Finding a suitable rental can be challenging enough. However, it can be nigh-on impossible for those looking for pet-friendly rentals with furry friends in tow, with many landlords adopting a ‘no pets’ policy.
Almost half of UK households own a pet, with 26% of people owning a dog and 18% owning cats. With more people in their 30s and 40s renting than 20-years ago due to high house prices, the need for pet-friendly properties has never been higher.
This article looks at the existing rules around renting as pet owners and how to find pet-friendly properties.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets?
Only 7% of private landlords currently advertise their pet-friendly apartments. Many are hesitant to do so due to potential damage caused by unruly cats and dogs.
However, even though so many landlords are reluctant to open their doors to a pet, that’s not to say that they can’t be persuaded.
To help renters with pets find a pet-friendly property, In 2021, the UK Government introduced the Model Tenancy Agreement.
Model Tenancy Agreement
Before the Model Tenancy Agreement came into force, landlords could apply a blanket ban on pets at their properties.
Indeed, the old standard tenancy agreement did not refer to pets, and any tenants that wanted to have a pet in the rental could only do so by submitting a written request to their landlord and receiving written consent.
Now, any agent or landlord using the Model Tenancy Agreement has a legal duty to give full consent to you to keep a family pet; cat, dog, or other animals automatically. Permission will only be able to be withdrawn if they lodge a written objection within 28-days.
This is great news for pet lovers and pet owners alike.
How to Find a Pet-Friendly Property
Finding a landlord who accepts pets is easier than ever, whether browsing online or through an agency.
All good online estate agents now have a pet-friendly filter as part of their advanced search criteria to automatically filter results to only show listings that accept pets in the website search results page.
If you’re searching through a letting website agent, then be specific about looking for rental property with pets allowed. You’ll be surprised at how many pet-friendly homes there are.
How to Win over Your Landlord
Landlords still see renting their property to tenants with four legged friends as something of a gamble.
The best way of winning your landlord over if they show reluctance to rent their property to pet owners, is to show them you are a responsible owner.
Make a folder of all of your pet’s important documentation and show them to the owner of the rental flats. This should include:
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Up-to-date vaccination records
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Microchip and licence numbers
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Neuter / spay certificate
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Vet’s contact details
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Recent photos of your pets
If you are undergoing a house move from another rented accommodation, ask your previous landlord if they could provide a reference that states your pet is well behaved and didn’t cause damage to their property.
Indeed, to give further peace of mind to your new landlord, you could provide photographic evidence to show that you had kept a petfriendly rentals without damaging the property.
Organise a Meet and Greet Session
Before you agree to rent properties, it can be a good idea to ask your landlord if they would like to meet and greet your pets. You could ask them if they could do this in the apartment you’re hoping to rent, to help get your dogs or cats used to the property, or on neutral ground. As well as showing your landlord that your pet is well-behaved, it’s another excellent opportunity to correct any behaviour on the spot and display your responsibility in person as a pet owner.
Important: Assure them that if your pet does damage any of their property, then you will be happy to pay for repair.
Stick to the Lease Agreement
Once an agreement has been signed for you to rent your new home, it is your duty as a renter and tenant to stick to the lease agreement for the flat.
Don’t be tempted to try and pull a fast one and introduce your animal to the property after the lease has been signed without your landlord’s permission. This could result in complaints from neighbours and land you in hot water legally as a breach of your tenancy agreement.
Renting a pet friendly home can be a difficult task, but by following certain advice, you can ensure a great new home for you and your pet.
We hope this will help you with your search for new pet-friendly flats.
