No matter how adorable you think Fido is, there’s always going to be someone who flat-out refuses to give him the time of day. Unfortunately, if you’re trying to rent this can be incredibly frustrating.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! New Zealand is a nation of pet owners, with the latest stats revealing that more than 50% of Kiwis own at least one cat or dog.
So how are you supposed to secure a rental property with your best friend in tow? Luckily, there are some things you can do to give yourself a pet-friendly edge.
Write up a pet resume
Just like winning yourself a job interview, a pet resume can work wonders for your furry friend. Even if you aren’t looking for a rental, a pet CV could come in rather handy especially when you are traveling with your furry friends.
Give them a head start by drafting up a CV that makes them shine. Include your pet’s age, temperament, vaccinations and a rundown of what makes them so damn adorable and of course, a photo. Don’t forget to include references who’ll testify that your pet is a dream to live with. You can also offer to send them a copy of your pet’s papers, which proves you’re a responsible and caring owner.
Arrange a meet and greet
Often, all it takes is a few cuddles to convince a property manager or owner that you and your pet are the right tenants. Don’t be shy about suggesting a meet and greet so your landlord can get to you both you, and your four-legged friend.
Just ask
You’ve got nothing to lose, so why not just ask? Chances are, the owner is a pet lover themselves and is sympathetic to your cause! So many people forget to take this obvious step, especially if a property doesn’t specifically say pets are allowed. Insight from the latest realestate.com.au Tenants and Sharers report showed that applicants that ask are more likely to get a more favourable outcome. This goes for finding a rental, and buying a pet mid-tenancy.
Offer more rent
Let’s face it, pet-free applicants are probably more favourable than their pet loving counterparts. So, you may need to pull off a little wooing. If you’re determined to find you and your furry flatmate a home, think about offering a little more rent. It doesn’t have to be much, but it will serve as a gesture of goodwill, and sweeten the deal for the owner.
Enlist the help of a local real estate agent
If you’re having trouble findpet-friendlyiendly property independently, why not enlist the help of a local real estate agent? They know the market better than anyone, and can help you track down a pet friendly place that you’ll love.
Use pet friendly platforms
If you’re heading off on holiday with your pet in tow, it can be wildly difficult to find animal friendly accommodation. That’s why we love platforms like PetsCanComeTo.com. Purpose built for pet owners, it’s a fantastic resource if you can’t bear to hit the road without your pet by your side.
Impress
Once you’re in, the last thing you want to do is give the owner any reason to doubt their decision. Come rent inspection time, make sure your place is absolutely spotless. No hairs on the couch, no doggy smell in the loungeroom and definitely no poop on the lawn. You can also boost your chances by offering to remove all traces of your pet when you move out. It may cost you a few hundred dollars, but by offering to treat the property to a professional carpet clean you’ll definitely improve your chances at a lease.
Best of luck in your search. And remember, your pet can’t speak for itself so it’s up to you to be friendly, responsible and willing to go the extra mile.
Peter - 7 years ago
As a Landlord with a number of properties, some of my rentals are definitely not suitable for pets.
However, I do have one that is very suitable – the person I bought it off had an Alsatian dog.
The current tenant has both a dog and a cat, and has lived there for several years.