If you’re a pet owner looking for a house to rent in Melbourne, you may understand how challenging it can be to find a pet-friendly home. You want to ensure that your furry friend is comfortable in their new abode, but you also need to consider the feasibility of living in the house yourself.
Finding a pet-friendly rental property in Melbourne can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Melbourne is known for its booming property market, which is why it’s essential to understand how to navigate the rental market as a pet owner. Thankfully, there are several tips and tricks to help you find a comfortable and secure home for both you and your pet in Melbourne.
1. Start Your Search Early
Finding a Pet-Friendly Rental
When you’re searching for pet-friendly houses for rent in Melbourne, starting your search early can give you a significant advantage. The earlier you start looking, the more time you’ll have to weed out any properties that aren’t suitable for you and your pet. You can begin your search by using real estate websites or working with a real estate agent who can help you find the right home for you and your furry friend.
2. Know Your Budget
Managing Your Finances
Knowing your budget is a critical part of finding a pet-friendly house for rent in Melbourne. You don’t want to waste time looking at properties you can’t afford, so it’s important to know exactly what you can afford before you start your search. Setting a budget also helps you narrow down your search to properties that fit within your financial constraints.
3. Be Open-Minded About Location
Expanding Your Search
Pet-friendly rental properties in Melbourne can be limited depending on the location, which is why it’s crucial to be open-minded about location. Expanding your search area can increase your chances of finding a suitable property for you and your pet. Some suburbs may be more accommodating for pet owners, so it’s worth considering locations that you may not have initially thought of.
4. Check the Property’s Pet Policy
Reviewing the Rules of the House
Before signing a lease agreement, it’s essential to check the property’s pet policy to ensure that you’re fully aware of the rules of the house. Some landlords may have restrictions on the number or size of pets allowed, while others may have specific requirements for owning a pet in their property. Reviewing the pet policy before signing the lease will help you understand what is expected of you and your pet in the property.
5. Prepare for Property Inspections
Getting Ready for the Inspection
When you find a pet-friendly house for rent in Melbourne, you may need to prepare your pet for the property inspection. Landlords or real estate agents may want to meet your pet before agreeing to rent out the property to you. Preparing your pet for the inspection may include grooming and training to ensure they are on their best behavior.
6. Consider Your Pet’s Comfort
Ensuring Your Pet is Comfortable
When you’re searching for a pet-friendly house for rent in Melbourne, it’s essential to consider your pet’s comfort. You want to ensure that your pet will be safe, secure, and comfortable in their new home. You can do this by checking to ensure that the property has adequate space for your pet to move around freely, and that the environment is pet-friendly.
7. Negotiate Lease Terms
Getting What You Want
If you find the perfect pet-friendly house for rent in Melbourne, but it’s not quite what you want, you can negotiate the lease terms. You can negotiate with the landlord or real estate agent to add specific clauses to the lease that will benefit you and your pet. For instance, you can ask for modifications to the property, such as installing a secure fence for your pet.
8. Understand the Costs
Budgeting for Your Pet
When you’re renting a pet-friendly house in Melbourne, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Aside from the rental cost, you may need to pay an additional bond for your pet. You may also need to budget for pet-related expenses, such as pet food, grooming, and vet costs.
9. Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Being a Good Tenant
As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to follow the rules of the property and be a good tenant. You want to ensure that you maintain the property and leave it in the same condition that you found it in. You should also ensure that your pet doesn’t cause any damage to the property, and you should clean up after them whenever necessary.
10. Learn About the Area
Settling into Your New Neighbourhood
Finally, it’s worth learning about the area where you’ll be renting a pet-friendly house in Melbourne. Researching the neighborhood can help you determine whether it’s safe, convenient, and pet-friendly. You can also find out about any pet-friendly establishments in the area, such as pet shops or pet-friendly cafes.
Conclusion
Finding a pet-friendly house for rent in Melbourne can feel daunting, but with the tips above, you can make the process easier. By starting your search early, knowing your budget, and being open-minded about location, you increase your chances of finding the perfect home for you and your pet. Remember to check the pet policy, prepare your pet for inspections, and negotiate lease terms that benefit you and your furry friend. With these tips and tricks, you can find a comfortable and secure home in Melbourne that both you and your pet will love.
For more information on buying a house in Melbourne, check out our Guide to Buying a House in Melbourne.
FAQs
What is considered a pet-friendly house?
A pet-friendly house is one that allows pets to live with you. This means that the house has pet-friendly policies, such as allowing certain breeds, sizes, and numbers of pets. Some pet-friendly houses may also have features that are designed to make pets more comfortable, such as a fenced yard or a designated pet area.
What is a pet bond?
A pet bond is an additional payment that some landlords require when you have a pet. The pet bond is usually a set amount in addition to the rental bond, and it’s used to cover any pet-related damages that may occur during your tenancy.
Can a landlord refuse a pet?
Yes, a landlord can refuse a pet. However, they cannot discriminate against pet owners or refuse pets without a valid reason. If you’re having difficulty finding pet-friendly housing, you may want to consider working with a real estate agent who specializes in finding pet-friendly properties.
Can I train my pet to be more suitable for a rental property?
Yes, you can train your pet to be more suitable for a rental property. Basic obedience training can help ensure that your pet behaves appropriately in a rental property. You may also want to consider crate training your pet to prevent them from damaging the property when you’re not home.
Is it harder to find a rental property with a pet?
Yes, it can be harder to find a rental property with a pet. Some landlords may have restrictions on pet ownership, such as limiting the number, size, or breed of pets allowed. However, with patience and persistence, it’s possible to find a pet-friendly rental property that suits your needs.
