Pet Friendly Features to Maximise Your Rental

Pets are loved by many and an important part of family life...

and that's a fact recognised by last year’s rental reforms to allow pets in South Australian rental properties. So how can landlords introduce pet-friendly features to maximise the appeal of their rental properties, while maintaining the good condition of the property?

In July 2024 South Australia’s laws regarding pet ownership in rentals changed, with landlords and agents no longer allowed to state ‘no pets allowed’ when advertising a rental property, unless pets are prohibited in the property's strata or community title, rooming house or residential park rules.

It was a decision welcomed by animal-loving renters who had historically been unable to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership under most rental agreements. This property law reform can also be a pawsitive change for landlords who see an opportunity in making their properties pet-friendly and appealing to renters with pets.

The South Australian laws around pets in rental properties apply responsibilities to both tenants and landlords. Tenants must seek approval to keep a pet in rental premises by completing an application form. Landlords have 14 days upon receipt of a tenant’s application to respond in writing.

Landlords can give unconditional approval, or approval with reasonable conditions attached. A landlord can only refuse a tenant’s application to keep a pet on reasonable grounds, examples of which are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995.

Any conditions of pet ownership and tenant/landlord responsibilities should be detailed in the tenancy agreement. Tenants and landlords can read more about renting with pets here.

Studies have shown that our furry friends can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health and wellbeing, providing companionship, comfort and meaningful life purrpose. Pets can also provide young families with valuable lessons in care and responsibility.

The benefits of introducing pet-friendly features into your rental property include:

• making your property a more appealing option for families who may be long-term reliable tenants;
• reducing vacancy periods by widening the applicant pool;
• helping to minimise the risk of property damage caused by pets.

Responsible pet ownership includes ensuring pets are kept safe and their needs for food, water and shelter are appropriately met. By pet-proofing your rental property, you are enabling pet owners to care for their pets safely and responsibly on your property.

• Provide secure gates and fencing to safely contain pets on the property, taking into account local government laws such as cat curfew hours.
• Install pet doors to facilitate indoor/outdoor pet access.
• Choose pet friendly flooring such as tiles, laminate, vinyl or hybrid floorboards. Avoid carpet which can be harder to clean, trapping odours and pet hair.
• Create designated outdoor areas for pets with fencing, or fence off areas you don’t want pets to access.
• Provide pet-focused landscaping, choosing non-toxic, resilient plants.
• Create a designated outdoor toileting area.
• Provide a sheltered undercover area for pets to seek cover in hot/cold/wet weather.

At Boffo Real Estate we’re all about family life, and family homes include pets. Renting with pets can work well when there is positive communication between landlords and tenants, with clearly established boundaries and responsibilities regarding the furry, feathered or scaly members of the family.

Get in touch with our pawsome and experienced property management team if you have any queries about renting with pets!