Pets in Rental Properties: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Mark Davison, our Property Manager, explores the recent uptake in pet applications for rental properties. Read more below on the best tips and tricks for landlords and tenants alike when the topic of pets in rental homes arises!

Growing Demand for Pets in Rental Properties

As a letting agent I have recently noticed an increase in pet ownership amongst Tenant applications. Many Landlords are regularly being asked if they will agree to a pet in the property and be pet-friendly landlords. Many landlords are worried about damage to their properties due to pets, however recent surveys have suggested this is rarely the case. There are also unforeseen positives to Landlords!

Pet-Friendly Renting: What the Law says

The previous government updated its Model Tenancy Agreement regarding Landlord and Tenants with pets, now allowing Tenants to keep pets in a rented property. Landlords would then have to actively object in writing, within 28 days of a pet request from a Tenant and provide a satisfactory reason for not allowing a pet in a property. This could be for example a top floor flat with no garden meaning it would not be in the welfare for a dog for example.

If consent is given for a pet the deposit cannot exceed the cap introduced under the new Tenant Fees Act 2019. This extra deposit cap takes note of any potential further damages which may be incurred by a pet.

Why landlords should consider allowing pets

It is true that pets can cause damage to a property, however 51% of UK adults own a pet (according to the PDSA) it’s not always possible to not allow pet loving Tenants to rent your property.

There are good reasons to allow pets in rented properties. By giving consent to Pets this can increase the rental income and often Tenants with pets stay longer as once they have found a pet friendly landlord, they are more likely to stay. Battersea Dogs Home reported a study that found pet owners are more likely to stay longer in their tenancies.  They would develop more community ties and be more willing to help and support others locally. The study also suggested pets can help with mental and physical health in owners.

How to manage risks when allowing a pet

While there are many benefits of pet ownership for Landlords and Tenants alike, it is important to consider the risk factor with pets in order to minimise them. Landlords can include specific conditions in the Tenancy Agreement to be agreed on within both parties. This can focus on areas of the Inventory and Condition Reports to check when comparing the condition of the property at the start with the end checkout report.

Typical pet-related damages to be aware of are:

• Stained carpet
• Damage to skirting boards, doors, and furniture
• Pet odours
• Damage to grass and gardens
• Fleas in carpets and soft furnishings

Essential Tips for Landlords

Include a pet clause in the Tenancy.

This will need to state the Tenants responsibility for the pet. For example, specific cleaning (professional clean of carpets), pest control treatment, extra garden maintenance and making good any carpet damage or damage to woodwork as a result of having a pet in the property. 

Specify the type and number of pets

Be clear about the type of pet and number of pets allowed. Using a specific pet clause to reflect or predict certain pet circumstances gives the tenant less room for dispute at the end of a Tenancy.

Collect Pet Information

Obtain as much information about the pet as you can. The breed and if the pets are low-shredding, large or small, noisy and has been trained and neutered? Find out how much time the pet will be alone in the property? As this may change as people may have previously worked from home.

The Importance of a Thorough Inventory

As always, with any end of Tenancy Dispute, the hard work is done at the start of the Tenancy documenting the condition of the rental property. You should conduct a thorough Inventory and Condition Report at the start of the Tenancy noting on the inventory if the property has been professionally cleaned at the start. Use dated photographs to support your inventory description to fully show the condition. Also remember to log the exterior condition as well. Hopefully it won’t be needed, but if any dispute is raised at tenancy end you will have all the evidence of the condition from the start.

How Emsleys Estate Agents can help

Here at Emsleys Estate Agents we can take the stress out of property management. Our Fully Managed services cover all areas we have included in this blog, from tenancy agreements to inventory and condition reports. Ensuring your property is correctly and safely protected is the key to any successful property investment.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help manage your pet-friendly rental properties.