First National Real Estate 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 euthanized, 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 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.
Issued by: First National Real Estate
For further information contact:
Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager on 1800 032 332
[1]RSPCA Australia National Statistics 2015-16
[1]Pet Information & Advisory Service, Carlisle-Frank P, Frank JM, Neilsen L, 2005, ‘Companion Animal Renters and Pet Friendly Housing in the US’ Anthrozoos, 18 (1), 59-77.
[1]Blue Moon Research & Planning, 2008 ‘Pets in the City – a qualitative and quantitative research report’
Source: *Animal Medicines Australia Pet Ownership in Australia Summary (2016)