[Jan Fisher]

People love their dogs – or cat or budgie – but should they be allowed in rental properties?
The law is tipping towards people being allowed to have pets, in reasonable circumstances, but who knows what that is?
I knew a separating couple who rented out their family home while they sorted out their divorce. A family moved in with their two dogs who proceeded to chew their way through many irreplaceable period features in the Federation home. The renting real estate agent refused to take responsibility and the renters went missing as soon as they were faced with a bill running into the thousands which was well above their deposit.
Nobody won.
I can understand having a pet in a free-standing home, but having a dog in an apartment can often be cruel, especially if the owner is away for long periods of time.
People want pets because they are great companions and make them feel good. But try looking at the other angle, do you think you are offering a great life to a pet that’s inside an apartment all day? Does that make them feel good?
Do you think pets should be allowed in rental properties? Should renters pay a separate deposit if they have pets?

[Grey Beard]

Only on payment of a very substantial bond

[Marten]

Absolutely not, unless the renter is prepared to deposit a large bond to cover eventual expenses, which should be refunded in its entirety provided, of course, the rental place is left in a pristine condition.

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