Push To Let Tenants Keep Pets On Rental Properties

'Landlords have all of the power'


Article heading image for Push To Let Tenants Keep Pets On Rental Properties

There are calls to increase the rights of tenants when it comes to owning a pet, with legislation proposed to shift some power away from landlords.

The Victorian government is currently looking at introducing legislation that would give tenants the right to own a pet, with landlords only able to refuse in specific circumstances.

“No one should have to choose between the pet they love and a place to live – our reforms will end this discrimination,” Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said.

“Victoria is a great state for people to live…we want it to be a great state for pets too.”

Dr Chris Brown told the Triple M Newsroom that he believes tenants shouldn't be punished for having a pet.

"It's a really sad thing that of all the qualities and attributes that causes them to miss out, it's the fact that they love something unconditionally and that little thing loves them unconditionally back," Dr Chris said.

"It should be a trait we reward, rather than punish.

"It's incredibly difficult to find pet-friendly accommodation at the moment. The rental market is tough enough- and when you add that extra dimension of them being pet-friendly, there aren't too many of them around.

"At the moment, landlords have all of the power."

While there is a push for changes regarding pets at rental properties, there are currently few options in place nationwide for tenants who want to have a pet at their house.

An obvious concern for landlords is damage to the property, however research by realestate.com.au shows that 72 per cent of wear and tear in the home is caused by humans - not pets.

The Triple M Newsroom spoke with Leo Patterson, Senior Policy Officer at the NSW Tenants' Union.

The union wants to see tenants able to choose whether their home is appropriate for a particular animal.

"The animal's welfare should be the primary concern, and tenants who do not make responsible choices should be held accountable - but by animal welfare rules, not by a landlord or agent who are generally no more expert in animal welfare than the tenant," he said.

"We obviously can't and don't recommend people lie about having a pet, but we know Australians have deep connections to their animals. The current system puts people in really tough situations, and that's why it's important that we make the rules about renting with pets fair."

23 May 2018




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