Renter wants pets

Our renter wants to get a dog (small-mid) and I don’t know how I feel about it.

We can’t increase the rent until next year. We can’t get a bond because NSW doesn’t allow it. Our insurance doesn’t cover pet damage...

Tenant always pays on time and there is no major issues

What do you think... should I say yes or no?

 

Its a no brainer mate,let them have a pet.

 

Didn't the law change or is changing making not allowing pets difficult

 

What sort of insurance do you have that doesn't cover any pet damage? All the good ones have included pets for years now.

 

I’m more inclined to say no to pets. They can destroy carpets and wooden floors and the grass outside- it will get expensive

 

If you have wooden floorboards it’s an issue, otherwise let them.

 

I've had a place destroyed by a dog.
Tell them to get a cat instead.

 

Do you say no to children or women that wear high heels too?

 

If the young children are being left alone inside the house for over 8 hours a day, then yes, I certainly would.

 

I didnt realise you could say no to a pet in NSW anymore (stand to be corrected).

The tenants sound responsible by the mere fact they have even asked.
If you say no and they want one anyway they will get one regardless. That's what happens 99% of the time.

If they have permission for a pet they will probably stick around longer as finding rentals that are even suitable in the first place can be tricky.

It sounds like you have never had a dog and hence your concern. I would gauge the decision on the character of your tenants themselves as that will determine how they look after a pet.

Reading these forums it's safe to say that tenants themselves seem to give more issues than thier four legged friends. Infact, where was the last thread about a problem pet?

 

Inspections remain the most powerful owner / PM role in continued management of every property. The inspections should consider the pet presence and any damage etc that they may create. This means images BEFORE a pet arrives and a condition report. This may involve extra costs but should occur.

Dont assume that tiny cat or dog / rabit is OK. They all poop and wee and some people dont seem to clean up after then !! Dogs can be left outside and bark or run up and down fences destroying landscape. They often like to dig adn sleep in garden beds. If they jump then the occupants will complian about fences and the neigbours will complaint about the tenants.....

The lease may need to be modified if it has a "no pet" clause. Wise to alter it to "one dog". Not one dog and 38 cats. If strata seek strata approval as well

Tenants guide to renting with pets in NSW

 

I had a cat that put a hole in the new carpet and scratched the curtains. My dog does way less damage.

 

I believe you, but I think that damage done by dogs can by far outdo the damage done by cats.

Plus dogs generally smell much more than cats.
If you walk into a house that has a dog living in it, you can usual smell it. With a cat, not so much.

 

In my experience, tenants themselves, and especially their children, do a lot more damage than any Cats or Dogs...!

 

Eg. Timber floors scratched up by dog nails:



Eg. Carpets ruined by cat ****:

 

Yep that’s how my timber floors look lol. Well, not quite as bad as mine are better sealed but in the light you can see all the scratches.

 

Jesus those pictures scare me.

called my big 4 bank landlord insurance and they’ve said pets are not covered and and any damage done by pets are excluded.

I can’t afford for them to get a dog, damage my property and I’ve not even covered by insurance - it will be an indoor dog.

I have a dog but he lives outside and rarely comes inside.

 

The biggest factor that is going to determine whether the dog causes damage is how it’s trained (and socialised) as a puppy.

I personally have multiple dogs and don’t have any issues with damage to the property... but it was because I implemented a puppy protocol so they go into a pen with toys, come out to toilet/play/feed and while they are out of the pen they only interact with me (that way they don’t learn to chew furniture or things not acceptable), then they go back into the pen to sleep.. rinse and repeat. So by the time they’re given full access to the house and left alone, they’ve never learned to chew furniture or destroy things.

All my tenants have pets. One recently asked if they could get a puppy, I was very happy and immediately said yes. But, I also sent them lots of practical information on how to train and socialise their puppy, which if followed will mean there’s no damage to the property.

 

What is the vacancy factor in your area?
Pet VS empty rental may be something that you would like to consider?
Are they working from home?
Woud they live elsewhere?
Are the previous inspections OK?
I hope this helps