However, the pet-friendly rental market is even more competitive than the regular rental market. You’ll need to put your best paw forward in order to secure a pet-friendly rental property.

At Propertyscouts, we don’t just care about landlords, we care about tenants too. As such, we’ve pulled some strings and have compiled a list of things pet owners can do to step up their tenancy application game and secure their next rental property.

1. Be honest

Landlords and property managers appreciate tenants who are straight up about their situation. Make sure you’re honest when you’re enquiring about a pet-friendly rental. Talk about yourself, your pet, your current situation, and why the property would be a great fit for your needs. Be honest about the size of your pet too. Don’t say you have a chihuahua when you actually have a golden retriever, we’ll work it out pretty quickly. 

2. Details matter

There’s no such thing as too much information… Well, that might be a stretch, but when applying for a pet-friendly rental property, it’s best to give as much detail as possible. This gives the landlord the chance to make an informed decision about whether or not to progress your application. Details about your pet can be summarised in your cover letter and expanded on in a pet CV. 

3. Include a CV for your pet

A pet CV helps bring your pet to life. Even if the property says pets are allowed, the property manager and landlord will want to know as much detail about your pet(s) as possible so they can work out if they are the right fit for the property.

Some key details to touch on in your pet CV include:

• Name, age, and breed 
• A photo (one per pet)
• Long/short hair
• Activity level & overview of their temperament
• What they get up to during the day
• Good and not-so-good habits 
• Sleeping arrangements
• Training & intelligence
• Responsible dog owner’s license (if applicable)
• Vaccination, microchip, and registration status (if applicable)

Download our free Pet CV template courtesy of Propertyscouts Auckland Bays

4. References are a game changer

Great references for your pet go a long way in positioning your pet as the paw-fect “tenant”. Pet references could come from anyone who has experience with your pet. It could be the likes of your vet, dog trainer, groomer, doggy daycare manager, dog walker, house sitter, neighbour, or your previous property manager or landlord. As with regular references, contact details and an indicator of their relationship to you are preferred, however, if your pet’s references prefer not to be contacted a signed, written reference will do the trick.

5. Be realistic

Understandably, if you have a Great Dane, a rental property with little to no outdoor space may not be suitable. It pays to be aware about the properties you’re applying for. The more suitable they are for your situation, the more likely the landlord is to carefully consider your application. 

The bottom line

Finding a pet-friendly rental can be challenging at the best of times. However, if you make an effort to be upfront and honest about your situation whilst providing relevant details about your pet(s), you’re more likely to stand out amongst the crowd.

DISCLAIMER: The above advice is written by Propertyscouts New Zealand (2020) Limited and is intended as a broad guide for educational purposes only. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. In all instances, you should make your own inquiries and seek independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions.