Keeping Pets in a Rental Property

Renting someone else’s home is not just a matter of looking at it and saying, “Yes, I like it, I will take it,” and then promptly moving in. There is a lot more involved before that part even happens. Once you have found the premises that suits your purposes, you have to approach the landlord or the rental agency property management that is handling it for the owner and then be prepared to truthfully answer questions about previous tenancies you may have had. Then you must be assessed by owner or management as to your suitability as a tenant based on financial ability to pay on time and in full.

It is important when you approach whoever is in charge of the rental premises that you present yourself in a clean and neat order. First impressions are always important and are usually lasting, so if you go into an agency looking scruffy and dirty, don’t be surprised to find you are not viewed favourably as a prospective tenant. If you have had problems in previous tenancies be truthful about it, as background searches will show it up anyway and being honest about it will put the problem in a more favourable light. Oh, and did I mention pets? If you are wishing to have pets when you are renting Brisbane real estate, you must mention this at the outset and not just take it for granted it will be allowed.

Some home owners just might say no to pets, as previous tolerance has been met with a lack of appreciation through tenants allowing big dogs inside the home and have even had doors chewed by them. Carpets can be soiled by them and flea infestations can be started by dogs whose owners are lax in proper care of their pets. Even small dogs can be a problem if the premises are furnished and the dogs take delight in chewing the couches for example. Large dogs barking constantly and small ones yapping lead to complaints to the Brisbane property management or the owner from annoyed neighbors. Don’t expect to have dogs in a yard that has no fence as council laws rule that all dogs must be fenced in to protect neighbors and passersby.

Cats can also be a problem as they like to climb and see curtains, drapes and insect screening as great substitutes for trees. If you are fortunate in being allowed to keep them, ensure they have a pet tree that they also use for scratching, saving damage to furniture as well. Most importantly ensure your cats are trained to use a litter tray and keep it cleaned daily so they don’t refuse to use it, and to prevent odious smells emanating from the tray. If you are allowed to keep a dog, then show you appreciate it by keeping it under control, keeping it clean and happy, as bored dogs bark and dig holes, something else not appreciated by the owners. Also pick up after them with the poop scoop and use special bags to bin it, keeping the yard clean and not looking like a minefield.

 

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