How to Rent a Property with Two Kids and a Dog

Renting a home is rarely straightforward.  Renting a home with two children and a dog can feel like attempting an Olympic-level obstacle course while blindfolded.  Families often tell us they feel judged, limited in choice, or quietly filtered out before they’ve even had a chance to view a property.

At Richardsons, we believe that renting with a family and a pet should be challenging, not impossible and certainly not demoralising.  As one of Gibraltar’s longest-standing estate agents, we’ve helped generations of families find homes that genuinely work for them, while also protecting landlords’ interests.  This balance is what separates professional property advisers from what we might politely call in the industry “door openers.”

So, whether you’re a tenant navigating the market or a landlord considering the right occupiers for your property, here’s a candid, expert guide to renting successfully with children and a dog in Gibraltar.

The Reality Check: Why It’s Harder (But Not Hopeless)

Let’s start with honesty.  Families with children and pets are sometimes perceived as higher risk.  Landlords worry about:

• Wear and tear

• Noise complaints

• Damage from pets

• Longer tenancy disputes

These concerns aren’t unreasonable, but they are often overgeneralised.  In practice, many of our longest, most reliable tenancies involve families with children and well-trained dogs.  Stability, routine and long-term commitment often go hand-in-hand with family life.

The key is presentation, preparation and professional representation.

Step One for Tenants: Understand the Market You’re Entering

Gibraltar is a unique rental market: limited stock, high demand and strict regulations.  Not every property is suitable for families, and not every building allows pets, regardless of how well behaved your Labrador may be.

A professional agent should help you filter strategically, rather than sending you to view unsuitable properties that waste everyone’s time.

At Richardsons, we start by asking the right questions:

• How old are the children?

• What breed and size is the dog?

• Is the dog accustomed to apartment living?

• Are you looking for long-term security or flexibility?

• Do school catchments or outdoor space matter more?

These details matter.  Matching tenants to the right property is far more effective than chasing every listing on the market.

Step Two: Present Yourself Like a “Low-Risk” Tenant (Because You Probably Are)

Here’s a truth many tenants don’t realise: landlords rarely meet you.  They meet a profile - created by the agent representing you.

This is where professionalism makes all the difference.

A strong tenant profile should include:

• Proof of employment and income

• References from previous landlords

• Clear information about your family and pet

• Evidence of long-term intentions

• Willingness to discuss reasonable safeguards

For pet owners, this can include:

• Pet passport

• Gibraltar license

• Agreement to professional end-of-tenancy cleaning

We’ve seen landlords change their position entirely when a tenant is properly presented.  A rushed WhatsApp message saying “family with dog interested” does not inspire confidence.  A structured, transparent proposal does.

Step Three: Be Realistic About Compromise

Finding the perfect property - with space, views, outdoor areas, parking, pet acceptance and proximity to schools - is rare.  The families who succeed are those who understand where compromise is acceptable.

That might mean:

• Choosing slightly less square footage for a better location

• Accepting a lower floor for a more pet-friendly landlord

• Paying a small premium for a property that allows pets

A good agent will guide you through these trade-offs honestly, not push you into a quick deal.

A Message to Landlords: Families Are Often Your Best Tenants

Now let’s talk directly to property owners.

In our experience, families with children and pets often stay longer, treat properties as homes (not stop-gaps), and value good landlord relationships.  Void periods are costly.  Frequent tenant turnover is expensive.  Stability has real financial value.

When landlords work with Richardsons, we focus on:

• Thorough tenant vetting

• Clear expectations from day one

• Professionally drafted agreements

• Ongoing management support

Allowing families and pets doesn’t mean lowering standards.  It means applying them properly.

We frequently advise landlords on:

• Pet clauses that protect the property

• Fair wear and tear expectations

• Realistic maintenance planning

• Market-appropriate rental pricing

This is how professional property management protects asset value - not blanket refusals driven by fear.

Why the Right Agent Makes All the Difference

In a market like Gibraltar, the estate agent is not just a middleman.  We are:

• Negotiators

• Risk managers

• Market analysts

• Relationship builders

At Richardsons, we’ve been here long enough to understand that property is not just bricks and mortar - it’s people, families, routines and lives.

We don’t overpromise.  We don’t rush deals.  And we don’t treat tenants or landlords as interchangeable.

That’s why families come back to us years later when they need more space.  It’s why landlords trust us with high-value assets.  And it’s why our reputation has outlasted market cycles, trends and quick-fix agencies.

Final Thoughts: It Is Possible - With the Right Guidance

Renting a property with two kids and a dog in Gibraltar is not easy.  But with the right expectations, preparation and professional representation, it is absolutely achievable.

For tenants: don’t undersell yourselves - present properly.
For landlords: don’t underestimate the value of stable family tenants.
For both: choose an agent who understands the market, not just the listing.

At Richardsons Estate Agents, we believe good property advice is about long-term thinking, not short-term commissions.

If you’re ready to rent - or ready to let - we’re ready to advise.

Because in a small market like Gibraltar, professionalism isn’t optional.  It’s everything.

If you're looking for a pet friendly rental check out a few of these great homes for all budgets:

...or get in contact with us for further options