How to pet-proof your property

Over the coming months, the South Australian government will launch reforms to prevent landlords from refusing a tenant’s application to keep a pet as long as they comply with reasonable conditions.

NSW is currently on track to launch similar reforms, while Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have already brought these changes in.

For owners of existing rental properties, the tenancy changes require a shift in thinking. Instead of managing the “pet problem” through a blanket, investors must now make smart design decisions to mitigate the effects of wear and tear.

Kellie Richardson, a Melbourne-based property stylist, offered home owners tips on making the process easier.

“Don’t laugh, but ‘barkitecture’ is a term used to describe the focus on designing a pet-friendly home,” said Richardson.

“From flooring to fabrics and furniture, pet owners can now fit out their homes with pet-friendly home features that are not just functional but also safe for your pet.”

The concept of barkitecture has garnered the attention of major international outlets in the past two years, and evokes the seamless integration of pet accessories into the overall home design.

Examples include neatly tiled dog baths built into laundries, subtle under-stair pet bed nooks, and litter boxes integrated into cupboard joinery.

For investors with a little less cash to spare, a similar streamlined effect can be created with quick fixes.

To avoid cluttering up living spaces with pet bowls, Richardson said: “You may opt to stow away these bowls in a bottom drawer in your laundry or kitchen.”

“Simply repurpose a shallow drawer near the ground to create a slide-out feeding station where your [pet’s] food supplies can be placed and stored away when mealtime is over,” she suggested.

If curtains or carpets are included in the rental property, Richardson advised a careful choice of fabric to reduce mess.

“You should definitely steer clear of suede and velvet, both of which are notorious for being fur magnets. Choose fabrics like microfibre, leather or leatherette. Smoother fabrics will make cleaning up little pet messes and furballs easier. Patterned or textured textiles do a good job hiding pet hair and minor scratches and stains.”

Choosing timber flooring, tiles and vinyl over carpet will also go a long way to keeping a rental property clean.