Landlord Tips: Letting To Tenants With Pets

Landlords who allow tenants to keep pets could be making a wise choice!

If you’re a landlord in Rayleigh, a situation you may have already encountered is making the decision to rent to tenants who have pets. Almost 60% of UK households have at least one pet, with most having dogs and cat ownership coming in just behind.

Yet, while the number of people renting privately has increased dramatically over the last few years, so many private landlords in Rayleigh are still reluctant to rent their properties to pet owners.

The Facts

Until recently, landlords were able to issue blanket bans on all pets except assistance dogs. However, tenants are now able to request that they be allowed to keep a pet, and the landlord must respond to the request within 28 days, giving clear reasons if they decide to refuse.

Since tenants now rent properties for just over four years on average, with almost a quarter of them staying in one home for between 5 and 10 years and 34% staying for ten years or more, renting has become much more about finding a home to settle down with children, pets, or both.

Four Tips for Landlords Letting to Tenants With Pets

This means that landlords who allow tenants to keep pets could be making a wise choice since those tenants are more likely to stay for longer and take good care of the property, too. With this in mind, here are four tips to make letting tenants with pets easier and safer.

Meet With The Tenant And Their Pet

If a tenant wants to rent your property and bring a pet with them, you should arrange to meet with both the tenant and their pet so that you can see for yourself what kind of animal they have. You should ask how long they plan to leave their pet alone if they go out to work, particularly if they have a dog, since this may result in the pet becoming bored and barking excessively or clawing or biting items inside the home.

Find Out What Will Happen If The Tenant Is Away On Holiday

What will happen to the tenant's pet when they’re away is an important question to ask.

• Will somebody be staying in the property?

• Will the pet be in a local kennel or cattery?

• Will the pets be left on their own with someone calling in to feed them?

You need to be aware of the arrangements in case there’s an emergency, and you have to take action to ensure the pet is safe.

Work With the Experts

When Barrett Estates manages your rental property in Rayleigh, we can do all the key tenant checks on your behalf. We rarely experience any problems when properties are let to tenants who own pets, and we carry out regular checks on rental properties that we manage so that we can spot any issues before they get out of hand.

If you’re thinking of renting a property to tenants with pets, contact our team today on 01268774676 or at rayleigh@barrettestates.com. We can help make sure that the rental runs smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting to Tenants with Pets

Can I legally refuse to rent to tenants with pets?

While you can request that tenants not keep pets in your property, you cannot issue a blanket ban on all pets. Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and you must provide a valid reason for refusing their request.

What steps can I take to protect my property when renting to tenants with pets?

Require tenants to provide proof of vaccinations, worming, and flea treatments. Inquire about their pet care arrangements when they are away from home. Consider pet insurance to cover potential damages.

Can I charge a pet deposit or pet rent?

You cannot charge a pet deposit as the government capped all deposits at 5 weeks rent, but if you're consider allowing pets from the outset, you may be able to request an additional £25-£50 per month to offset potential damages caused by pets. This must be made clear on any property advert.

What should I do if there are problems with my tenant's pet?

If there are issues with your tenant's pet, such as excessive noise or damage to the property, address the concerns promptly and respectfully. Consider mediation or legal action if necessary.