Should you let to tenants with pets?

Many Landlords say No to pets, but should you?

As a Landlord, you may be concerned pets will cause damage to your property, annoy neighbours or just create problems in general when renting to tenants with pets.  Research shows only 7% of private landlords advertise properties as pet friendly, yet 40% of all UK households own pets.

Is saying No discrimination?

Politicians and animal charities are now getting involved and uniting to rectify what they see as discrimination, but recently this has caused some confusion as to whether or not there is a legal obligation to now accept pets.  On 28th January 2021 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced changes to the Model Tenancy Agreement to make it easier for tenants with pets to secure rental accommodation.

It is NOT a legal requirement for Landlords to automatically accept pets, although this may change in future,  Last year, the Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill successfully passed its first reading in parliament.  Tenants will be asked to undergo checks to prove they are responsible owners and pets are well trained.  Any Landlord who does have strong objections, must make their views known in writing within 28 days to the tenant and these objections must be reasonable ie concern over animals welfare or suitability of the type of pet for the property being let.

Use of this agreement is voluntary and many professional agents use their own legally compliant version, but the Government’s Model Tenancy Agreement is recommended as best practice for self-managing Landlords.

You are no longer able to request extra deposit or insurance to cover any potential damage done by pets, and if the rent is increased to include pets in the agreement it must be made clear at the advertising stage.

With everything in mind, we strongly recommend a comprehensive professional inventory and schedule of condition report is completed at the outset which will help prevent any dispute at the end of the tenancy.

Given that tenants can find it difficult to find suitable rental accommodation for them and their pets, and are often faced with ‘no pets’ clause, placing tenants with pets often leads to longer term tenants who maintain the living space really well.

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