It can be a common issue for dog owners that landlords have a blanket ban on accepting tenant applications who have dogs. However, according to RE/MAX WA Managing Director, Geoff Baldwin more often than not these applicants can be a better option. He believes that the general feeling regarding renting to dog owners is that a dog may cause damage to the property, however in his experience managing many rentals he has found that is far from the truth.

Baldwin has found considering or even welcoming applications from dog owners have a some advantages for the landlord. Dog owner tenants will usually pay a premium rent to be able to have their dog and they are also much less likely to move because it is harder for them to find another pet friendly property owner who will allow them to rent.

Since Baldwin does have much experience as a landlord, he has found that there is more damage done by young children than by a dog but no one would ever consider banning families with children from applying for a rental property. But of course everything is case by case.

Regarding having dogs in rental properties it is important to take into account different factors regarding the dog. Some of these factors would be the size of the dog, if that breed sheds, the age of the dog and any other information that could be useful in making a final decision.

Mr. Baldwin believes that seeking feedback from tenants previous landlords and property owners is a good idea. His final thoughts on this is that “in a more competitive rental market as is predicted for 2015, owners should be looking at ways to make their property more attractive and actually inviting tenants with dogs to apply is a huge point of difference”