Tips To Pet-Proof Your Rental

Wondering why Pet-Proofing Your Rental is Important? 

You may have paid a pet bond of $260, but this isn’t really enough if you have pets leaving under your roof. This is because when your pets cause damage to the property, your landlord can still claim for any of it as well as the lack of cleanliness that arise due to your tenancy.

And without you knowing it, you are already spending a fortune for the pet damage. So, having to pet-proof your rental is the best thing you can do as a tenant and a pet owner in terms of saving! Aside from that, pet damage can also make it harder for you to get another rental in the future, especially one that allows pets.

Most Common Types of Pet Damage

Although below are subjective to the kind of pet you have, these types of damage are what frequently cause bond claims:

• stains/permanent odours from pet urine/excrement
• scratched floors, doors, skirting boards 
• torn curtains, screen doors
• dead grass/plants, damaged fences/reticulation
• flea infestations

What You Can Do?

The most obvious answer is to look for a rental property that is pet friendly. To elaborate, here are some features the property you’re looking to rent must have:

• spacious room(s)s to exercise 
• a yard with hardy shrubs and lawns
• vinyl, tiles or tough, low-pile carpets that are easy to clean & protect
• fence
• a pet door, if possible

In addition, you should always look for the pet by-laws that the apartment you are eyeing for has, considering that some strata complexes don’t allow pets, or have strict rules about their size.

And as mentioned in the beginning, prepare to do further pet-proofing! As a guide, we listed some tips to help you pet-proof your rental:

PROTECT VULNERABLE AREAS

Protect areas where your pet can’t be trusted (i.e. rooms with pale carpet) by using some kind of protection such as baby gates, or close doors.

PREPARE ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

To make sure your pet’s routine is not disrupted, their toilets, including one on the oustide, must always be accessible. Help them to adapt to their new environment as well so they won’t be stressed.

KEEP THE FUN GOING

If you have a dog as a pet, you can try investing in a sand box, as dogs love to dig a lot. Prepare also some food toys and a scratching post for cats.

TRAIN YOUR PET

Teach your pet what they can and can’t chew, as well as where they can and can’t go.

PROTECT FLOORS

Place mats under food, water bowls, and litter trays.

DEAL WITH DAMAGE AND ODOUR PROMPTLY

If accidents happen, clean up immediately using products designed to neutralise pet odours.

MAINTAIN YOUR PET’S HEALTH AND CLEANLINESS

Make sure your pets get regular grooming, either from a professional groomer or yourself. Bathe, brush their teeth, and treat them for fleas regularly to avoid infestations.

ACCOMPANY YOUR PETS AND ENSURE THEY GET PROPER EXERCISE

Dogs and cats are less destructive if well exercised and not left alone for too long.

REPLACE DAMAGED PLANTS/LAWN

If your pet digs up plants, kills grass, or damages fencing, rectify this as soon as possible. You can also create a barrier to avoid the same issues.

PROTECT DOORS 

Install a pet door or protective acrylic panels to avoid scratching damage.

REMINDER: Make sure to consult your property manager for approval before making changes like installing a pet door!

What Else to Know?

In case you’re already renting and planning to make certain changes, it’s crucial that you talk to your property manager first before installing anything. They’ll help you pet-proof your rental property in the right manner, and you wouldn’t have to worry about violating any regulations.