Guide On Landlords And Pets
Written by The Landlord on 25 Apr 2010
Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve only had one tenant with a pet (which was a dog), and that was because it was forced upon me. Initially, my tenant didn’t move in with the mutt, it happened a year or so after she moved in.
One day I got a frantic phonecall from my tenant saying that her ex-husband was on the verge of kicking their family Staffordshire Bull Terrier out of the house because he didn’t have time to look after her anymore. So I was basically left in a position where my tenant was willing to find another property to rent unless I allowed the dog to become a permanent resident.
Hmmm…now that I think about it, my tenant was a bitch for putting me in a position like that. However, it just goes to show how passionate some people are about their pets. And, when someone is THAT passionate about their pet, the pet is usually well behaved and maintained. With that in mind, and also wanting to avoid the hassle of finding a new tenant, I just took the gamble and allowed my tenant to move the beast into the property.
Fortunately. things worked out well. The dog was clean, well behaved, extremely friendly, and actually quite lovable.
When tenants/landlords discuss “pets”, they’re typically referring to dogs and cats. Dogs are the most common pets in the UK, and if there’s any type of household pet that is capable of destroying a house, my money is on a dog. Smaller pets like fish, hamsters and rabbits aren’t usually a problem. On that basis, I’m going to focus this article with the assumption we’re all here because we want to protect our investments against dogs and cats.
So, let’s look at the pro’s and con’s for allowing pets (typically, dogs), and you can make up your own mind…
Advantages of Landlords allowing pets
- Many landlords don’t allow pets, so finding one which does can often be a challenge, which means that landlords that allow pets can often ask for more rent.
- Allowing pets opens up a lot wider audience, so you’re significantly increasing your chances of finding tenants. According to a recent survey by the Dogs Trust, 78% of pet owners have experienced difficulty finding accommodation which accepts pets. And accoridng to ‘Pet Friendly Rentals’ by not accepting pets, you will be decreasing your potential market by 50%.
- Tenants that are lucky enough to find a landlord that accepts pets will often make every effort to be an exemplary tenant so their tenancy agreement can be renewed. It’s a good hook to find a long-term tenant.
- Dogs are a good form of security as they tend to respond badly to strangers, so they will form an extra layer of protection.
- Pets can be destructive and messy, especially if they aren’t looked after properly.
- Pets can smell, especially if their hygiene is neglected by their owners.
- Pets can be disturbing towards neighbours e.g. dogs barking at unsocial hours. It’s important to keep a healthy relationship with your neighbours.
- Many landlords are hesitant to allow pets as they may affect subsequent tenants who may have allergies.
- After a tenant with a pet moves out, there maybe an extra financial cost involved for cleaning the property thoroughly.
- Pets that don’t receive regular treatment are at high risk of catching fleas, which can quickly infest the property.
- If you’re letting a furnished property, be wary that pets (especially cats, dogs and rabbits) are known to be destructive towards furniture e.g. sofas.
- It might be worth meeting the pet and focus on how it acts around the tenant. It will also be a good opportunity to see how well behaved and healthy the animal is.
- You may want to ask to see copies of your tenants pets treatment records from their vet so you’re assured that the animal is properly taken care of. This will reduce problems like infestation.
- Try and get a reference from a previous landlord, where the tenant has lived with the pets.
- Consider the suitability of the pet for your particular property. For example, a small dog in a small house may be fine, but not a large one.
- If you plan on allowing pets, it’s advised to get a Tenancy Agreement which specially has clauses for pets. There will be special clauses stating what the pet-owners responsibilities are e.g. ensuring the tenant is responsible for keeping litter trays clean. Here is a useful blog post on Tenancy Agreements and Pet Clauses
- Good tenancy agreements will have a section to record a name and address and contact details in case of emergency. Alternatively, if the tenant goes on holiday.
- If your tenant’s pet is causing a problems and breaching the terms in the tenancy agreement, then a Section 8 Form can be served to remove the tenant and their pet.
- Landlords can request for a non returnable pet payment, which will cover the costs of a professional clean after the tenant moves out. This can be specified in the tenancy agreement.
- It’s worth going over the conditions in the tenancy agreement regarding the conditions relating to pets, so the tenant is clear about what is expected.
- Most landlords require a higher deposit where the tenant has a pet which is potentially destructive e.g. dog or cat. This is especially true when properties are furnished
- Do a Property Inventory so there’s no confusion about what kind of state the property was in before the tenant/pet moved in.
