8 out of 10 landlords are pet friendly

19 May 2014 -

 Written by Steven CrossMonday, 19 May 2014

According to the survey conducted by Realestate.com.au last month, tenants believe the biggest disadvantage to renting is not being able to find a pet-friendly property. However, 80 per cent of landlords said they would be okay with pets.A survey from one of Australia’s largest property search portals has revealed more landlords are open to accepting pets in properties than ever before.

Arthur Charlaftis, head of sales and operations at realestate.com.au, encouraged tenants and property managers to communicate about this issue.

“Just because a property isn’t marketed as ‘pet friendly’ doesn’t mean the landlord is against you having a dog, cat or budgerigar," he said.

“Our research reveals that landlords and their property managers can actually be quite flexible when it comes to bringing your furry friend into the property, provided the tenant is responsible and willing to pay to have their pet there.

“Of course, not all landlords will say yes to pets. A landlord’s first obligation is the maintenance of the property – and some properties just aren’t compatible to share with animals.”

The results are the latest development in the property industry becoming more pet friendly.

In NSW, strata bylaws are changing to accept pets by default, rather than an ‘opt-in’ system.

But after taking on an additional ‘pet bond’, Dr Emma Power, lecturer in the School of Social Sciences and 

Psychology

 at theUniversity of Western Australia, claims pet-friendly properties have an advantage.

“Sixty per cent of Australian households include pets but there’s very strong anecdotal evidence that there’s a limited supply of pet-friendly rentals,” she said.

“There’s research from all around the world that shows moving house and difficulties finding pet-friendly properties is one of the key reasons people relinquish pets, and many of those pets will end up being euthanased.”

Source: http://www.rpmonline.com.au/news/12377-8-in-10-landlords-are-pet-friendly?utm_source=Residential+Property+Manager&utm_campaign=Residential_Property_Manager_Bulletin19_05_2014&utm_medium=email