Editorial: Renters with pet left out

Photo / File

Finding a rental property is hard.

In the past six months, I have made numerous phone calls, sent dozens of emails and filled in endless applications for rental properties across Tauranga.

If I was lucky I would get a viewing, and then for one reason or another I would miss out on being offered the property.

But I would only know that because I would contact the landlord or property manager to find out the status of my application. From there it would be back to the drawing board.

It is clear that I was not alone in my pursuit of finding a new home. In today's Bay of Plenty Times, we report how there is a shortage of rental properties in Tauranga.

In August there were only 388 rental properties listed in Tauranga compared to the 585 listed in August 2013 and 589 in August 2012.

This week Trade Me had only 166 rental properties listed in the area.

No wonder people are struggling to get a look in.

I had become emotionally attached to some of the properties and was already planning where my furniture would go, what my route to work would be and where I would walk the dog.

There. I said it.

The main reason I think I missed out on pretty much every property I applied for - my dog.

I have a small jack russell and on my quest to find us somewhere to live it seems that she bore the brunt of the rejection.

No dogs, not suitable for dogs, cat only, these are the words listed at the bottom of the majority of rental properties listed on Trade Me.

I would almost go so far as to say it is instant discrimination, well at least that's how it felt.

In one instance a woman said she would give me the house if I didn't have a dog, and had I considered "getting rid of her"?

Hmmmm ... No, sorry but the dog I have owned for the past nine years is a little bit more important to me than your house, despite the awesome location.

Luckily I moved house last week.

I am now settled in a property, with my dog, and hate the thought of going through that experience again.

I do not envy people struggling to find somewhere to live. I feel their pain. I wish it was easier.