As a landlord it is likely that you will have come across pet owners who want to rent your property, however, it can cause a bit of a dilemma, as there are always concerns that allowing a pet could lead to more damage being created. Here we answer the question “Should I allow pets in my rental property?” so you can make a decision about what’s right for you.
What does the law say about pets in rental properties?
Currently there are no laws related to allowing pets in properties, which means it is a decision that is entirely down to the landlord.
Steps have been made to make things a little easier for tenants, with the government’s ‘model tenancy agreement’ including consent for pets as standard. If landlords decide to use this agreement it means that pets cannot be banned outright.
Instead, the landlord will have 28 days to provide an acceptable reason for rejecting the request.
What are the benefits of renting your property to tenants with pets?
Some of the benefits of renting your property to tenants with pets include:
- Studies have shown that pets can have a positive effect on people’s mental health, especially for those who live alone.
- For landlords that allow pets to stay in their property it means you have access to an even larger pool of possible tenants.
- Tenants know that it can be difficult to find a landlord that will allow them to keep a pet, so are more likely to stay longer in the property if they are given permission.
- It could also be considered fair to increase the rental rate on a property if you allow pets to live there. Increasing the rate by a small amount will account for any additional wear and tear caused by having a pet.
What are the negatives of renting your property to tenants with pets?
There are also some downsides to renting your property to tenants with pets and these are also worth considering as part of your decision.
- Pets can cause unexpected damage to the property – although this can be claimed back through the deposit.
- When the tenant moves out, extra work may be required to remove pet hair from the carpets and upholstery.
Tips for Landlords if they decide to allow pets in their rental property
If your final decision is to allow your property to be let by tenants with pets, here are some tips you can use to make things a little easier to manage:
- Meet the pet before the tenancy
If you find a tenant that seems suitable and they have a pet, ask to meet them again but this time with their pet.
- Update the tenancy agreement
Update the tenancy agreement related to the specific pet that will be housed in your property, rather than just including a generic clause about pets. It should also say that the tenant accepts responsibility for the care, control and cleaning of the pet.
- Take an inventory
It is good practice to take an inventory even without a pet in the property, but there is an added importance when one is present. This ensures both parties have a clear record of the condition of the property before the tenancy starts that can be compared against at the end.
Ultimately, as the landlord, it comes down to whether you see more pros or cons with allowing a pet into your property. As we mentioned, if you use the government’s ‘model tenancy agreement’ you must provide a good reason for refusing a pet to live in your property, should you receive a request.