Securing a Rental with a Pet in Melbourne

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  jjjaar on 09/02/2020 - 17:14

  +1

  Unfortunately the laws for having pets in rentals don’t begin until 1 July 2020.

  And they laws don’t automatically allow you a pet, it makes it harder for a landlord to say no.

  Tenants will have the right to keep pets, provided they obtain the landlord’s written consent first which can only be refused by order of VCAT. The onus will be on the landlord to get approval from VCAT to refuse consent to a pet, once they have received the request from the renter.

  https://www.vic.gov.au/rentfair-rental-reforms-victorians

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 09/02/2020 - 17:18

    +1

    Ah I see thanks. I guess in theory could secure lease agreement, and then request in July to bring the doggy in, where it will be harder to say no to than on initial application.

• 

  Wickz on 09/02/2020 - 17:24

  +6

  Ive been renting for over 10 years in melbourne with my dog and initially I noticed that a lot of properties where advertised as no pets, but it’s much better now. What I have found is that most agents will say pets are considered on application, so just make sure you include details of your pet in your application - including things like how old, breed, training etc. Don’t move in a pet without the landlord / realestate knowing as that’s a sure way to not have your lease renewed and receive a bad reference.

  The advice I was given from an agent is that as long as your current agent can provide a reference for your dog, it shouldn’t be a problem And that some landlords prefer pets over children.

  A lot of applications now are done through 1Form which allows you to explain who you are (interests etc) and also has a section about your pet where you can include a photo etc.

  I have a Golden Retriever and have only once been offered a property where they said “you can have the property but you have to get rid of your dog.” I politely told them to get stuffed and cancelled my application.

• 

  spackbace on 09/02/2020 - 17:25

  +8

  Just search for pet-friendly rentals. It's not worth the angst.

  As soon as your lease is up, they won't renew it and you'll be out on your ass. Rent inspections will be a nightmare.

  At the end of the day, you're in someone else's house. Be respectful to their wishes and you can stay for as long as you want. Be a dick and they'll boot you at the soonest chance

• 

  Halo375 on 09/02/2020 - 20:55

  Welcome to Melbourne - you might have to apply for quite a few places before you’re accepted by one so don’t limit your choices to whoever is specifically stating pet friendly. Make sure you let them know you have a pet as it does need the landlords approval.

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  Hardlyworkin on 09/02/2020 - 22:12

  It probably comes down to the area you are looking in and how much demand there is. Melbourne varies greatly. I've seen places in desirable suburbs consistently have more than 30 groups of people at an inspection though a couple of suburbs over and I'm the only one. If I had a pet, I'm guessing I would be less likely of getting a sought after place. I would look at all but be realistic. I'd your application looks great otherwise then Wirth a shot.

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  this is us on 10/02/2020 - 13:22

  They can't refuse but if you still have a field asking about pets on your application, the owner will definitely refuse and give you a different reason, or no reason at all.

  Many people suggest omitting the pet when applying and communicating the owner once you are already living there for a couple of months as the owner cannot refuse a pet once you are already there (VIC July 2020).

  If you select "pet friendly" when searching for a property you will go from 300 to 2 properties… Not reasonable.

  The truth is that you are responsible for damages that you, your children, or your pets do. That's why I think it's pointless to deny pets in properties. If the tenant doesn't care, children can draw on the walls and vomit or pee on the carpet as much as dogs. If you are a good tenant, you will be careful, your children will be educated, you will control your dog, and the owner has nothing to worry about that. Any damages are supposed to be repaired by the tenant anyway. That can be your children vomiting on the carpet, your dog vomiting on the carpet, or your friend dropping a glass of red wine on the carpet.

  I have a dog and always try to look for places in which I can be comfortable and don't have to worry too much about possible damage to the premises… I do have to say that my dog is amazing-toilet trained, clean and quiet-so the only incident that we have had in 4 years was the dog vomiting on the carpet, which I managed to clean using appropriate products (no damage).

  I have always been honest about the existence of my dog but having amazing references from previous agents was crucial to balance the "I have a dog" thing. I am a very responsible dog owner. Unfortunately, many owners and parents are totally irresponsible…

  I do know people that don't mention the pets, and I cannot say that I wouldn't do that if I had difficulties finding a place to rent.

  Bad things can happen, and I will be responsible they do, but I am honestly more concerned about children than pets. It's hypocritical to say that owners cannot refuse pets, or children… If they have 2 applications, they will likely choose the one without children and without pets. If they could, owners would choose without people at all. 😂 Local owners can also be racist and choose an Australian couple rather than a Chinese or Latin one. Chinese owners can choose the Chinese couple instead… That's the reality and we know that.