Pets in Rental Properties

One of the many benefits of being a home owner is that, provided all government regulations are observed, the owner/occupier can do pretty much what they please on their own property. This includes keeping pets and the most typical pets kept in a suburban environment are dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and poultry. Larger blocks of land allow the keeping of larger animals such as horses or cattle. The relationship between pet lovers and their charges is an important part of the human experience, and for many people they provide companionship, security, love and an opportunity to care for another living creature.

For people who are in rental accommodation, it is a lot more difficult to have a pet, firstly because of the number of landlords who don’t allow pets on their property, and secondly because tenancy laws differ between states. For example, information regarding pets in rental properties that might be given by a property management Adelaideagency could differ if the property was at the Gold Coast.

As a generalisation, the most important document for both landlord and tenant in the rental relationship is the tenancy agreement. This agreement, once signed by both parties, is a legally binding record of the arrangements agreed between both parties at the beginning of the tenancy. It can only be changed with the agreement of both parties. This is the place to write down any agreement between tenant and landlord regarding the keeping of pets.

Tenants who decide to get a pet after they have been occupying the premises for a while should save themselves some trouble and grief, and ask permission from the landlord before they take ownership of the pet. It is not only heartbreaking but irresponsible to bring a helpless animal into a home, then have to dispose of it because it is not allowed on the premises, especially when that rule was already established prior to occupancy.

The other consideration for a tenant is to make sure the property is suitable for the pet they want to keep. Assuming that the landlord has given permission, the property needs to be large enough for a pet to get exercise, and if the pet is to be kept outside only, that there is shelter from the weather, and secure fencing and gates to keep the pet in the yard. Tenants can approach any real estate Adelaideagency that also does property management, to get advice about the keeping of pets.

Responsible pet owners make sure that their need to include animals in their lives at close quarters, does not infringe on the rights and enjoyment of their neighbours. Tenants must always be aware that the property they occupy is not their own, and while they are entitled to privacy, they must also abide by the terms of their tenancy agreement.