Landlords can get extra cash by making homes 'cat-friendly'

Home loan customers who are renting out one of their properties can significantly boost their earnings by making their houses "cat-friendly".

Australian National Cats spokesman Dr Peter Higgins told the Advertiser that by allowing tenants to have cats in their buildings, landlords can charge extra rent.

Indeed, a Queensland study indicated that making an abode pet-friendly can net the proprietor an additional $15,000.

Mr Higgins suggested that moggies are the ideal pet, as the chance of them causing damage to a house is minimal.

"Everyone knows that cats are good for people's health and this shows there's also a commercial benefit," he was quoted as saying.

President of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia Greg Moulton added that more landlords are realising that allowing pets does not necessarily detract from the quality of their homes.

Chief executive of the Australian Bankers Association Steve Munchenberg recently told News Limited that people who are worried that hikes to interest rates will adversely affect their home loans should look to switch provider.

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