Pet friendly room for rent: how to find a share house that welcomes your pet

Looking for a pet friendly room for rent?

Finding a room is hard enough. Finding one where your dog, cat or rabbit is welcome takes a little more planning, because a pet in a share house affects everyone who lives there, not just you. The good news: plenty of households are happy to share with a well-behaved animal. You just need to find them early and make it easy for them to say yes.

What makes a share house pet friendly

A pet friendly share house is one where three things line up:

• Permission. The owner allows pets, or, if the person renting you the room is a tenant, their lease or landlord does.
• The household agrees. Everyone living there is comfortable with the animal, including anyone with allergies or a fear of dogs.
• The home suits the pet. A secure yard or nearby space for a dog, room for a cage or litter tray, and floors and furniture that can cope.

If any one of these is missing, it isn't really a pet friendly share house, even if the listing says "pets considered".

How to search for a pet friendly share house

1. Make a renter profile that mentions your pet, your budget and the areas you want. On MateHaus room owners can browse profiles and message you first.
2. Read listings closely. Look for pets in the house facts and the description, and for clues like a fenced yard or a resident pet already living there.
3. Ask before you inspect. A short message saves everyone time: "Hi, I have a desexed, house-trained cat. Would that be OK in your home?"
4. Bring your pet's details to the inspection, and offer to introduce the animal if the household would like to meet it.
5. Get it in writing. Once everyone agrees, write down what pet is allowed and the house rules that go with it.

Renting a room with a dog

Dogs need the most planning, because size, noise and exercise affect the whole house. If you are after a room for rent with a dog, tell the household:

• breed, size, age and whether it's desexed, vaccinated and registered;
• where it will sleep and spend the day, inside or out;
• how long it's left alone and how you handle barking;
• who walks it, cleans up after it and covers any damage.

A one-page "pet resume" with a photo and a reference from a previous landlord or housemate goes a long way. It shows you take responsibility seriously.

Pet rules to agree with your housemates

Most share house arguments about pets come from things nobody discussed. Agree these before move-in day:

• which rooms the pet can use, and whether it's allowed on couches or beds;
• feeding, litter and poo pick-up, and who does it when you're away;
• how pet hair and smells are handled in shared areas;
• what happens if the pet damages something or upsets a neighbour.

Rules about pets in rented homes differ between states and territories, and a share house can be covered by different rules depending on whether you rent from a tenant or live with the owner. Check with your state or territory tenancy authority for the rules that apply to you. This guide is general information only.

For room owners: listing a pet friendly room

If you're happy to share with a pet, say so clearly in your listing, along with any limits (for example "one cat or a small dog"). It widens the pool of people who'll message you. On MateHaus listing a room is free, renters message you free, and you can set open-for-inspection times so people can book straight away. Optional upgrades, Featured (15 days, $24.49) or Premium (30 days, $31.49), show your room first and end on their own.

Common questions

How do I find a pet friendly room for rent?

Say in your renter profile what pet you have, then message room owners and ask first whether pets are OK. On MateHaus messaging is free for everyone, so you can ask as many owners as you like before you inspect.

What makes a share house pet friendly?

Everyone who lives there is happy to share with the pet, the lease or owner allows it, and the home suits the animal: secure outdoor space for a dog, somewhere for a litter tray or cage, and agreed rules for shared areas.

Can I rent a room with a dog?

Often yes, but ask before you inspect. Tell the household your dog's size, age and temperament, where it will sleep and how long it is left alone. A short pet resume with a reference from a past landlord or housemate helps.

Can a share house say no to pets?

If you rent a room from a tenant or live with the owner, pets usually depend on the lease and the household agreeing. Rules differ by state and territory, so check with your local tenancy authority. This is general information only.