For many of us, pets are our family. For those people, it’s difficult to understand why some landlords are so averse to welcoming them into their rental properties.
Pets have been proven to help us live mentally healthier lives and with 51% of UK adults owning a pet, it’s incomprehensible to imagine that we would be forced to leave behind our beloved animal just to secure housing.
However, when we read horror stories online about carpets infested with fleas, cat urine sprayed up walls or skirting boards and bannisters chewed away by dogs it can strike fear into a landlord. Especially when we’ve invested time and money into these lovely little homes sprucing them up with a professional clean and a lick of paint between tenancies.
Under the Renters’ Rights Bill of course, it will become illegal to discriminate against renters with pets. So how can we ensure that by welcoming these furry visitors into our properties, we don’t get bitten?
1. It’s common sense to seek out a previous landlord reference for your tenant, so why not do it for the pet too! Did the previous landlord have any issues with the pet? An aggressive dog for example could make property inspections very difficult.
2. Ask to meet the pet. Proud pet-owners are often delighted to show off their cherished critters and even more so if they think it will improve their chances of securing their next home.
3. Ask what their plans are for pet-sitting / or dog-walking during work hours and holiday time. A responsible pet-owner will know the answer to this question without hesitation! Bear in mind a house cat or a new puppy will need additional enrichment to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Outdoor cats may need a cat-flap fitting.
4. Can the applicant provide up to date veterinary records showing flea and worm treatments? Can they evidence that the animals has been spayed or neutered, if so the risk of spraying around the house is significantly decreased.
5. Ask if the pet is insured and if so, would the applicant be prepared to share details of the policy? If not, it may be an opportunity for you to review your own landlord insurance policy and bolt-on pet damage as required. It’s worth considering the latter earlier so you can determine the rent accordingly.
When selecting our next tenant it’s important we have all the information to make an informed choice. A happy tenant is generally a good tenant which equates to a content landlord and a longer relationship. A great result all-round. Some would even say it could be purr-fect.
Victoria Valentine is a landlord advisor at Landlord Action.
Tags:
Comments