Recent rental reforms in Western Australia have made it easier for tenants to own pets. Now cat owners can enjoy having a feline friend’s companionship without risking their lease. Since July 29, 2024 landlords are required to have substantial reasons to deny pet requests, allowing renters to share their homes with cats. In addition to this new pet-friendly landscape, tenants are also allowed to make minor modifications, such as installing shelves, hanging painting, or even a cat door. These additions are permitted as long as they can be removed with minimal impact.
This is great news for cat owners, as it opens up the possibility of creating a safe, outdoor enclosure with cat netting. With a simple setup using tension rods and minimal attachments, tenants can build a balcony or patio enclosure to keep their cats safely contained, improving their pet’s quality of life while being landlord-friendly. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of cat netting for rental properties, practical installation tips, and practical tips for making your home pet-friendly while keeping your landlord happy.
Why Choose Cat Netting Enclosures for Rental Properties?
The benefits of choosing cat netting for rental properties to create an outdoor enclosure is that it is highly adaptable, strong, and durable. Plus it is also very easy to remove when the time comes. Unlike steel mesh panels or framed structures, cat netting can be easily attached to existing fences, walls, and fascia with a few attachment points. The attachment points are used to run a strong stainless steel wire along the edges of the area, and the netting is actually attached to the wire, not the walls or fence itself. This means that the netting can be removed easily if you decide to move house, and only a few holes will need to be filled in to restore the surfaces to their original condition.
Cat netting is architecturally attractive and relatively discrete, unlike heavy, oppressive caged enclosures. Also, if your landlord asks you to take down the cat netting, you can easily remove the enclosure, and the small holes the fasteners leave can be filled with patching compound or rivets and painted over, leaving no marks. They benefit from keeping your cat in, but are also a great way to keep nuisance stray cats out! That’s a benefit to any tenant and landlord! As per RSPCA WA, 48% of pet owners have a cat; the next tenant may just have a little kitty themselves, and the cat net will become a useful and desirable feature of the rental properties.
Do I Need Approval from My Landlord to Install Cat Netting Enclosures?
It is vital to provide details of your proposed cat net enclosure and where and how it will be attached if you want to assure your landlord it won’t cause permanent damage. At the end of the tenancy period, any holes from fasteners can be filled with rivets, masonry holes with patching compound, and scratches painted over.
Having a professional install the cat netting for your rental property can simplify the process and provide all the details your landlord might need. Additionally, explaining the benefits of outdoor cat enclosures can be persuasive. These enclosures protect local wildlife, offer stimulating environments for cats, and help avoid indoor accidents and odors by keeping toileting trays outside.
The list of modifications that can be made without approval of the landlord is quite specific, and more information can be found on the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
What Are Some Common Reasons Landlords Might Deny Requests for Cat Netting?
Your landlord just wants to be assured that the installation of a cat pen will not cause any permanent damage to their property.
Some properties are subject to any strata rules about the external appearance of the building, and therefore, the landlord will need to ensure modifications do not breach any regulations. If you have images of other installations that are similar to your proposed one, then it could help your landlords and strata companies to understand the visual impact.
Landlords can also deny requests for cat netting if the works disturb asbestos or if the home is heritage-listed and, therefore, subject to strict regulations about how it can be modified.
In some cases, a landlord may not understand the benefits of a cat netting enclosure in their property, such as preventing accidents and reducing liability, and might deny the request for the installation of cat enclosures.
Legal Risks of Installing Cat Netting Without Landlord Approval
The repercussions for making modifications without the landlord’s consent can be quite costly.
Some of the legal risks are:
- Bond Deduction: The landlord may use your bond to cover the cost of removing the cat netting and repairing any damage to the property.
- Termination of Lease: The landlord may apply to the Magistrate’s Court to end the tenancy based on willful or serious damage to the property.
- Non-Renewal of Lease: If the lease is due to expire, the landlord may choose not to renew it.
