Millions of us are renters and millions of us are pet owners. But sometimes it’s not easy to be both. 

And while recently passed reforms to Victoria’s state tenancy laws will soon give all Victorian renters the right to live with a pet, not all pet-owning renters are quite so lucky. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find out what the laws in your state have to say about this issue.)

Here’s how to find a pet-friendly apartment and win over your prospective landlord.

1. Talk to your landlord

It’s an obvious thing to do, but many renters don’t do it – especially when a property listing says “no pets allowed”.

However, previous realestate.com.au surveys revealed that tenants who broached the topic of pets with their landlords were much more likely to get a favourable outcome.

So, don’t be discouraged: Ask the question, but remember to respect the answer.

Trend: Pet-friendly rentals are in high demand

2. Offer more rent

Pet-phobic landlords and property managers are also more likely to relent on their restrictions when tenants offer to pay more rent.

So, if you have a few spare dollars and are willing to pay above the listed rent to guarantee a home for your pets, then make that clear to your property manager. It could be the difference between a yes and a no.

3. Prepare pet references

It’s not unreasonable for a landlord to seek assurances that every inhabitant of their property will treat it with due care.

And while we can’t have pets sign on the dotted line, we can provide details and context about our pets, so that a property manager feels confident about letting them move in.

Create a pet reference that includes the pet’s age, temperament and vaccinations history, and attach a recent photograph, to pull at their heartstrings.

You may also want to include character references from a previous property manager, vet or anyone who can credibly speak to your pet’s behaviour.

Good news: Landlords say yes to pets

4. Keep thorough records

Retain vaccination certificates, vet receipts and other pet paperwork, so that you can easily produce them if required.

It’s also worth regularly sharing these with your property manager, to give them peace of mind about your pet’s health and status.

Making the effort will remind them you are a caring renter and pet owner.

5. Pets-eye view

Think of your furry friend.

Would you want to live in a one-bedroom apartment with no backyard if you were a dog?

Your property search should be suitable for you and your pet. Keeping it within certain parameters will also increase the likelihood that your application will be accepted.

6. Have a trial period

If your landlord or property manager is not fully convinced, ask if they would be willing to lease the property to you on a trial basis.

They can see how your pet is doing in the property, and you can make adjustments to the lease as required.

7. Choose carefully

If you are already in a rental property and thinking about getting a pet, be aware of the space around you.

In smaller spaces, a goldfish is a better idea than a golden retriever.

8. Get agreements in writing

If you agree to pay a little more to have your pet, or are trialling it out for a short period, get these agreed terms in writing.

If there is any confusion or disputes down the track, everyone can defer to those documents.

You can also draw up a separate pet agreement outlining all terms and your responsibilities.

9. Commit to clean

Offer to remove all trace of your pet’s presence when you leave.

While you are already obligated to clean a property when you depart, providing further commitments to deep clean carpets, treat for fleas and deodorise might be enough to get your pet over the threshold.

Finally, remember that it’s not always the landlord’s decision. Strata and communal laws may prohibit or restrict animals in a property, even if the landlord gives their blessings.

Laws for renting with pets in Australia

• ACT: the State government passed new laws in February to allow renters to keep pets without their landlord’s consent. Under these new laws, landlords will have to seek permission from ACAT to refuse a request for a pet.
• NSW: there’s nothing in the state’s Residential Tenancies Act that says you can’t have a pet, but landlords can insert their own pet-preventing clauses into leasing agreements, and NSW Fair Trading recommends seeking permission from your landlord before letting your furry friends move in.
• NT: there is no specific legislation relating to pets and tenancies, and it is up to the landlord as to whether they’ll allow you to keep one. They may have a ‘no pet clause’ in the lease agreement – in which case you’ll either need to negotiate with them or appeal to NTCAT for the clause to be removed – but pet bonds are illegal. 
• QLD: the state government is expected this year to introduce reforms to its tenancy act that would allow all renters to keep a pet. However, under the current legislation, renters must seek written approval from their landlords to keep a pet in their property, with the state’s Residential Tenancies Authority estimating that only 10% of landlords allow tenants to live with pets.
• SA: renters in South Australia must seek permission from their landlords to keep a pet, with many only granting approval on the basis that renters agree to certain conditions.
• TAS: like their South Australian counterparts, Tasmanian renters can only live with a pet if the landlord has granted them permission, or if it is allowed in the lease. Landlords often require pet owners to pay for fumigation at the end of the lease, too.
• VIC: as mentioned earlier, recently passed tenancy laws in Victoria will soon make it much easier for renters to live with their pets. Landlords will still need to give their permission, but the new laws will make it very difficult for them to refuse.
• WA: renters in Western Australia can only keep pets if their landlord consents and the pet is mentioned in the lease. Landlords can also charge a pet bond of up to $260, to cover the cost of cleaning and fumigating when you move out.

