Should I let my tenants keep a pet?

Data circulating the property industry provides a clear message – landlords don’t like their tenants keeping a pet! With only 7% of UK rentals advertising themselves as pet-friendly according to Zoopla, we think there’s a lot of missed opportunities from landlords sticking with the ‘no pets allowed’ policy.

In this article, the Waterfords Lettings & Property Management team explore what the UK law is on tenants keeping a pet, what the benefits of being pet-friendly are for landlords and share our advice on how to safely allow your tenants to keep a pet.

What is the Law on Letting With Pets?

Ultimately, it’s the landlord’s decision as to whether a tenant can keep a pet in their property.

However, the UK government encourages more landlords to allow pet-friendly renting through the Model Tenancy Agreement. This is the government’s recommendation for what a good shorthold tenancy agreement should look like.

This contains two crucial elements about pets in rentals, including:

• Landlords shouldn’t have a blanket ‘no pets allowed’ policy and;
• Landlords should consider any request from a tenant to keep a pet seriously and only decline for good reason

Should I Let Tenants Keep a Pet?

While there can be risks associated with a tenant having a pet (like them damaging the property or causing a nuisance to neighbours), there are benefits, too. Research has found 31% of renters are prepared to pay a premium (£40 per month outside of London, £50 in London) for a pet-friendly property 


 

By allowing tenants to keep a pet and advertising your property as pet-friendly, you can:

• Attract better tenants in the future
• Sign longer leases (which can mean less chance of voids)
• Stand out from the crowd
• Keep existing tenants happy

How to Safely Let Your Property as Pet-Friendly

1.   Ask for Records

Depending on the animal, you may want to check that it’s up to date on its vaccinations. A pet owner that stays on top of vaccinations is a good sign that they are a responsible owner. Plus, it can reassure you that the animal is healthy and protected from diseases.

2.   Check Training

If your tenant is requesting to keep a hamster, cat or reptile, checking training records isn’t important. But if your tenant wants to keep a dog in your property, make sure you ask about their training. Ask questions like who trained them and how much training they’ve had.

3.   Arrange a Meet and Greet

If you’re concerned about how well behaved your tenants’ pet is, arrange a meet and greet to see what the pet is like in person. Or ask for a video call with the pet.

This is a great opportunity to see just how well trained they are (which is particularly important if it’s a dog) and assess how comfortable you are letting the animal stay.

4.   Set Boundaries

Before agreeing, consider setting boundaries around the tenant keeping a pet. For example, you are allowing them to have this pet only and any new pets need prior approval.

5.   Agree Terms

Whatever you decide to agree about letting your tenants keep a pet, make sure it’s documented in the terms of your lease.

Include information about what boundaries you set and what responsibilities the tenant has when it comes to cleaning up after the pet.

Conclusion

Allowing your tenants to keep a pet is ultimately your decision as a landlord. Numerous benefits are available to landlords if they allow pets, but you still need to ensure you’re always protecting yourself and your property.

For more advice on letting your property, our friendly team of lettings and property management experts at Waterfords Estate Agents are happy to help. If you need advice about renting your Camberley, Chobham, Fleet and Yateley property, get in touch today on 01252 623330 or email us at lettings@waterfords.co.uk