How do I rent a property when I have pets?
Getting your furry friends accepted into a rented property is a sore subject. More often than not, landlords prohibit the keeping of pets in a rented property on the premise that they pose an increased risk. But finding a pet-friendly property is not without hope.
Why is it so difficult to rent with pets?
When it comes to buying vs renting, buying may be the more suitable option for pet owners as you aren’t subject to a landlord’s criteria. Just 7% of private landlords advertise pet-friendly rentals in the UK.
Although your pet may be of the quiet kind, many landlords may not want to accept a tenant with a pet due to the risk of disruption. This could include noise, such as howling in the night, or damage to furniture that would fall at the landlord’s expense.Because of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, landlords can’t include “unfair terms” in a contract. This includes a ‘no pets’ blanket clause within a tenancy contract. Even still, many landlords may choose to refuse tenants with pets. But this doesn’t mean that finding a home for you and your pet is hopeless.
Tips to find pet-friendly properties
With a little effort and patience, some tried and tested tips can help secure a forever home for you and your pet. We also have general advice on how to rent a property that you may find useful.
1. Let With Pets Scheme
The Let With Pets Scheme is an initiative organised by The Dogs Trust to try and help pet owners find a property.
They have a useful list of property search engines that allow you to filter out rentals that don’t welcome pets. These include Zoopla, OpenRent and SpareRoom. This makes it a lot easier for prospective tenants to decide where to focus efforts on behalf of your furry friends.
2. Request early
To give you and your pet the best chance of getting accepted at a property, send your mandatory pet request to your landlord in writing as early as possible.
Sometimes, it can be a good idea to meet up with your landlord face to face so they can meet you and your pet. This is a great way to build trust with your landlord and put their minds at ease about the prospect of renting to you.
3. Pet CVs
A little goes a long way when it comes to standing out from the competition. A pet CV can help strengthen your case with the landlord, especially when they know that you’ve gone to the extra effort to vouch for your pet.
A pet CV can detail things like your pet’s behaviour and personality. You can also mention their training, both indoors and outside.
Landlords usually like to know when your pet last had flea and worm treatments, as well as their vaccinations.
4. Pet references
Pet references show prospective landlords that your pet has been well-behaved at past properties, and is unlikely to cause them any future problems. You can get references from your previous landlords.
It can also be useful to detail the names of emergency contact details for your pet, especially who you will leave your pet with when you go on holiday.
5. Agree to an additional pet clause in your tenancy agreement
If your landlord agrees to you keeping a pet on their premises, you will most likely have to sign an additional pet clause in your tenancy agreement.
As landlords are not legally allowed to charge a deposit of more than 5 weeks’ worth of rent upfront, you may have to agree to pay more rent or be liable for any damage caused by your pet. This is a secure way to get your pet accepted into a property, as your landlord is covered should your pet cause any damage.
As a pet-owning tenant, read your tenancy agreement carefully and make sure you always follow the rules set out by your landlord.
6. Prioritise animal welfare
When choosing to rent a property to rent for you and your pet, it’s important to prioritise their welfare above anything else. Is there sufficient space for your pet? Will they be safe and happy there?
A big concern for renters with pets is whether the property is near a main road, as this poses risk to an outdoor cat. Other factors to consider include whether there is enough space for a litter tray, or if your pet could be at risk of falling from a height if you are renting an apartment.
Covering some or all of the above will make your landlord feel more comfortable knowing that your pet is being properly looked after and won’t be a nuisance on their property.
What’s the law on renting with pets?
Whilst it may be difficult to find a pet-friendly property, it is now illegal for landlords to include a ‘no pets’ clause in their tenancy agreements.
The legalities can be broken down into three main areas:
1. Tenancy agreement and pet deposits
Before the Tenant Fees Act, landlords could increase a tenant’s deposit to cover the cost of damage caused by a pet, which encouraged landlords to take on a tenant with a pet.
Since deposits have been capped*, landlords are hesitant to take on pets as they would be burdened to cover the cost of pet damage. But this does not mean that renting a property with your pet is a lost cause.
However, the Tenancy Fees Act does not restrict landlords from charging more monthly rent for pets.
*Deposits are capped at 5 weeks of rent (where rent is under £50,000 per annum) or 6 weeks if the rent per annum is over £50,000.
2. The government’s updated tenancy agreement
In 2021, the government passed an updated Model Tenancy Agreement, which permits tenants to keep pets in rented properties by request.
You must apply to the landlord in writing for permission, and the new agreement states that consent is the default position. Landlords must state their objection in writing within 28 days, offering a good reason.
Battersea has an excellent template you can use when requesting permission for a pet.
The updated agreement is great news as there is a much higher chance of pet owners getting accepted into a rental property now compared to previous years.
3. Pet damage insurance
Landlords are not allowed to make pet damage insurance a contractual part of your tenancy agreement. However, pet liability insurance may be a good idea as it gives both tenant and landlord peace of mind that any damage caused by your pet is covered under insurance. Make sure that property damage is covered in your policy.
Find a pet-friendly new home for you and your furry friend
For more on renting in the UK, our guide on how to rent a property takes you through the process step-by-step. If you’re ready to find your new home, explore our properties to rent. You can also get in touch if you’d like to know about our rental properties that allow pets.
