Ahhh I understand your frustration - it was exactly the same when we were trying to find a rental down here in tas. We had to go with the first one we were accepted into - and its a bit higher rent than we were wanting to pay, but we had no choice!

I always think its funny that landlords are so funny about animals, when kids can do a lot more damage to the place!!! My cats are pretty good (and do not chew the architraves as I was asked when applying fora property!) but DS got crayon on the cupboard door the other day and it took me about 15 minutes of pure elbow grease to get it off. My cats don't cause that kind of damage!!!

I hope you get someone to look after your cats. If I was up there and living in our own home I would do it

(Actually if your mum can take them for a few months, you can always send them to tassie at the end of the year cos we're hoping to be in our own place by then? I don't mind looking after them for you... xxxx)