Calls for more landlords to accept tenants with pets

Animal shelters who are struggling to cope with the increased number of animals are pleading with landlords to be more relaxed with their rules in a bid to combat the growing numbers of unwanted pets.

Jane Shepherd and her group of volunteers have run The Algernon Animal Trust in Whittlebury for over a decade, and they are currently running at double capacity. Unfortunately she expects her intake to increase again this year. Ms Shepherd is calling on all private landlords to help pet owners who are suffering in the current economic climate.

Jane said: “One of the problems people face is having to leave their homes and not being allowed to take beloved pets into rented accommodation. Landlords need to rethink their restrictive policies to avoid splitting families up and creating more strays. I’ve dealt with people who have told me they’ve offered extra money or a larger deposit.”

Landlords who exclude pet owners from their properties are missing out on a large number of possible tenants as 46% of the population have some form of pet. If landlords adopt a more pet-friendly approach they can easily increase demand for their property and have a better chance of attracting long-term, responsible tenants. Property owners do appear to be more relaxed about pets now and a recent survey by the Dogs Trust revealed that landlords are becoming more inclined to accept pets than many letting agencies realise. Many are now not just taking out buy to let property insurance but also adding a pet clause to tenancy agreements. This type of clause can easily be incorporate into the tenancy agreement and on signing this, the tenant pays a deposit to cover any damage caused by their pet to the property or furnishings during the term of the tenancy.