Use pet resume to secure rental
IF YOU’VE tried to rent a house or apartment recently with a pet, you already know that in a lot of cases the odds are stacked against you.
However, there’s a growing number of renters who are going the extra mile to promote their furry friends to prospective landlords, by creating a separate ‘pet resume’ and attaching it to their rental application to pump up their pooch’s chances of being accepted.
Agents say it will often be the difference between an owner allowing a pet to move in and having them say no.
So if you’re putting together a pet resume what should it include?
Pet resume basics
Sam Nokes from Jellis Craig South Yarra says that first and foremost, your pet resume should have a cover letter that helps agents and landlords get to know your pet.
“Size, weight, breed – those things are very handy,” Nokes says.
“It is something the landlords appreciate when they’re considering it. It’s a great way of swaying a landlord that’s pretty 50-50 about pets.”
References
Nokes says probably the most important things to include are independent references.
“Things that are good are letters or a note from the current agent to say that the . property’s been good with inspections, there’s no pet damage, no smells or anything like that,” Nokes says.
Photographs
Without an indication of what a pet looks like, an agent or prospective landlord might be reluctant to accept an animal, sight unseen.
Biggin & Scott Richmond’s Jenn Durling says attaching a couple of photos is the best way to demonstrate a dog’s size and show that it’s unlikely to cause any property damage.
Nokes adds that it can also pay to include a photo of the area the dog sleeps, to show that the area is well kept.
Pick up the phone
Durling also advises renters to speak to agents to introduce themselves and explain their pet situation.
“If you’re sending you’re dog off to your mum and dad’s while you’re at work, that’s really important information for the owner of the property to be aware of.”
— realestate.com.au