- As already mentioned, it’s becoming extremely difficult for tenants to find landlords that allow pets. So it’s important that when you’re marketing your property for rent, you clarify that you do accept pets. This may drastically increase the level of inquiries you receive.
- Since cats and dogs are the most common household pets in the UK, make sure you specify that you accept cats and dogs, and any other type of animal which you think will improve your campaign.
- If you have any strict conditions (e.g. you require proof that the pet gets regular checkups at the vets), it maybe worth mentioning it, so you filter the unwanted applicants.
- If you evict a tenant and an animal is left in the property, it is the landlord’s responsibility to deal with it.
- It’s important to make quarterly inspections of the property whether you allow pets or not, but especially if your tenant does have pets, so you can monitor how well behaved and clean the animal is.
- You can use the tenant’s deposit to cover cost of cleaning the property if it isn’t returned in the same state as it was when he/she moved in
- Normal building and content insurance policies don’t usually cover potential pet damage, so you may want to get additional insurance.
Disadvantages of Landlords allowing pets
Before accepting a tenant with pets
Tenancy Agreements that allows pets
Marketing your property for rent
Points to consider
Conclusion
I firmly believe that a dog is only as good as it’s owner. If you have a misbehaved dog, then you probably have a poor tenant. That’s why it’s extremely important to meet the pet and it’s owner before signing into an agreement. Judge for yourself.
If you care careful with your selection, there is no reason why tenants with pets should be problematic. Even if the pet does cause irritation to the property, that’s what the security deposit is there for. Additionally, a good tenancy agreement that has the appropriate clauses for pets should protect you from most scenarios.
I think the most appealing aspect about allowing pets is the larger audience you’re likely to attract. Essentially, you could find tenants a lot quicker if you allow pets, which will ultimately save you money.
Do you allow pets?
Just out of curiosity, do you, or would you accept pets as a landlord?
Are you a tenant with a pet? Please share your story i.e. how difficult/easy was it to find a landlord that accepts pets?
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5 Comments - join the conversation...
I love the pics you have used - am I ok to use them for marketing purposes in my properties?
Sam
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We are tennants of 5 cocker spaniels (all show dogs) crufts exhibiters(and 2 South African Champions)
We had no problem with the house we are renting and the landlord was quite happy, we never even paid any extra fees for having them here.
I am a very particular house proud person, we came from South Africa with all our showdogs where they had lots of space inside and out. these dogs were all trained as puppies(6 weeks) as training is important to all dogs/ showdogs.
They are all very clean and never left to get dirty and smelly, they are 100% well trained both in the house and out.
Land lords should give people a chance to prove that they can have well behaved clean healthy dogs in their homes.
I have been into many homes here in UK where they are really so disgusting and not even a pet in sight.
We have been in this house for 5 years now and every 6 months have the normal home checks with the property agency.
They are extremely happy with our tenancy and we are very happy with the house too.
All our dogs get on with each other and have good stability.I am at the moment looking into buying my own home as this would make life much easier to have something more permanent but deposits and mortgages are very difficult to gain.
Dogs will only act as you treat them, we are very strict with ours and discipline has always been number one for them, they never make mess inside and we have them on the best top food that is very important.
We are situated in Cambridgeshire...
If you care to email me back with any questions you are most welcome to do so.
Best regards.
Kirston Murray.
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Know your rights. Onbce you have moved into a property there are plenty more you can move into IF your Landlord wont allow you to have pets. why bother asking them if they will accept your dog/cat when they nonchalantly include standard clauses about no pets and can't be bothered to ask you if you would like a pet in the property when they "interview2 you for the job as their customer and bite your hand off at the site of your hard earned money going ot line their pockets....
Don't get me wrong, bad tennants are a nightmare but no more so than bad landlords. If you are a reasonably responsible pet owner and pay your rent dont worry about not being upfront about your pet IF you have other properties you can rent. Remember it costs a Landlord cash to get you out of a property and you can often leave with arrears if they want to act like a dictator.
http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/images_website/talking_comment_fool.png
Wheel and deal a bit in this world and if you ever have to go to the law yourself you'll find out it is often not on the side of the good guy at all - so dont feel guilty about bending some rules vonce in a while whilst you pay that landlord your cash so they can make a nice profit.
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