Don’t forget to use the pet-friendly search filter when hunting for properties on realestate.com.au/rent

This article was originally published on
9 Aug 2019 at 9:00am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

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When you’re ready to put your home on the market, most people want to get the highest possible price. The truth is that the price you’re able to get for your home comes down to one simple thing:  the balance of supply and demand.  Understanding this simple fact will help you drive your sale price higher than you’d expect. If your home has features that are in relatively short supply and high demand in your market, your home can sell over the asking price.  

Selling your home for a healthy premium over the asking price can be a realistic goal. It’s essential to highlight the right features and make sure home buyers know about them.

Here’s a look at the top five home features that can help you not just meet your asking price, but exceed it.

1. Location: The Unbeatable Feature

It’s the oldest adage in real estate: “Location, location, location.” A great location is the one feature that truly sells itself.

Homes in desirable neighborhoods or with access to top-rated schools are purchased at a premium. In addition, homes within a short distance of shopping, cafes, restaurants, and essential services are much more likely to attract higher offers. Proximity to major employers and recreational amenities such as parks, beaches, and golf courses can drive your home sale price, especially when supply is tight. A prime location adds to your home’s value and appeal, making it a hot commodity when it hits the market.

Of course, you can never change the location of your home once you’ve bought it, which is why it really is the #1 most important “feature” of your home. However, realize that buyers may not be committed to only buying a home in your particular location – which can be both good and bad. When marketing your home, make sure that you “sell the sizzle” which is the lifestyle that living in your neighborhood affords. Remember to really highlight the community in all of the marketing for your home.

2. Updated Kitchen: The Heart of the Home

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it’s also where you can expect a significant return on investment. Buyers in today’s market are looking for modern conveniences and stylish finishes. An updated kitchen with the latest appliances, spacious countertops, and high-quality materials speaks volumes about the care put into the home. This is especially true in areas where culinary culture is valued, and indoor-outdoor living is part of the daily routine.

When we bought our home years ago, the large kitchen with high ceilings, stone counters, and ample cabinetry really caught our attention from the moment we opened the door. Even today, many years later, we spend more time together as a family in our kitchen than in any other room in the house. Many buyers relate to this. Therefore, having a beautiful kitchen is critical to driving demand and selling your home over the asking price.

3. Updated Bathrooms: Your Personal Spa Retreat

Bathrooms are another major selling point. They should not only be functional but also offer a retreat-like experience. Think about the appeal of a trip to the day spa. That’s the level of relaxation prospective buyers seek and the elements that can make your home sell over the asking price.

Updated bathrooms with modern fixtures, flattering lighting, frameless glass shower enclosures, and clean lines can make your home stand out. Features like double vanities, walk-in showers, designer tile, natural stone, and freestanding tubs are especially coveted and can make a difference in a buyer’s decision. Look for simple ways to make your bathroom look expensive without breaking the bank.

4. Large Primary Bedroom Suite: A Luxurious Escape

A large primary bedroom suite can serve as a personal sanctuary within the home. Buyers look for a spacious bedroom combined with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and ample closet space.

This private haven is particularly appealing to buyers who view their home as not just a place to live, but a place to relax, unwind, and recharge. A well-designed primary suite can tip the scales in favor of a higher bid.

