Should you allow pets in rental properties

Deciding whether to allow pets in rental properties is a big decision for landlords. After all, welcoming a furry friend into your rental can come with its own set of challenges and rewards. Let's dive into the pros and cons of pet-friendly tenancies to help you navigate this important choice.

The benefits of pets

Pets bring us joy and numerous studies support their positive impact on our well-being. However, they also come with responsibilities, which can understandably concern landlords. It's crucial for landlords to make a clear decision on whether to allow pets in their rental properties and to outline this clearly in the tenancy agreement to prevent any misunderstandings.

Landlords often have the flexibility to specify which types of pets are permitted and may choose to impose additional charges to cover any potential damage caused by pets.

According to research by weroom.com, tenants are willing to pay an average of £484 more per year for the privilege of keeping a dog in their rented home. This financial incentive highlights that allowing pets could potentially increase rental income. Moreover, opening your rental property to pets expands the pool of potential tenants, providing landlords with a broader range of rental prospects to consider.

The good and the bad: Pets in rental properties

Let's delve deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of allowing pets:

Advantages

Higher rental yield: Pet-friendly properties are in demand and can command higher rents due to limited availability.
Broader market appeal: Catering to pet owners expands your potential tenant base, giving you more options when selecting tenants.
Transparent agreements: Clearly outlining pet policies in your tenancy agreements ensures mutual understanding and prevents conflicts.

Longer tenancies and better maintenance: Tenants who find a pet-friendly home are more likely to stay longer since it's difficult to find rentals that allow pets. This helps you build a good relationship with your tenant, and they are more likely to keep the property well-maintained.

Disadvantages

Noise and disruption: Pets, especially noisy ones, can potentially disturb neighbours and lead to disputes.
Allergy concerns: Pet allergens can pose challenges when re-renting the property to tenants with allergies, requiring thorough cleaning between tenancies.
Property wear and tear: Pets may cause damage to the property, necessitating additional maintenance and repairs.

Guidance for landlords considering pets

Because there are few rental properties available for pet owners, The Dog’s Trust created Lets With Pets. This resource offers advice and guidance for both tenants and landlords. Landlords can list their pet-friendly properties to make them easier for pet owners to find. Additionally, the site provides a dedicated section with advice for landlords and letting agencies regarding pets.

Landlords can request a reference from prospective tenants' previous landlords regarding their pets. If the tenant hasn't rented with a pet before, they can ask their vet to provide information on the pet's behaviour.

Some questions landlords can ask about the pet as part of the reference include:

How long did the tenant live in their previous property with pets?
What types of pets did the tenant have at that time?
Does the referee believe the tenant is a responsible pet owner?
Were the tenant's pets well-behaved?
Did the pets cause any damage to the property?
Did the pets cause any disturbance to neighbours or visitors?

Landlords can also obtain specialized insurance for pet-friendly properties or order a Good Practice Pack to learn more about becoming a pet-friendly landlord.

Let Felicity J. Lord assist you

At Felicity J. Lord, we understand the complexities of managing rental properties. Whether you're considering allowing pets or seeking guidance on landlord responsibilities, our expert team is here to support you. From property management services to tailored advice, we ensure you make informed decisions to maximize your investment.