[MEL] Why Do Most Apartments Refuse to Accomodate Pet Dogs?

freshofftheplane on 01/12/2018 - 15:23
Last edited 01/12/2018 - 15:55 by 1 other user

I live in Melbourne after moving here from another country about 16 months ago. I'm curious to know the reasons to why most property owners / agents refuse to accommodate for our 4-legged friends?

While I understand there is a small risk for things to break (be chewed on?) by having a dog in an apartment, I still believe the risk is minimal, especially compared to small children who we all know are prone to causing havoc. Why is no one refusing to rent out apartments to families with small children?

Walking around my suburb, I see many people walking their dog, and most of them are probably not home owners… which made me develop these two ideas:

  1. People never mention their dog when they apply for an apartment, ie- the social norm in Australia for this matter is to not tell the entire truth
  2. Landlords are two-faced when it comes to their property. They will own a dog but still refuse to rent out to another dog-owner.

Is this just a Melbourne thing?

Thoughts?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • RyanMK on 01/12/2018 - 15:45
    +22

    I have a dog myself, and had been renting with my dog for nearly 10 years before I moved into my own place (an apartment) earlier in the year. However, I have been lucky enough to never have an issue finding a place that allows dog in the past.

    However, I can confidently tell you the majority of dog owners who own dogs in apartment let their dogs pee indoors. Yes, most of them would be trained to pee on a indoor pad. However, I personally do not find that very hygienic. Also, I think dogs that are allowed to toilet indoors are more prone to mistakes indoor.

    As such, if I were renting out my apartment, I can honestly say I would not list it as pet friendly either. It would be a different story if it was a landed property with a yard. Does that make me two faced? I personally don't think so.

    With that being said, my dog does not pee indoors. But I'm lucky enough the nature of my work allows me to be home often enough to bring him down to do his business.

    • freshofftheplane on 01/12/2018 - 15:52
      +1

      I see. I never thought of that because we had always taken care of taking our dog outside to do it's business

      The question remains though - what kind of damage would that cause to the property that cannot be covered for and fixed by a bond?

      • RyanMK on 01/12/2018 - 15:59
        +2

        I never thought of that because we had always took care of taking our dog outside to do it's business

        That's always the ideal way to do it. However, with most people having a regular 9-5 job, that's not always possible for some. Fair enough if they still want a dog and train it to toilet indoors. It's just that I can personally see why most landlords (including myself) would not like that.

        what kind of damage would that cause to the property that cannot be covered for and fixed by a bond?

        I guess you're right in the sense that yes, any damage can be deducted from the bond. However, from the perspective of the landlord, it's probably just 1 extra thing to stress about.

        • freshofftheplane on 01/12/2018 - 16:04

          That's always the ideal way to do it. However, with most people having a regular 9-5 job, that's not always possible for some. Fair enough if they still want a dog and train it to toilet indoors. It's just that I can personally see why most landlords (including myself) would not like that.

          Do you ask the potential tenants if they take their dog outside, or do you automatically decide they don't and eliminate their chance of renting your apartment? (this is where
          imo being two faced kicks in)

          I guess you're right in the sense that yes, any damage can be deducted from the bond. However, from the perspective of the landlord, it's probably just 1 extra thing to stress about.

          Well, if the bond system works (and I assume it does?) then there's really nothing to be worried about, right? I also believe that a pet-bond could be an instrument to further decrease that worry, but it seems like most people would rather just ignore that and refuse rental to dog owners

      • dcep on 01/12/2018 - 20:13

        does your dog shit itself during thunder when it's left alone ?

      • Scrooge McDuck on 02/12/2018 - 01:20
        +22

        The question remains though - what kind of damage would that cause to the property that cannot be covered for and fixed by a bond?

        Hassle, lost time and lost income while repairs are carried out.

        There's also the potential for damage exceeding the value of the bond and the financial risk of not being fully restituted.

        Also, if the dog barks, that's likely to annoy the neighbours.

        • idonotknowwhy on 02/12/2018 - 08:11
          +3

          This is the correct answer.
          And it's better to avoid noise complaints being registered against the address of a property you own.

