A Guide To Letting To Tenants With Pets

10/05/2021

A Guide To Letting To Tenants With Pets

POSTED : 14/02/2021 | BY ALICE DAVIES

With new legislation in place, landlords will no longer be able to issue a blanket ban on renting to tenants with pets.

But this doesn’t mean that your property will be overrun with cats, dogs, ferrets, or budgies - responsible tenants with well-behaved pets will now be able to rent properties, without fear of being turned down.

Almost half of people in the UK have pets - with this figure rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we’ve outlined some of the main points you should know when it comes to letting your property to tenants with pets.

TENANTS MAY BE MORE LIKELY TO STAY IN YOUR PROPERTY FOR LONGER

Renting your property to tenants with pets may mean they’re inclined to stay for longer, meaning you won’t have to find new tenants on a regular basis. Knowing you have a reliable, long-term tenant ensures you have a steady rental income.

If tenants know they’re allowed to have a pet at some point during their tenancy with you, again, they may be inclined to stay in your property, instead of moving. If the tenant has been reliable throughout their tenancy and request to have a pet, you’ll feel more reassured about the prospect of this happening.

MAKE YOUR PROPERTY SUITABLE FOR PETS

Not all your tenants will have a dog or cat, but if they do, having your property ready for potential pets is essential. You might prefer to install laminate flooring, instead of carpets, so that they’re not worn away as easily, or gather smells. Similarly, if your property doesn’t have a large garden, it might not be suitable for dog owners.

DO REGULAR CHECKS ON YOUR PROPERTY

If you’re concerned about tenants having animals in your property, ensure you, or your management company, continue to do regular checks on the condition of it. Check for signs on gnawing on walls or defecation on carpets. You should also check the garden too, as many pet owners simply use their outdoor area as a toilet for their dogs or cats.

Reliable tenants will keep on top of cleaning up after mess - and you should state in the tenancy agreement the rules around keeping a pet in the property.

If you have a furnished property, you’ll need to consider the quality of furniture you’re going to place in the property. You should also check your landlord insurance to see if damage from pets is covered under your current policy.

KEEP THE ANIMAL’S WELFARE IN MIND

Although you aren’t responsible for the welfare of your tenants’ pets, it’s important that you keep an eye on how they’re being treated. For example, if your tenant works full-time and they have a dog, is that pet being left for more than four hours at a time? When your tenant vacates the property, check they haven’t abandoned their pets.

If you do find an abandoned pet, call a vet or the RSPCA and find out what to do next.

Source: https://www.pims.co.uk/blog/landlord_tips/guide_letting_tenants_pets/

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