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Have a burning question about how community housing works? Ask an Exec! In this new section, you can send a question to be responded to by a member of Link Wentworth鈥檚 Executive team. We鈥檒l publish one tenant letter and response in every issue. The usual rules around respectful language apply. 

Q: My letter is to do with dogs in apartment buildings with balconies.鈥� In my apartment building, we have a dog who is allowed on the balcony of the tenant owner, where it barks at passers-by and the like intermittently. When it barks on the balcony, the noise carries into other units nearby, and this is a concern, considering this balcony is next to or near tenants鈥� bedrooms. Of course, when windows are open, the noise is worse and more distressing for neighbours. There should be some rule that barking dogs should not be allowed on balconies, given the noise factor in apartment blocks and the proximity to other residents. If neighbours are sick or unwell, then this barking noise is even more distressing. Can this please be addressed by Link Wentworth for the benefit of all residents affected by this problem. [Resident postcode Sydney 2000]聽

A: Alison O鈥橬eill, Head of Tenancy 

Thank you for the great question about managing pets in apartment buildings.鈥� 

Link Wentworth promotes having pets, as studies show pets contribute to improved well-being in several ways:聽

• They keep us company聽
• Make us laugh and smile which can lift mood and manage stress聽
• Comfort us during hard times聽
• Encourage us to get outdoors聽

Some of our tenants live with service animals, which are trained to provide assistance to people living with disability, and these assistance animals are not pets. 

There is an increasing trend of pet ownership in apartment living, so it is important that pet owners are considerate of their neighbours and responsible for their pets in shared spaces.鈥� 

Excessive barking falls into the category of anti-social behaviour. If your dog is barking excessively, Link Wentworth will investigate to determine whether a breach of your lease has occurred. For more information, see our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy on the website.鈥�聽

We encourage all pet owners to practice Pet Etiquette. Here are tips for tenants living with pets in apartment buildings: 

• If your dog is barking and disturbing your neighbours, it is your responsibility to prevent it鈥�聽
• As a Landlord, Link Wentworth also has a responsibility to investigate complaints relating to the peace and comfort of all residents聽
• If tenants wish to have a pet, they first need to submit a pet application form to Link Wentworth, seeking permission. This helps keep communities safe, as not all pets are suited to apartment living聽
• Once you are approved to house/have your pet in your unit, you need to meet the obligations of your lease, in particular not to interfere with the peace and comfort of your neighbours.聽

Here are the general rules around pets in apartments: 

• Dogs must be on a leash and supervised at all times in common areas聽
• Owners must clean and repair any mess or damage the pet makes to common property聽
• Pets must not be excessively noisy or impact other residents in any negative way聽

If you wish to report an excessively noisy animal, you need to contact your local council, and report it to Link Wentworth via your Tenancy Manager in the first instance. 

Thanks for your letter and I hope this has answered your question. 

For more information, please go to Feedback, Complaints and Appeals – Link Wentworth 

Or give us a call on 13 14 21 

Pet Application Form

HOW TO ASK AN EXEC: letters are to be published anonymously with postcode only. You can email, drop in a letter, or call us for help in getting your question in. Please keep the subject matter to one issue or question. All letters received will be sent to the relevant senior manager for review and response.聽