Pets and apartments can happily co-exist

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a huge spike in pet ownership across the globe.

Pet adoption and pet ownership in general has risen, as many of us stuck at home for extended periods look to pet ownership as a source of companionship in times of increasing isolation.

The added advent of soaring property prices means that many who may have tended to opt for life in a freestanding home are increasingly turning to apartment living as a more affordable alternative. But what if you already have a pet or are considering pet ownership in the future?

If you are an animal lover and are looking to buy or rent, you’ll need to consider your options before signing on the dotted line because not all landlords or strata title properties are receptive to having pets as permanent residents.

In Western Australia, tenants who want to keep pets in an apartment need the permission of their landlord. Some will allow pets, others grant permission on a case-by-case basis, while others may have a blanket ‘no pets’ policy.

While it has become increasingly common to see pets as part of every day life in an apartment, there may be some costs to consider.

If the pet or pets on the premises are capable of carrying parasites that can affect humans, you’ll be charged a bond of $260 under the Residential Tenancies Act.

This bond can only be used to cover the cost of fumigation at the end of lease should it be required and is a one-off fee regardless of the number of pets present.

For owner-occupiers living in an apartment complex, keeping pets is at the discretion of the building’s strata council.

However, many developers, owners and strata management bodies see the benefits of owning a pet – such as reducing stress, companionship and the possibility of increased activity – far outweigh some of the potential negatives and will at least review it on a case-by-case basis.

When choosing a pet for an apartment it’s important to consider the amount of internal and external space you have, how long the pet will be left alone and if they have access to a balcony or a courtyard.

Small dogs, such as the bischon frise, are often favoured as they shed little fur, while breeds such as bulldogs and greyhounds are a good choice because they will happily spend their days asleep on the couch.

Barking can cause issues with neighbours, so it’s important to make sure your dog is occupied when you’re not around or consider a dog sitter, dog walker or doggy daycare if your job entails long hours away from home.

Cats are also a good choice for apartment living, as they tend to be self-sufficient and don’t require as much attention as a dog.

If your apartment is high up, though, it is important to make sure the balcony is cat-proof.