      • marcozmitch on 02/12/2018 - 17:40
        +6

        I unfortunately have had the pleasure of cleaning up after bad tenants for my parents properties, picking up endless dog shits left in the backyard.
        Many landlords may have had similiar experiences: Really stinky houses left in a very poor state. Not just in relation to the damage done by dogs, I will agree, but it is the icing on the cake, when the tenancy agreement makes it clear there are to be no pets.
        Really most landlords are happy for people to have cats, (which can still cause stinky rooms if the litterbox is not cleaned regularly). Just ask them politely and with understanding. Some neighbours hate cats visiting their gardens to poo in their rosebush/other garden beds!
        One time Mum had a tenant with 30 cats! Rooms had to be fumigated for fleas. They followed him down the street when he was evicted by the sheriff. Very sad story.
        Yes professional cleaners are better at cleaning up after these situations, but the place is never the same as before, and irresponsible tenants ruin it for everyone else. Yes - the bond does not always stretch to cover all damage as noted by others in this discussion.

      • tks1432 on 03/12/2018 - 13:46
        +2

        I rented out my apartment to a couple with a dog thinking what's the harm. When they vacated, the place reek of urine even though the carpet was steam-cleaned twice. Though there was no damage, the stench keeps coming back, especially during hot weather and makes it hard to rent out. The only way is to replace the carpet. Lesson learnt, no more pets allowed.

      • Ulysses31 on 03/12/2018 - 20:56

        "Prevention is better than cure"

        I work in construction, and like to think I can fix anything fast and cheap or easy. Doesn't mean I want to. I had ALL sorts of variety renting my home out, while living overseas. And been a responsible dog owner for 40 years. But limiting risk/hassle was HIGH on my list, as a landlord. With supply and demand seriously out of whack, the ball is in the landlord's court.

    • ihbh on 01/12/2018 - 21:22

      For a total dog noob - how long can a typical dog last before peeing/pooing? I've never thought about this.

      • freshofftheplane on 01/12/2018 - 21:31
        +1

        They usually sleep same hours as humans do at night, so I'd say about 10-12 hours max

      • RyanMK on 01/12/2018 - 22:06
        +1

        I'd say it depends on individual dogs and their eating drinking routine, among other factors.

        My dog can typically hold his bladder comfortably for 6 hours without needing to pee. I say comfortably as he does not asked to be let out to toilet at all, which he's trained to do if he needs to toilet. In the rare instances I had to leave him home for 8-10 hours, there has not been an accident as well. My dog gets a 45 minutes walk before I go to work each morning, which usually leaves him contented to just nap at home until I return.

        I usually bring him down every 4 hours though. I don't see the need for him to hold it in for long hours if he does not have to.

        • ihbh on 01/12/2018 - 22:17

          So even if there's heavy rain (such as recently in Sydney) or it's dark in winter, you'd have to take him down at least once say between 6pm and 6am (which is a 12 hour block)?

          • RyanMK on 01/12/2018 - 22:58
            +2

            @ihbh: Yep! With that being said, I walk him every morning rain, hail or shine too! No rain's gonna stop us!

          • Scrooge McDuck on 02/12/2018 - 01:03
            +1

            @ihbh: This is why there are so many poor puppers in shelters.

            Moral of the story: Adopt a cat. They clean themselves, use litter boxes and sleep when you're not home.

            • snook on 02/12/2018 - 11:27

              @Scrooge McDuck: and leave hair everywhere

              • Scrooge McDuck on 02/12/2018 - 12:17
                +4

                @snook: Some cats do and some dogs do. Same same.

                But no cat barks, chews, slobbers, stinks, digs or needs to be walked…

                • airzone on 02/12/2018 - 14:43

                  @Scrooge McDuck: You're doing well if you can get a cat to go on a walk with you..

                  • marcozmitch on 02/12/2018 - 17:50

                    @airzone: Yes it does require a lot of training and local dogs on the loose will quickly ruin this pleasure.
                    I find it easier to carry my cat up the street a bit and walk him home on a harness.
                    He is a strict inside cat, but knows the way home and is motivated to walk back.
                    He is an escape artist otherwise and loves wandering the gully where brown snakes reside.
                    Snakes are more commonly finding their way into suburbian areas.

            • Baghern on 03/12/2018 - 13:36

              @Scrooge McDuck: Cats are worse they leave a smell/dandur that is difficult to get rid of.

              The owner doesnt smell it, they get use to it. Friends like myself visiting definitely smell it, incense does not work.

            • aan10 on 04/12/2018 - 03:18

              @Scrooge McDuck: cats…… my neighbours cat like to wonder around my property and poo in my lawn and deck. caught them 3 times and cage them…. i need to call the council to pick them up… their shit are worse than dog and can cause toxo….

              adopt a fish is better…

    • minklet on 02/12/2018 - 14:25
      +1

      The majority? Sorry but you're gonna have to show your sources for that as that sounds utterly ridiculous. I've never met a dog owner that lets them do that, ever.

