Tenants with pets; Should I allow them in my rental property?

It is not uncommon for landlords and letting agents to not allow tenants with pets into rented properties. Usually, it is found the landlord or letting agent is worried about the property being damaged. The question of keeping the property clean also comes up when landlords and letting agents consider allowing tenants with pets.

Understandably, the risks of cleanliness issues and damages to be sorted out in preparation for a new tenant can be a deterrent to the landlord and letting agent. Reducing rental void periods are usually the landlord and letting agents top priority when a tenancy is coming to an end.

However, if the landlord or letting agent considers the benefits of allowing tenants with pets in your rented property you might be quite surprised!

Almost half of all UK Households own a pet. This could be anything from a dog down to a hamster or fish. That’s a huge number of potential pet-owning tenants looking for properties to rent across the UK. If the landlord and letting agent agree to have their rental property open to pet owners immediately the property is more desirable to a large group of potential tenants.

As a matter of fact, you will find that these new potential tenants are more inclined to find a long-term rental property as opposed to short term. Given that it is a challenge for these tenants to find properties in the first place. If they find one that fits their needs, they’re more likely to want to stay long term.

Tenants with pets

Look at the benefits of allowing tenants with pets into your rental property:

Long term rental periods

You will find that tenants looking to rent with pets are more likely to look for long-term rental periods. A tenant who is struggling to find a property to rent with pets will be very grateful that they have finally found one. If the property suits their needs then they are far more likely to stay for a longer rental period.

More applications for your property

A landlord or letting agent advertising a pet-friendly rental will be in high demand. As they are not so common to find these days. The tenants that are looking for these types of properties will be very keen to get their foot in the door. 54% of tenants were unable to find a property to rent with their pet. Opening this as a possibility will drum up more interest

Responsible tenants

Generally, a tenant that owns a pet will be more responsible as they too have the responsibility for the care and wellbeing of the animal. There will be a good chance that they will be very respectful too. Given the initial difficulties of finding a property that will accept their pet makes the rental property of even greater value to themselves.

Higher rates

It can be possible to increase the rent or the deposit taken when allowing pets in your property. There will be a higher respect to your property. The higher deposit will allow for adequate cover if there are any issues at the end of the tenancy.

Reduce rental void periods

Lastly, but certainly not least. Rental void periods can be reduced by having a property available for pet owners to rent. This once again is due to the high demand for a pet-friendly property.

Sad puppy

The cons of allowing tenants with pets in your property

Greater chance of damage

The nature of some animals can be unpredictable. If for instance, the tenant has an energetic puppy in the property you could find scratches and bite marks to the contents of the property. When left alone for long periods or very lively a larger animal living in the property can be prone to causing damage.

Pet fouling and odours

Pets can cause the property to start developing an odour, this can be an undesirable aspect of renting to pet owners. There are also chances of the animal fouling in the house, they are animals after all.

A deeper clean

When the tenancy comes to an end, a deeper and high quality clean will bring your property up to a desirable standard for rent. This can be an extra expense to think about, however, if the tenants follow directly as they should. The property must be return in the same condition of cleanliness as it was once left.

Prevention

A landlord or letting agent choose to rent their property to tenants with pets its good to know there are a number of prevention methods you can use to avoid the cons.

Pet Referencing

The landlord or letting agent can, first of all, carry out a “Pet Reference”. This is where the tenant will establish information about the behaviour of the pet, how long the pet will be alone, the behaviour of the pet and so on. The behaviour of the pet can then be judged by the referee.

Pet clause & Policy

When the landlord and letting agent has decided to allow a tenant with a pet to rent the property. It is possible to include a pet clause in the tenancy agreement. This can cover areas such as defining the type and name of the animal. Only with the landlord’s consent, tenants will be able to have more pets in the property.

It is also possible to include a clause about any damages caused by the pet. The cleaning agreement will ensure tenants have the property cleaned to a high standard when the tenancy comes to an end.

Regular inspections

Finally, having regular inspections before, during and at the end of the tenancy will help the landlord and letting agent monitor the property. These inspections will be able to identify any damage and changes in condition that have happened to the property.

A landlord and letting agent that also employs the use of property visits will be a great benefit. This gives the landlord and letting agent the ability to keep an eye on the tenancy. Even while the tenants are still occupying the property. Any possible developing problems such as odours and damages to the property will be flagged. If the living quality and conditions of the property are being greatly affected then the relevant action can be taken.

For more information about renting to tenants with pets, head over to the Lets with Pets website by the dogstrust

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