Lets for pets – what landlords need to know
At Outlet we’re are huge animal lovers and are known as the pet friendly estate agent. We are therefore always keen to hear from landlords who accept pets in their properties. More and more landlords are considering taking this step – on this page we look at all you have to know and what you need to do; letting to pets makes financial sense after all!
Also please feel free to read our other super pet friendly lettings pages with advice and tips. Outlet, the UKs most pet friendly estate agent. Woof woof!
Benefits to landlords
As almost half of the UK owns a pet, not allowing them in your properties could mean you’re missing out on those who are likely to be some of your best tenants.
So here are some benefits guaranteed to get tails wagging:
Increased demand for your property – with so few properties on the market that accept tenants with pets, your property will be in high demand. Pet-friendly properties are much sought after and won’t be vacant for long.
Tenants who stay longer – pet owners know how difficult it is to find rented accommodation that allows pets so they are more likely to stay longer than those with no pets.
Responsible renters – owning a pet is a major responsibility, and those who take that step are likely to be more responsible generally. The lack of rented accommodation for pet owners also means that tenants will be less likely to do anything to jeopardise their tenancy.
Recommendations – as one of a minority of landlords who allow pets, your tenants will soon spread the word that you’re a good choice for anyone looking to rent.
The right thing to do – a survey by the Dogs Trust fund that 54% of pet owners were never able to find a suitable property that accepted pets, and that 8% of people had to rehome their pets. Although the situation is slowly improving, by being one of the minority of landlords who do allow pets, you’re helping pets and their owners to stay together.
Successful letting with pets
Insurance policies, such as contents insurance and landlords insurance, will not cover any damage caused by pets to property or furnishings and this can be a worry for landlords. We therefore recommend one or more of the following for your peace of mind:
Higher deposit – We generally ask a new tenant for a higher deposit to cover any damage that might be caused by their pets – typically eight weeks’ rent rather than the usual six.
Pet payment – If you are particularly worried about certain pets, for example dog breeds with shedding coats, you can ask us to arrange for a non-refundable pet payment to cover the cost of professionally cleaning the carpets, soft furnishings and curtains once the tenant has moved out.
Pet reference – In some instances we might ask prospective tenants to provide a reference for their pet from a previous landlord. Should, however, the tenant not have rented a property with their pets, we might seek a reference from their vet. We do understand in some cases a reference may not be possible or realistic, for example small pets. (“Goldie is very friendly, doesn’t need walking and always stays in his tank; he does, however, have a memory span of only a few seconds.”)
Pet clauses – For landlords who sign up to our Lets with Pets scheme we encourage the insertion of a clause within the tenancy agreement which covers the conditions under which the tenants must abide. An example of our comprehensive pet policy which is incorporated as a schedule to the tenancy agreement can be requested from our office. This will cover areas such as maintaining proper health and general care of pets, ensuring they don’t become a nuisance, and so on.
Other considerations – You could ask to meet the pet, if it’s a dog breed you’re unfamiliar with, for example. If you’re a leaseholder rather than a freeholder, do also check the terms of your lease just in case it prohibits pets. (You may still be able to approach the freeholder to ask for the terms to be changed, however.) Depending on the size of your property, you may also want to limit the number of pets you allow, but do remember that some animals prefer to live in pairs.
Added financial bonus – For all landlords signing up to our Lets with Pets scheme we in return honour to reduce their letting fee by a full 1%. In addition should the tenant we find for your property eventually come with a pet we donate £50 to the Dogs Trust. Applicants and their offers are always put forward and it is entirely the discretion of the landlord as to whether they are suitable for their property.
Talk to us about registering as a pet-friendly landlord
We are the UK’s most pet friendly estate agent with, amongst other initiatives having the only website whereby you can search for properties with accept pets.
Renting with pets? Read our other super pet friendly pages with advice and tips. We really do specialise in matching pet owners to pet friendly landlords.
Allowing pets for your lets benefits not just owners and their pets, but you as a landlord. Just take a look at some of our success stories.
We’ll help you with any of the paperwork mentioned above, and when we market your properties, we’ll also make it clear that you’re pet friendly – we guarantee that this should ensure you get more enquiries – and some great tenants!
To find out how we can help you to get started, please contact us
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