    • tonsta on 03/12/2018 - 00:22

      As an apartment owner we always have to look at the worst possible out come regardless if you think your dog could be canonised by the Pope to st.K9.

      Who will clean up the dogs mess if you refuse to? Strata.
      Who will pay for the damage to gardens if the dog digs? Strata.
      Who will be liable if the dog bites visitors? You will, and if you cannot pay they will probably sue strata for allowing animals on the property.

      Who has to pay for the strata fees…. the owners do.

      That's the reality of the situation for most strata plans.
      Owners don't want the extra hassle of allowing animals onto an income producing asset.

  • altomic on 01/12/2018 - 15:46
    +64

    Because dogs piss and shit. If I owned an apartment (and rented it out) then why would I allow a tenant to ruin the carpet/flooring?

      • EightImmortals on 01/12/2018 - 16:20
        +11

        Wow, I can't wait until your kids get to school.

        • John Kimble on 01/12/2018 - 17:00
          +13

          I bet OP doesn't have kids.

        • idonotknowwhy on 02/12/2018 - 08:14
          +2

          I saw a mother in the CBD make her daughter pull down her pants, squat down and piss on the footpath on Swanston Street a few years ago.

          Everyone around was shocked!

          This is the exception of course, but these comments just reminded me about it lol.

      • qwerty on 01/12/2018 - 18:23
        +3

        Do your dogs wear diapers ?

      • smartazz104 on 01/12/2018 - 18:53

        Does your dog wear a nappy?

      • No ONE on 02/12/2018 - 10:03

        Does your dog walk on two legs and wear nappies?

        • Thenarrator on 02/12/2018 - 12:10

          Does your dog suckle, walk on 2 legs and wear nappies?

          • No ONE on 02/12/2018 - 13:12
            +1

            @Thenarrator: I am not sure why you replied to my comment. By I don't own a dog neither any babies.

        • Yummy on 02/12/2018 - 18:26

          Does your dog say ABCDE, 12345 & count the number with its paws?

      • mccarthyp64 on 02/12/2018 - 15:01

        /r/childfree

      • tonsta on 03/12/2018 - 00:24

        The ones that allow there kids to piss and shit on a landlords carpet will probably find themselves homeless or looking for a new address very quickly.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 02/12/2018 - 01:28
      +3

      Because dogs piss and shit.

      And some bark, especially when their owner isn't home to hear it, but the neighbours are.

        • idonotknowwhy on 02/12/2018 - 15:20
          +21

          You're giving off the impression that you're one of those people who hates children, and believes non-human animals (specifically dogs in your case) are more important than humans.

  • trustnoone on 01/12/2018 - 16:28
    +20

    Landlords want the most money with the least fuss, theres very few times have I ever rented a place where a landlord or agent actually cared about the tenants (some do, but they're super rare and super awesome). Usually a pet means a bigger potential chance of the room being damaged and a chance of complaints for noise. You can argue that, that won't be your pet and that its not true, or kids are louder etc but it doesn't matter what you think or whats right or wrong, the only thing that comes into it is what the landlord or agent thinks.

    Most of them won't care for your need for your pets and thus most will outright not allow you to have one. Its a shame for a lot of people but an unfortunate way that the housing market and culture is.

  • Gronk on 01/12/2018 - 16:46
    +12

    Because the chances of ending up with a tenant who isn't a particularly responsible pet owner are greater than not, so why take the risk when rental properties are in such high demand?

    I've inspected plenty of properties where you could tell that the previous tenant had dogs as soon as you step through the door and I'm guessing it's not an easy smell to get rid of.

    • snook on 02/12/2018 - 11:30

      the smell of a dog is like cigarette smoke in carpet. You can't get it out unless you change the carpet.

  • VegemiteKid on 01/12/2018 - 16:52
    +4

    Given it’s an apartment Owners Corporation rules may prohibit pets also. If a tenant doesn’t agree to deductions from a bond at the end of a tenancy VCAT rulings on this are a landlords nightmare and full replacement costs are rarely awarded - hence why they don’t want the risk

  • whooah1979 on 01/12/2018 - 17:19
    -1

    why most property owners / agents refuse to accommodate for our 4-legged friends?

    Because they're dirty animals and may damage other peoples property. Landlords may under some circumstances include a no pets clause in rental application.
    https://files.tenants.org.au/factsheets/Tenants-guide-pets.p…

  • pantsparty on 01/12/2018 - 17:25
    +7

    I am a responsible pet owner living in an apartment I rent. Our dog makes zero mess. Unfortunately many people in this world are dirty grubs - I don’t know if I would want to rent out a property to a pet owner. I have looked at a few rental properties recently with a family member and many had stained carpets and were very dirty.

