Housing Four-Legged Friends – by Felicity Apps

At Ray White Goulburn, we take immense pride in our dedicated team, especially those who go above and beyond for our clients. One such shining star is our Property Management Business Development Manager, Felicity Apps.

Felicity recently shared a heartfelt story that exemplifies her commitment to our tenants and landlords. “Alex was a tenant of mine at my previous agency and followed me across to Ray White in 2021. Unfortunately two months ago, the property Alex was living in was listed for sale. Alex was quite upset and worried about what this meant for her and her pooch. My Associate Jess and I went to visit Alex with a box of chocolates to put her mind at ease, we discussed the sale process and helped schedule open homes for the auction campaign. The property was sold at auction and we promptly found the perfect property for Alex and her beloved dog to move to.”

Pets and Rentals: Trends and Legislation

Felicity has observed a growing trend of tenants applying with pets. Responsible pet owners often include cover letters with photos, microchipping details, and council registration. While current NSW legislation allows landlords to refuse pets without reason, many families seek pet-friendly rentals.

Advice for Tenants with Pets

Felicity advises tenants to be transparent when applying for properties. Including a detailed cover letter about their pet and asking for a pet reference from previous property managers can make a big difference. Honesty is key—always disclose if you have a pet.

Advice for Landlords about Pets

For landlords, Felicity recommends advertising properties as ‘pets on application.’ Each pet owner and their pet should be screened individually. Understanding the stress tenants face when finding new pet-friendly accommodations, Felicity emphasizes the importance of supporting our tenants as much as possible.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or need advice about managing your investment property, especially concerning pet-friendly rentals, Felicity and the team at Ray White Goulburn are here to help. Reach out to us today to benefit from our local expertise and dedicated service.