RSPCA calls on landlords to accept pets

For pet owners they’re an important part of the family, but some landlords still see them as a deal breaker when choosing a tenant.

According to RSPCA ACT chief executive Tammy Ven Dange it happens all too often – a pet is surrendered because their owner is moving house.

“They’re absolutely in tears, but they can’t find a suitable solution,” Ms Ven Dange said.

She said most of these pets were loved, looked after and attached to their owner.

In 2016, 82 animals were surrendered to RSPCA’s Weston Creek shelter because their owners were moving home. This equated to about 10 per cent of all surrendered pets.

More than half of these animals were cats. 

The belief that pets can destroy a house is “based on a lot of old wives’ tales”, Ms Ven Dange said.

She said most property managers have experienced a child causing significant damage to a home, but few have a similar anecdote about a pet.

Jessica Hawkes said she was fortunate as her landlord had no hesitations in accepting her cat, Senior.

“You’d like to think the agents are on top of their inspections and tougher on anyone who has pets who cause damage,” Ms Hawkes said.

“If a landlord had trust in their real estate agent I think pets wouldn’t be a problem.”

Ms Ven Dange said there were a number of other reasons why landlords should open their homes to pets.

“Responsible pet owners will be there longer, will most likely pay more and are adding to the community by bringing pets into that neighbourhood,” Ms Ven Dange said.

Real Estate Institute spokesman Craig Bright said the Unit Titles Act has softened in recent years, allowing pets in more apartments.

According to the 2011 act a unit owner must have the owners corporation’s consent to keep a pet. However, “consent must not be unreasonably withheld”.

Mr Bright said the legislation has improved the situation for pet owners as units make up a large segment of the rental market.

“A lot of owners are quite reasonable,” Mr Bright said.

“A number are pet owners themselves and they’re not averse to people having pets, but it often comes down to the type of pet.”

If landlords are willing to accept a pet, Mr Bright suggests including “pets considered” in an ad as it opens up a sector of the market.

Ms Ven Denge said pet owners have to follow a number of rules as part of the Domestic Animal Act, such as desexing, registering and microchipping.

She said if someone has followed all these rules it’s a good sign they’ll be a responsible tenant, as well as a pet owner.

“If they have those things done and can prove it, you’ve got a tenant who will be there longer and also be responsible,” Ms Ven Dange said.

“If you don’t consider pets, you’re losing a third to half of potential renters.”