Poll: Are dog owners better tenants?

Landlords, do you think that dog owners are better tenants?

RE/MAX WA managing director Geoff Baldwin believes that opting for tenants with dogs and pets may actually be a better option.

“The general feeling is that a dog may in some way damage the property however as an experienced manager of large rent rolls I have found this to be far from the truth and in many ways quite the opposite applies,” said Baldwin.

“Considering, or even welcoming applications from dog owners has two major advantages for the landlord in that these tenants will usually pay a premium rent and they are much less likely to move because it’s harder for them to find another pet friendly property owner,” he said.

He says that while it “may sound brutal” often more damage can be done by young children than by a dog, yet no one considers banning families with children from applying.

“Of course it is important to take into account the size of the dog, whether or not it is a breed that sheds fur, its age, whether it’s an inside or outside dog and any other information that can be gleaned before making a final decision,” he said.

He also suggests seeking feedback from previous landlords. In Western Australia, the property owner does have the ability to legally ask for an additional ‘pet bond’ – a luxury not necessarily available in the other states and territories.

“In a more competitive rental market as is predicted for 2015, owners should be looking at ways to make their property more attractive and actually inviting tenants with dogs to apply is a huge point of difference,” he said.

{mijopolls 72}