It is standard for rental contracts to not allow tenants to have pets. It is obvious why: pets have claws which can damage furniture and decor, they have fur that can be almost impossible to clean away, and they can cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Most tenants understand why landlords are generally reluctant to take pets, but that does not mean that they are always willing to give up their furry friends when they move into a new rented property.
The growing number of renters who have been forced out of home ownership may have had their well-loved pets for years. Finding that they cannot get a landlord who will allow them to have pets, they often decide that they will keep their pets regardless, and hope they don’t get found out.
Dealing with pets
Landlords who find that their tenants have been keeping pets against their contract terms are, of course, within their rights to evict. But with Britain being such a nation of pet-lovers, would it be better if landlords took a more flexible view of pets in their properties? Given the risk that tenants will move their pets in regardless, it can be best to allow pets, but only if certain conditions are met. There are ways for landlords to protect their homes against pet damage.
-Talk to the tenants’ previous landlord before you let – ask for a reference for their pet, as well as for them.
-Consider the type and number of pets: a single cat or small dog is much less likely to cause problems than several cats or a couple of big dogs.
-Ask for an extra deposit to cover any damage caused by the pets.
-Carry out regular inspections to check for damage. If there is any, ask tenants to make it good themselves or you may have to go through your landlords insurance.
-Impose extra conditions on the tenancy: for example, pets to be kept in at night, or tenants to redecorate at the end of the tenancy.
Landlords who do allow pets may find that they reap rewards. Tenants who may have spent several frustrating weeks looking for a landlord who will allow them to keep their pets are likely to want to stay put for a long time rather than repeat the process.