The search for affordable housing in trendy suburbs can often feel like a wild goose chase, with rental prices soaring and competition fierce.
So, imagine the excitement when a listing for a three-bedroom house in the hip neighbourhood pops up, all for the seemingly reasonable price of $550 a week.
It sounds like a renter’s dream come true. But as some house-hunters are quickly discovering, this rental opportunity comes with a catch that’s giving many potential tenants pause.
A homeowner in Enmore in Sydney’s Inner West is looking for a tenant to lease her property for six months. However, the lease has an unusual condition: the renter must act as a pet sitter for her two friendly cats.
The chosen candidate would have exclusive access to the house for a weekly rent of $550. The fully furnished house boasts a garden but lacks essential amenities like a washer and dryer.
The tenant must invest in these appliances or frequent a nearby laundromat. Furthermore, two of the three bedrooms would be off-limits, locked away for the owner’s storage, effectively reducing the living space to a one-bedroom abode.
The no-smoking rule and the prohibition against subletting or bringing additional pets might be standard fare in rental agreements. Still, the expectation of caring for the homeowner’s cats without compensation has raised eyebrows.
The owner requires a $2,000 bond and seeks a cat-loving, responsible, tidy, and financially stable tenant. The property will be available for rent in early May.
While living with furry companions might appeal to some, the responsibilities and restrictions are causing quite a stir.
‘Sorry, but no, no laundry. Take care of two cats and pay for the privilege; it’s not okay. Cat sitting is a paid gig,’ one person commented.
Concerns about who would be responsible for the cats’ veterinary care, flea treatments, worming tablets, and food costs were raised.
Another asked, ‘$550 to rent a [one-bedroom] place seems pretty steep. Is there no discount, considering you would be essentially pet-sitting two cats? A lot of people either offer their place for free or pay the pet sitter.’
On the flip side, some saw the potential in the deal. Considering the high rental prices in Enmore, where a three-bedroom terrace can go for double the asking price, some argued that the opportunity to live in such a desirable location at a discounted rate—even with the added responsibility of cat care—wasn’t all that bad.
‘To be fair, it does say the place is fully furnished except for laundry facilities and that the tenant can provide their own washer/dryer,’ one commented.
‘Considering my parents live a street away there and their neighbouring house is $1100pw for a 3-bedroom terrace, that’s actually really cheap for the area to live in just to look after some cats. Still weird. But it’s not that bad,’ another wrote.
‘Even just doing simple maths, this one-bedroom place is half the price it is for a three-bedroom place, even though it’s got a third of the amount of bedrooms,’ another said.
Would you consider taking up such an offer if it meant living in a trendy suburb at a reduced cost? Or do you believe that pet care should come with its own set of rewards, separate from the responsibilities of being a tenant? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: Pet owners still struggling to find rentals despite law reform, advocates say
Where is Enmore, ( in relation to the Sydney CBD. ) . that can charge exorbitant rents, $1100 per week for a 3 bedroomhouse !!!! The word greed comes to mind. Unless it is a large home with landscaped gardens, pool and all mod. cons. ( including a waher and dryer ) Sounds like your paying the mortgage, all of it.