Can I say 'No' to pets?
It’s estimated that 51% of adults in the UK own a pet, and many will be looking for a place to rent. So, as a landlord can you say ‘No’ to pets ?
Understandably every landlord wants to minimize damage to their property, and pets can cause damage. It’s estimated that only 7% of landlords advertise their property as suitable for pets, which illustrates that there’s a consensus for not having them. It is true that pets can cause various issues; chewing skirting boards and other items in the house, scratching doors and furniture, staining carpets, damage to lawn and garden, not to mention odours, pet hair and fleas! However, that being said, can and should you say ‘No’.
The short answer is ‘yes’ you can say no to your tenant, or perspective tenant, should they ask to have a pet, indeed in some cases a Landlords lease may specifically prohibit it. However, a tenant does have a right to request a pet, and as most are part of the family tenants will be attached to them.
There are plans to legislate that landlords do not unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home. The Government wrote in the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper:
“Domestic pets can bring joy, happiness, and comfort to their owners, as well as supporting their mental and physical well-being, including through challenging times.”
Alongside this, the Government’s plans to amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to include pet insurance as a permitted payment. This means landlords will be able to list pet insurance as a requirement, so that any damage to their property can be covered. This is NOT LAW yet though!
Remember it’s a breach of contract to move a pet into your property without permission from you as the landlord, so your tenant must always make a request beforehand.
If you give your permission for a tenant to have a pet what should you do to protect yourself and your property…
Meet the pet!! Make sure you meet the animal and that you are happy. Are they barking and jumping around uncontrollably or are they calm.
Encourage your tenant/applicant to be honest. Talk to them openly about the pet they have and arrange to meet it. It’s no good believing a tenant that tells you that their pet is ‘quiet as a mouse’, only for a week later to receive a call from neighbours complaining about loud barking next door.
Talk with the tenant. Make sure you talk to tenants about any troubles that may be caused and how you’d like them to mitigate this risk.
Ask care questions. Are the tenants responsible pet owners? What is happening with the pet when they are not there? Do they have a pet hair vacuum cleaner? Do they have rugs and throws to protect from dirty paws, a scratching post for cats and chew toys for dogs to keep them away from furniture?
Confirm in writing. Make sure you confirm in writing exactly what pet you are giving your tenant permission to have, as well as what your expectations are in terms of the property and cleanliness. This means there can be no confusion down the line and will also help should you need to claim from their deposit in the future.
Carry out inspections. Carry out your initial inspection within a month so any problems can be nipped in the bud quickly. Then carry out your usual 6 monthly inspections. Any changes or concerns you have make sure you confirm to your tenant in writing.
We all know a pet can be an integral, loved part of a family. So if you decide to allow your tenant to have one we hope this information helps. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here and ready to help.