I remember very clearly when we bought our home, I went into the primary suite before my wife did, and I rapidly retreated and closed the door.  “You can’t come in here!” I said.  “Why, what’s wrong?” my wife asked.  And I replied, “Because if you come in here, we’ll have to buy this home.” She pushed past me, opened the door, and the house was sold, right then and there.  “You’re right, we have to buy this home!” 

Luxurious and ample primary bedroom suites really do sell homes. Highlight the features that make your bedroom feel larger, brighter, and more inviting, even if the bedroom is on the smaller side. If you can make the bedroom feel like a luxurious escape, you stand a much better shot at getting your home sold for more than the asking price.

5. Beautiful Outdoor Space for Entertaining

A well-maintained and inviting outdoor space can be just as important as the interior of the home. Decks, patios, or gardens that serve as extensions of the living space are significant selling points. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and comfortable seating areas for entertaining can transform a backyard into an appealing feature that excites buyers and attracts strong offers.

It’s essential to stage your backyard like you stage your interior. Create spaces so that the buyer can envision themselves entertaining or relaxing. Highlight your firepit with comfortable seating and side tables. Let buyers picture making s’mores and glamping away to their hearts delight around that big ol’ firepit.

Consider creating zones in your outdoor space with rugs, potted plants, or specialized lighting. If the weather allows, arrange place settings on the outdoor table so that home buyers want to pull up a chair forever in that spot. These small touches can heighten the interest in your home, causing your home to sell for over the asking price.

Conclusion

To achieve a home sale over asking price, focus on enhancing and presenting these features in the best possible light that make your property really in demand versus the competition. Remember that first impressions count, and details matter. 

And, as always, don’t make the classic mistake of overpricing your home, even if you think it’s highly desirable.  Let the market decide just how desirable it is. A well-priced home with sought-after amenities will surely sell quickly and with a very high price.

Finding reliable tenants has always been a very important job for property managers. 1form makes it easier than ever for everyone involved in the application process.

Allowing renters to apply for multiple properties with just one form, the online application is the preferred system of choice for real estate agents trying to find the most suitable tenants for their properties.

REA Group Executive Manager for Rent Kul Singh says it’s difficult to overstate the importance of any feature that makes it easier for property managers and landlords to find the right tenant for their homes

“Investment properties can be one of the most expensive assets a landlord has, and finding a great tenant provides them with confidence that their asset is being looked after,” he says.

“Our survey² found that the most important factor for landlords and property managers is finding the best tenant (83%) – it’s even more important than higher rental yield and leasing out the property faster.”

Anything that makes the process of finding a quality tenant easier is widely appreciated by the rental market. Picture: Getty

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The pet section

The pet section in 1form asks tenants to supply their pet’s name, its breed and council registration number. And it also asks renters to write a bio and include a picture. As new tenancy laws are put in place across the country to make it easier to secure a rental with a pet, this comes at a key time.

Joanne Pearson from McGrath Real Estate St Kilda says she enjoys receiving applications with pet information, as transparency between the tenant and the agent is key to a healthy ongoing relationship.

“We’re a very pro-pet company, and, in the past, we’ve asked tenants to create a pet application to get them over the line. We love getting applications with beautiful pet photos and thought-out bios, so having this addition to 1form suits us,” she says.

REA data suggests its important for property managers, too, with 48% saying that they always research the breed of tenant’s pet³. By giving tenants the option of adding a complete overview of their pet, 1form’s feature has the potential to dramatically reduce the time property managers spend on research.

Profile pictures of both the potential tenants and pets help the agent connect. Picture: Tim Hunter.

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Getting to know you

1form also includes a bio and picture section for the human applicant, which makes the application more personal.

“It’s great because you get a sense of who they are with this extra information – it’s not just a form,” says Pearson. “It helps to make a connection to that person.”

Make sure when you’re searching for your next rental that you sign into your MYREA account. By having an account, you can save the rentals you want to apply for later, keep up-to-date on new rentals in the market within your preferred neighbourhoods, and contact listing agents to find out more about the property.

^{1 Adobe Omniture, Oct – Dec 2017. 2 Residential Consumer Omnibus, Sept 2017. 3 REA National Property Management survey, Mar 2018.}

This article was originally published on
7 Jan 2020 at 9:00am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.