• Tags: Burleigh, First Home Buyers, First National News, Gold Coast Community, Gold Coast Property, How To, Landlords, News, Palm Beach, Property Investment, Property Management, Real Estate, Rent, Top Read

Landlords Urged To Consider Pets

First National is leading the charge in keeping families and their much-loved furry and four-legged friends together by urging landlords to consider being pet-friendly to stop the unnecessary euthanasia of family pets.

Over 100,000 dogs and cats are surrendered to the RSPCA each year in Australia, 22 per cent of which are euthanised, and one of the contributing factors is the difficulty rental tenants experience finding pet-friendly rental accommodation.
 
Animal welfare agencies indicate that as many as 30 per cent of the dogs and cats that are surrendered are from owners who are unable to locate adequate accommodation.

As one of the very few real estate network’s in the country to include a pet-friendly rental search option on their website, First National Real Estate recognises, at 62%*, Australia has one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world – and it is anticipated more than 1.1* million Australian households plan to get a pet within the next 12 months.
 
According to First National Real Estate’s Chief Executive, Ray Ellis some of the best rental tenants are those with animals.
 
This is because they are committed to staying in a property longer, which reduces overall wear and tear and increases a landlord’s annual yield, and Australian research suggests landlords may be able to achieve between 7 and 14 per cent more rent to secure the tenancy.
 
‘The experience of our members is that responsible pet owners are usually very well prepared, when they submit their applications. They frequently have already obtained references from former landlords and neighbours, confirming their pets are well managed and not an annoyance to the neighbourhood where they previously lived’ says Mr Ellis.
 
‘We always remind landlords that flagging their vacant property “Pet Friendly” provides them a bigger pool of tenants from which to choose, that these types of tenants usually stay longer, and they’re sometimes willing to pay a little more, or sign some additional reasonable conditions on their lease, to offset a landlord’s concerns. We’re committed to the welfare of pets by encouraging landlords to consider applicants with pets.’
 
Finding a pet-friendly rental online is as simple as marking the pet-friendly box or looking out for properties that feature First National Real Estate’s pet friendly symbol.

The payment of a ‘pet deposit’ or ‘pet bond’ is very common in some parts of the world, but not permitted in most states of Australia. Western Australia is the only state where a pet bond is permitted - an additional amount of up to $260 may be charged subject to conditions.

9 good reasons to consider pets

1. Pet owning tenants are generally willing to pay more rent
2. Pet-friendly properties rent faster
3. Responsible pet owners can make excellent tenants.
4. Tenants with pets want to hold longer leases
5. Reduce your advertising spend
6. No more problems with ‘hidden’ pets
7. Reduce animal euthanasia; animal welfare agencies indicate that as many as 30% of dogs and cats are surrendered by owners who can’t find adequate accommodation
8. Considering pets will not lock you into a pet- particular outcome
9. Pet agreement forms help landlords implement effective pet management policies 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Dot Hamilton, Director of Property Management/BDM on 0412 809 220 or visit her profile page for tips, videos and rental success stories.

by Celine Battendier