- Tenant Blacklisting: You may be added to tenancy databases as a “potentially troublesome tenant,” which can affect future rental applications.
Local Rules for Cat Netting in Rental Properties
While many councils in Western Australia have tried to introduce laws to force owners to keep cats contained within their own properties to protect local wildlife, currently, no one has succeeded due to conflicts with state laws. However, pressure is mounting on the government to do something about cat containment because the effects of cats roaming and negatively impacting the environment are well known.
Some councils are certainly keen to encourage them. The City of Bayswater and Bunbury are examples of 2 local councils that have introduced rebates for cat netting enclosures.
As each council sets its own regulations, it is always a good idea to check your local council’s planning regulations to ensure approvals are not needed. Disturbing asbestos or making changes to heritage-listed houses may breach local council regulations.
It is also just good practice to consult with neighbors if you are attaching to a common fence. The attachment points are not usually visible from the neighbor’s side, but it’s always best to practice common courtesy. And if your property is subject to strata or other homeowner association guidelines, then these need to be checked for compliance regulations, too. Check all laws local, state and federal on this point.
How Can I Ensure That Cat Netting Installation Won’t Cause Any Damage to the Rental Property?
While it is possible to attach cat netting to structures using non-permanent and non-damaging systems such as clips or magnets, the resulting cat netting enclosure may not be secure enough to contain a curious and determined cat. Also, anything non-permanent, such as a clip or rope, can come apart easily and provide easy escape routes if they are not consistently checked for damage.
Another option cat owners use is buying a standalone, cage-style enclosure that needs no attachment points. Out opinion is that enclosures should be easily and freely accessible from the home so that cats can move in and out of them as they need. A freestanding enclosure that you place your cat into, and is isolated from the house is basically a cage, and you may find your cat detests the forced outdoor experience and lack of movement despite your attempts to make it nice for them.
A secure cat netting enclosure requires holes to be drilled into fences, walls, fascia, or paving. When installed correctly and by a professional, the number of attachment points can be greatly reduced. While holes are not temporary, they can certainly be filled and repaired to a good degree, which means netting may be removed at the end of a tenancy without serious damage to any property.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort for Your Feline Friends in Rental Properties:
Integrating cat netting for rental properties is a great way to keep your cat safe while giving them access to some happy outdoor time. It’s also a great way to make a property more rentable. As a renter, you need to seek permission from your landlord or real estate agent if you would like to have a cat-netting enclosure installed at your home.
Kitty-Safe’s five-star reputation, our commitment to good communication and customer service, and our ability to create attractive and professional-looking cat enclosures may be just what your landlord needs to feel great about having a cat net installed. We’re happy to speak to them.
FAQs
How do I discuss cat netting with my landlord?
Prepare a proposal detailing the installation process, benefits, and how it won’t cause permanent damage. Emphasize that it can enhance the property’s appeal to future tenants who might also have pets.
Can I install cat netting without my landlord's approval?
No, it’s essential to get your landlord’s permission before making any modifications to rental properties. Installing netting without approval could lead to costly repercussions, including loss of your bond or eviction.
Can I use cat netting if I live in a heritage-listed property?
Installation may be restricted in heritage-listed properties due to strict regulations. Always check with your landlord and local council for compliance and seek appropriate permissions before proceeding.
What maintenance does cat netting require?
Cat netting generally requires minimal maintenance. Regularly check for wear and tear, ensure secure attachment points, and clean the netting to maintain its appearance and functionality, ensuring a safe environment for your cat.
Is cat netting visually appealing?
Yes, cat netting is designed to be discreet and can blend well with the property’s architecture. It’s often more aesthetically pleasing than bulky cages or framed enclosures, enhancing the property’s overall look.
What should I do if my landlord refuses my request for cat netting?
Ask for clarification on their concerns. You can offer solutions or alternatives, like hiring a professional installer, to ease their worries. If they remain firm, respect their decision and seek other pet-friendly rentals.
