply for suitably pet-friendly rentals. Being honest from the start is a much better strategy than potentially breaking the terms of your contract.
For the Property Owner: Attracting and Selecting a Responsible Pet Owner for Tenancy
New WA government legislation around pet-friendly rentals has left some Perth landlords worried, but there are ways to mitigate the risk of a tenant’s furry friend. Part of this is finding responsible tenants.
Whether applicants are responsible is generally assessed by reference and database checks. An experienced property manager will also recognise red flags when meeting applicants.
When it comes to those who own pets, many landlords find them more responsible than the average tenant. This might be because they’re mature enough to take on responsibility for their companion.
But rather than assume, why not take some steps to double-check?
Checklist for Home Owners:
- Ask past landlords/property managers about:
- Damage to the property
- Whether the pet bond was claimed
- Whether neighbours complained about noise, odours, aggression, pets straying etc.
- Check applicants’ social media for inconsistencies — e.g. do they seem to own more pets than discussed?
- Require applicants to provide a pet resume including:
- photos
- proof of: ownership, council registration, microchipping
- any history of aggression/complaints/damage
- for dogs: age/size/weight (for young dogs, consider their probable adult size)
- breed (avoid restricted/aggressive breeds).
- Require applicants to sign a pet agreement — this can include them agreeing to:
- take renter’s insurance with pet damage cover
- comply with strata by-laws
- prevent the pet roaming/causing a nuisance to neighbours
- remove animal waste promptly
- store pet food securely to avoid attracting vermin
- only keep the individual pet approved initially
- comply with end-of-lease cleaning/fumigation obligations.
The consequences for breaches of this agreement should be clear. For example: “The landlord reserves the right to require you to remove the pet if this agreement is breached. Repeated breaches will lead to lease termination”.
Some agents/owners require tenants who have not applied to keep pets, to sign a pet clause in case they get an animal later.
You can further mitigate your risk by choosing a property manager instead of self-managing your rental. It’s our job to keep a close eye on the condition of your property through regular inspections.
Does A Pet-Friendly Rental Property Help the Bottom Line?
Both our experience and research suggest that allowing domestic animals at your rental is usually a positive step.
Research from Australia and other markets shows that acceptance of pets enhances cash flow and yield for landlords.
Factors contributing to this include:
- Higher rents — Australian pet owners pay between 7-14% more rent than other tenants (RSPCA research shows 82% of pet owners earn $100,000+ per annum, giving them above-average ability to pay)
- Fewer vacancy days between tenants — pet-friendly properties lease up to ten days faster than other properties.
- Longer tenancies — a pet-friendly rental is hard to find in Western Australia, so tenants stay longer.
- Over the life of the investment, owners experience:
- fewer vacancy days,
- less wear and tear from people moving in and out, and;
- lower letting costs.
Research shows no appreciable increase in damage to properties with pets.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Researchers found allowing pets was a more cost-effective way to increase rental yields than costly renovations.
How to Make Your Rental Property Pet-Friendly
Responsible pet owners do not generally apply for properties that are unsuitable/unsafe for their needs. Smart property owners think the same way!
For example: If considering allowing pets for the first time, many landlords opt to do any refurbishments in a pet-friendly way. They may:
- renew with vinyl or tiles, rather than timber or carpet
- make gardens more pet-resistant, by using hardy grasses/plants
- upgrade fencing
- install a pet-door
- add scratch-proof plates to timber doors.
Where Can I Learn More About Pet-Friendly Rentals in Perth?
The experienced property managers at We Love Rentals know how to make rental properties durable and attractive to pet owners. We can also advise you on how much higher to set the rent, and how best to word a pet agreement.
We’re here to help!
Send an email or call (08) 6254 6300 for professional advice on pet-friendly rentals.
Brendan Leahy
I am the licensee of We Love Rentals and provide support to the team whenever needed. I began my real estate career over two decades years ago. While I loved seeing people achieve their dream of a new home for their family, I kept thinking that there had to be a better way of doing real estate – one with respect for the long term benefit of the client and one that focuses on customer satisfaction.