      • pantsparty on 01/12/2018 - 21:08
        +9

        Most definitely. I want a dog but don’t want somebody to mess up the apartment I saved for years and years to buy.

          • aspirepranesh on 02/12/2018 - 09:00
            +4

            @freshofftheplane: Having said that he has/is a responsible pet owner, I think he is well within his rights to have a fear of getting his apartment damaged by people who are grubs! Unfortunately, we don't live in a world where everyone is reasonable and take responsibility for their actions!

            I am curious to see why you find his statement sad and baffling!

            • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 10:31
              -6

              @aspirepranesh: Because he's not the only responsible pet owner in this world, but he automatically puts people in similar situation like himself in the "grubs" criteria
              In my eyes, That makes him a big hypocrite

              • aspirepranesh on 02/12/2018 - 10:51
                +1

                @freshofftheplane: He said Many, not all! Then again, maybe you should ask him whether he would rent out his property to someone who is reasonable like him… And i have a feel that his answer would be yes.

                If I found you to be reasonable if I am to be your landlord, I would say yes. I suggest you read my comment below.

                • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 10:53
                  -1

                  @aspirepranesh: He said

                  I don’t know if I would want to rent out a property to a pet owner

                  Do you really think he (or his agent) are going to spend any time verifying if a potential tenant is "reasonable"?

                  • Hardwood198 on 02/12/2018 - 10:58
                    +5

                    @freshofftheplane: No. Its easier to eliminate potential renters this way. Why take a pet renter when others are willing to rent without a pet?

                    Think from a landlord's perspective.

                    • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 11:01

                      @Hardwood198: I am a landlord outside of Australia, and I still choose to apply common sense and instincts rather than choosing to discriminate

                      • whooah1979 on 02/12/2018 - 11:20
                        +1

                        @freshofftheplane: Having a No Pets clause in rental agreements isn't discrimination. Some states in Australia allows for this type of clause. Landlords may make an application with the VCAT to enforce this clause.
                        https://www.tuv.org.au/advice/pets-and-your-tenancy/

                      • aan10 on 04/12/2018 - 00:58
                        +1

                        @freshofftheplane: Be a landlord yourself in australia, and see if you like the headache with the inresponsible tenant with dog.

                        You dont like the rules, dont rent. simple as that just buy your own apartment/house

                  • aspirepranesh on 02/12/2018 - 11:11

                    @freshofftheplane: Im not a landlord. But if I were to be one, I would try to meet with my potential tenants. I have made an effort to meet all my previous landlord's to ensure we have a smooth relationship during the course of my tenancy. It's worked for me everytime I needed somethingthat needs fixed and I've never lost any bond in the past.

                    • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 11:14

                      @aspirepranesh: I see you're in Brisbane?
                      It might be completely different to how it is here in Melbourne, where landlords hide behind a wall of real estate agents and property managers
                      We've never met the owner of our apartment, we don't even know her name

                      • aspirepranesh on 02/12/2018 - 11:15

                        @freshofftheplane: Again, if you read my extra long comment below, I lived in Melbourne for over ten yrs and just moved to Brisbane. Trust me, I had my fair share of troubles convincing my landlord last yr when we moved here.

          • HighAndDry on 02/12/2018 - 13:14
            +1

            @freshofftheplane: They have a property. You're still renting. You should probably hold onto that luck for yourself.

            • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 13:15
              -5

              @HighAndDry: You mean they have a huge debt, right? The bank has the property.

              • HighAndDry on 02/12/2018 - 13:17
                +5

                @freshofftheplane: Maybe, but the bank won't tell them they can't have pets in the property.

              • p1 ama on 02/12/2018 - 14:43
                +6

                @freshofftheplane:

                You mean they have a huge debt, right? The bank has the property.

                What? That's a fundamental misunderstanding of how debt works. The property is security to a loan, meaning that the owner owns the property unless they default on their loan, then the bank will have the right to take over the property to recover their amount owing. The bank in no way owns the property.

                • HighAndDry on 02/12/2018 - 17:07
                  +5

                  @p1 ama:

                  That's a fundamental misunderstanding

                  OP has many.

                  • p1 ama on 02/12/2018 - 17:24
                    +2

                    @HighAndDry:

                    OP has many.

                    I feel like some people are just dense on purpose.

      • airzone on 02/12/2018 - 14:46
        +2

        Buy your own house, and you can keep as many pets as you want.

