When it comes to pets being allowed in a rental property, they’ve historically generally been a no-no for most landlords and their tenants. However, in recent years with pets becoming more and more popular, and the benefits that they have for individuals and families becoming more well known, as a landlord, should you consider allowing them in your rental property?
A recent study revealed that tenants were willing to pay up to £484 more rent a year if they could have a dog, so financially it could really benefit you to allow pets in a rented property, plus potentially there is a bigger pool of tenants to then choose from.
So should you allow pets in your rental property? We explore the pros and cons below…
Pros
- Tenants are often willing to pay more for pet-friendly properties as they are less common, meaning you could potentially charge more rent if you allow a furry friend to live in your property.
- The number of pet owners in the UK is high, so offering a pet-friendly property for rent increases the number of potential tenants.
- If you are clear about pets in your ads, prospective tenants won’t need to lie about their pet ownership, meaning that you can both be honest and upfront, and set rules and boundaries that you’re both happy with.
- Tenants who have found a pet-friendly home are more likely to be long-term renters, as it’s harder to find a property allowing them. If you have a good relationship with your tenant, they are more likely to look after your property with their pet in it.
Cons
- Some pets can become an anti-social nuisance to neighbours if they’re noisy and bark or make noise all the time.
- A property that has previously contained a pet may be difficult to rent to anyone with allergies in the future unless deep-cleaned, and if the pet’s owner doesn’t keep their pet (or the property) clean, then a property can smell very quickly, putting off potential future tenants.
- Some pets can be a nightmare when it comes to keeping a property and its furniture in good condition – scratching and chewing are common place in both dogs and cats, so make sure you draw up an agreement stating who is responsible for such wear and tear if a pet is allowed.
As a landlord you can help protect yourself by asking prospective tenants to provide a reference from a previous landlord when it comes to their pet. You can also decide to agree to allow certain pets and not others, or add charges for any extra wear or tear to the property caused by the pets.
