For tenants, it can be often be a challenge finding a willing landlord to rent from that allows them to bring their pets with them.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why landlords often have issues with pets, and provide tips for tenants looking for pet-friendly rentals.
Reasons why a landlord may not like to let to a tenant with a pet
It’s easy to think landlords are just being cold hearted when you see the ‘no pets allowed’ disclaimer, but if you think about it, there are several reasons why pets could be a nightmare for landlords.
As you may be aware, different pets can be challenging to handle. They can cause unexpected damage, bring in flea infestations, cause unpleasant smells, and annoy the neighbours. With these issues just being some of the more common negatives associated with pets, for many landlords, it’s just not worth the risk and is easier to put a blanket ban on all pets.
It’s understandable that landlords wouldn’t want to take the risk on accepting some pets, especially animals that are known for being difficult to handle. However, blanket bans are indiscriminate and a way for landlords to not have to spend the time judging each individual plea for allowing tenants pets.
Tips for landlords considering accepting tenants with pets
At the end of the day, pets are popular, and it’s common for tenants to want to bring pets into rental properties. The demand for pet-friendly landlords is rising among tenants, so if you are a landlord that is open to accepting pets, it could potentially open the doors to more potential tenants.
If you are considering accepting tenants with pets, we’ve come up with a list of tips you may be interested in, which include details of aspects you may need to mull over when accepting pets:
- Ensure that when declaring you are pet-friendly to use more vague terminology such as ‘pets considered’ rather than a blanket phrase which implies any animal is welcome.
- If allowing pets means there is a higher risk of property damage, you may be justified in charging extra for the deposit or for the monthly rent.
- It can be a good idea to charge for a professional clean to take place at the end of the contract before the next tenants move in.
- You can always ask for detailed information about the pet, and even ask to meet the animal before making your final decision.
Tips for tenants looking for pet-friendly rentals
If you’re on the tenant side of the pet/rental conundrum, don’t worry, we’ve got a list of tips which can help you if you are looking to find a property to rent that is pet friendly.
- It’s a good idea to start the search as early as possible. As it’s been established, most landlords don’t accept pets – so it may take a while to find one that does.
- Discuss with your letting agent that you are only looking for pet-friendly properties. Letting agents may be happy to help negotiate with landlords that may potentially make an exception if you are open and honest about your pet
- Be up front about your pet – if you believe your pet won’t be any trouble, then highlight to potential landlords why not. One way of doing this is by creating a pet CV, where you can include details of vaccinations, microchips, and other relevant information.
- Offer potential landlords the option to meet your pet. They may be able to get more of an impression which convinces them to allow you to move your pet into the property.
Make sure you get permission
It is absolutely crucial that you get permission from your landlord to keep a pet if you are renting a property. Despite what you might think, it is almost impossible to hide the presence of a pet, and you can open yourself up to a lot of problems. Failing to declare a pet to a landlord that has specifically stated they don’t allow pets on their property may be grounds for eviction, so it’s not worth the risk of bringing your pet with you without prior permission being granted.