    • Mokr on 03/12/2018 - 20:30

      Our dog makes zero mess.

      Now it does, but when you want to buy a new puppy it will create mess.

      And your dog will create a mess, its a dog it can't always just go to the toilet.

      Dogs naturally create mess and dirt and sadly we are kinda particular about how we like to live.

      • pantsparty on 04/12/2018 - 09:15

        Wow I had no idea people were still replying to my comment here - such a controversial topic!

        In response to your point, unless I was renting a property which was all tiles/wooden floor boards I don't think I would get a young puppy who wasn't toilet and housed trained, the stress of ruining the carpet would be too much for me!

        My dog is very clean, she is getting on in age so doesn't do much playing in the mud outside, she likes to walk on the footpath and do lots of sniffing. She has a little pet toilet on the balcony which she knows how to use so she has access to the bathroom whenever she wants (although she has a preference to hold it in and wait until she hits some grass/garden space outside - the little cutie!). She does bring in some grass on her paws after we go for a walk but to be honest I have bigger feet than her so I think I bring more of that.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/12/2018 - 17:36
    +8

    Smell. Fleas.

    • Euphemistic on 01/12/2018 - 22:14
      +7

      Hairs.

      • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 11:07
        -1

        Well kept dogs will never have fleas or ticks. My dog doesn't shed
        Humans shed a lot of hair, have you heard of a vacuum cleaner? I'm sure there are bargains for it

        • snook on 02/12/2018 - 11:31
          +2

          You can get a flea from a park, take that flea home and have hundreds more before you even notice.

          It's got nothing to do with 'well kept'.

          • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 11:35
            +1

            @snook: Have you heard of Anti-flea treatment for dogs? it has never failed me

            • snook on 02/12/2018 - 11:45

              @freshofftheplane: I have 4 dogs and it has failed me. I only use the squirt on stuff. I refuse to give them stuff like Nexgard because it might kill them (the dogs).

              At the moment, I haven't had any fleas for a nearly a year, using nothing, and that's the way i prefer it. I don't let other people bring their dogs to my house and i don't take my dogs to houses where there are other dogs.

              I also have one dog with a flea allergy. He gets one flea that bites him and he will rip his hair out he gets that itchy. That's yet another issue in itself.

              I won't let to people with pets.

              • freshofftheplane on 02/12/2018 - 11:47
                -8

                @snook: hypocrite club ++

                • snook on 02/12/2018 - 11:53
                  +2

                  @freshofftheplane: There's no point commenting about who's a hypocrite or not until you've walked in my shoes. Until then, you've got nothing to say.

                  Dogs have a higher body temperature than people so they naturally attract the fleas. In centuries past, small dogs were kept by the gentry to keep the fleas and lice out of their clothes. Once you remove a dog from a house, if that dog ever had fleas, the house will become infested. I know, i've been there … and it's never happening again.

                • uiriamu on 03/12/2018 - 11:25
                  +2

                  @freshofftheplane: Overemotional club +++

                  Everyones wasting their time argueing with you since you are clearly narrow minded.

                  Anyway ill grab more popcorn :D

              • [Deactivated] on 02/12/2018 - 19:13

                @snook: Nexgard will not kill your dogs you muppet. Do you also think that vaccinations give your kids downsyndrome?

        • snook on 02/12/2018 - 12:00

          My dog doesn't shed
          Humans shed a lot of hair, have you heard of a vacuum cleaner? I'm sure there are bargains for it

          My dogs don't shed and my vacuum STINKS of dog. Dogs that don't shed (don't have an undercoat) still shed hair like humans shed hair.

    • sd4f on 13/12/2018 - 15:16
      +1

      Yea, every place I visit where the dog is allowed inside, it invariably has a smell. Not really bad, but a dog smell. The people living there get used to it, but not for me.

  • mskeggs on 01/12/2018 - 17:38
    +23

    You seem to think families with children are not discriminated against. While maybe not as common as pets, I can assure you many landlords don’t like kids either.

    • freshofftheplane on 01/12/2018 - 19:26
      -5

      I'm seriously saddened to hear that. people in this business and the ones fuelling it should be ashamed of themselves for that fact

      I think most people (investors) fail to recognise the fact that even though real estate has become one of the more common instruments for making money, at it's core it's actually very different from, say, investing in stocks of bonds.
      It involves a very basic prerogative for people to live somewhere. it affects their families and their lives in a way that is much more important than some speculative investment.

      • Ghosteye on 01/12/2018 - 19:33
        +9

        should you feel ashamed for looking for the easiest way to earn money?

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