Burnaby/Abbotsford/Chilliwack (Star FM) – BC SPCA policy and outreach officer Amy Morris says there is a serious shortage of pet friendly rental opportunities in the Fraser Valley, and says nearly a quarter of surrendered animals are from owners who can’t find a place who will let them keep their pets.
Morris says landlords believe pets could end up causing significant damage to the home, but in actual fact a pet owning tenant can be a benefit.
“Tenants who have pets tend to stay in their housing 2.5 times longer than tenants without pets. That stability allows for not having to do repairs in between each tenant and allows for not as much of a gap in changeover.”
Morris says it’s reasonable for landlords to have responsibility guidelines for tenants, like on-leash requirements for public areas, and says they should work with renters to find a good solution.
