Pets - are they problematic in rental properties?

How many of us own a pet?

Cats

Dogs

Hamsters

Rabbits

Guinea pigs

Reptiles

Frogs

Fish

Snakes

Parrots

The list is endless...

Pets are part of the family and yet, when it comes to renting pets can be a real problem.

No one wants to give up their pet to have to live in their preferred home so why are pets such a bone of contention when it comes to tenants finding a suitable home?

Here, I'd like to try and break down some of the issues when it comes to pets in rented properties.

Firstly let me start by saying, I am not anti pets! I love animals. I have had everything from dogs to chickens and if I had to move I wouldn't want to chose who gets to come with.

That being said, I have also had puppies eat the floor, chew the furniture and piddle up my door frames during that challenging first year.

From a landlords perspective, I completely understand why there is sometimes a concern around the added wear & tear to a property.

The problem landlords face at the moment isn't really the pet, it is whether or not the owner is responsible enough for that pet!

Due to the tenant fee ban act of 2019 landlords can no longer charge tenants for pet damages.

Why not?

Well not all pet owners have insurance or the right level of cover for that matter.

Some owners have pets they can't afford and as such, may not have the financial means to repair damages caused by their fury little pals.

Other owners, like myself, don't always know what sort of pet personality they are dealing with when rescuing with little to no history.

My current pup for example is fantastic until we leave a room and she goes about an absolute reign of destruction. Laptop chargers, tea towels and ornaments are all for the win!

So why do pets get turned down?

There are many reasons why landlords currently refuse pets.

1. They may not be pet lovers themselves! Landlords who do not have pets may find it very difficult to understand why we crazy pet lovers would want cats or exotic reptiles. They simply don't get the appeal and don't want it in their property.

2. Due to changes in legislation landlords are no longer able to take higher deposits to cover pet damages or charge for such at the end of a tenancy.

3. A particular property might just be unsuitable for a certain type of pet.

As an example, a large block of flats with a big breed of dog may not be suitable for a few reasons.

🐾 Those awkward times when chappie the dog is suddenly unwell and needs to go out a lot more often.

🐾 There may be no outdoor space for them to freely stretch their legs. 🐾 The lease may simply prohibit dogs or any pets.

✨ A leasehold agreement that prohibits pets is not up for discussion. The reasons are endless but quite often the clause will relate to pets not being kept in conditions and space which is less than satisfactory. It also pays consideration to those pets that would have to cross over communal areas, potentially causing an issue for residents living in close proximity. (imagine if chappie had an accident in the communal stairwell!)

Even if a landlord was willing to accept pets in this instance, they would be trumped by the terms of their lease.

Cats as we know are fiercely independent creatures.

Outdoor cats would not be suited to living in a high rise where they have limited access to the ground floor space.

House cats or rabbits may also make landlords apprehensive because there may be a risk of a bored cat causing damage to carpets and woodwork.

Those of us with animals have all had accidents around the home. It's inevitable when you have inquisitive little paws running around.

Hamsters, rats, mice and house rabbits are all potential re-offenders when it comes to eating cables. Cats love to hunt and claw whilst Dogs love to bowl over your plants and scratch at the back door to be let in!!

🤔 Ultimately what it comes down to is 'Responsible pet ownership'. 🐈‍⬛🐾

Will landlords ever be more accepting of pets?

The proposed renters reform bill is set to address landlords outright refusing pets to ensure that there is fair consideration on a case by case basis. Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse a pet if the circumstances and property are a suitable fit.

I for one, am very committed to supporting responsible pet ownership and the renters reform bill appears to echo this.

It will hopefully allow for some real give in the legislation with the tenant fee ban act also being amended to allow landlords to insist on tenants having the appropriate insurance.

An extract from gov.uk website reads;

"the Renters (Reform) Bill will allow landlords to require insurance covering pet damage. This will provide landlords with reassurance that any damage caused by a pet can be taken care of, and that the responsibility for preventing and resolving damage caused by a pet will fall to the tenant. We will publish guidance for landlords and tenants before the new rules come into effect."

Change is imminent and ultimately, if you truly are a responsible pet owner you will find the right landlord to support your whole family, paws and all 🐾

To read the full 'renting with pets' proposal visit the gov.uk website or click below.

Renting with pets: Renters (Reform) Bill