Renting with pets

The Homesforte guide to renting with pets

These days, more and more landlords welcome tenants with pets. As long as everyone is on their best behaviour, we believe this is a great thing. Read on for all our top tips when it comes to finding and managing luxury lets with pets.

Renting with a pet – tips for tenants

Honesty’s the best policy

If you’ve found the perfect rental spot but the advert says “no pets allowed”, what should you do? We’d recommend asking the letting agent to see if the landlord may be open to a discussion. Ask what the landlord’s concerns are, then consider what you can do to provide reassurance.

Be positive and flexible

Most landlords are reasonable people who’re keen to find happy tenants who’ll take good care of their properties. They may have never considered offering a pet-friendly let as banning pets seems a simpler option. However, with a bit of thought and sensitivity, ‘no pets’ can turn into ‘very special pets allowed’.

Allow a little extra budget

Typically landlords are concerned about potential damage your pet may cause to their property. You can ease these worries by taking practical steps like offering a higher deposit, and suggesting professional cleaning (at your own expense) when it’s time to move out.

Get pet references

If you’re already in a pet-friendly let, positive references from your current landlord, your neighbours and your vet can really help. Think outside the box – if your dog joins you at work, ask your employer to also mention their good behaviour in their reference!

Create a pet CV

The Dog’s Trust recommends creating a special CV for your pet:

“Use the CV to talk about your pet’s behaviour and personality. You should also mention any training your pets have received and how they behave inside of the home. Include details of your pet’s last vaccinations and flea & worming treatments. You should also provide your landlord with the contact details of your vet and someone who can care for your pet in case of an emergency.”

We haven’t seen one of these – yet! – though look forward to receiving our first. Another thing to consider is offering to introduce your pet to your potential landlord, so they can see how well behaved and well-cared for Fido or Kitty is.

Accept that it’s not always possible

Sometimes landlords aren’t in a position to accept pets – many luxury apartments have ‘no pets’ clauses in the leasehold. These rules are set by the management company that runs the whole development, and exceptions are rarely made for homeowners or their tenants.

Be open-minded

If at first you don’t succeed, we recommend opening up your search criteria. If you’re searching for a pet-friendly flat, ex-Local Authority or housing authority properties can be a good place to start. Less competitive postcodes can also provide more options.

Pet-friendly lets – hints for landlords

When you weigh up whether to rent your property to tenants with pets, there’s much to consider. You’ll access a wider pool of potential tenants who may be keen on a longer term lease – but there are downsides too, like potential damage to your property. Here are our top tips if you decide to welcome furry (or feathered) friends.  

Pets allowed – or pets considered?

If you’re not 100% sure about allowing pets, why not consider a flexible policy? That way, you can make a case-by-case decision depending on the pet(s) and the property. For example, while you may be happy to welcome a single well-behaved dog in a small garden flat, a furry family of multiple cats and dogs might not be ideal.

Ask for a vet reference

Did you know that you can ask pet owners for additional references, including a vet’s reference? This is particularly important if the tenant is renting for the first time and can’t provide a previous landlord’s reference. Your potential tenant’s vet will be able to tell you if a pet is well cared, if the owner is responsible, and can warn you about any potential issues such as poor training or destructive behaviour. If a tenant isn’t happy to let you talk to their vet, be concerned.

Discuss an appropriate contract

Many pet owners are happy to assure you by paying a higher deposit, or agreeing to terms like professional cleaning on vacation. Consider what will make you feel comfortable, then ask your letting agent to negotiate terms.

Keep in regular contact

Checking in regularly with tenants is always a good idea. As well as building a positive relationship, you can solve any issues quickly and amicably. We feel this is particularly important if you welcome pets. A good property management company will be happy to perform regular friendly check-in inspections if you’d rather not do this yourself.

If you’re considering welcoming pets in your rented property, please do contact us with any questions. You may also find the Dog’s Trust Lets With Pets website helpful.

Categorised in: GUIDES