Pets are people’s modern-day children. You read as well as hear the term ‘fur babies’. They are part of the family. It is all about lets with pets. People and their pets are inseparable.
I just spoke to a dog owner, who was ‘misled’ by a big an estate agency into signing a tenancy agreement without a pet’s clause. The first version of the tenancy agreement had a pet’s clause. When the tenant tried to get out of it, they argued that large costs would be incurred, so the tenant felt ‘forced’ to sign another version without the pet’s clause.
Whilst moving into their so called ‘London pet friendly property’, the landlord had no idea they had a dog. After a lengthy discussion, it has been agreed the tenant could stay until they found something asap.
The estate agency has subsequently called the tenant and said, ‘get out or get rid of the dog’. The fault clearly lies with the estate agency as they did not initially check that the property was dog friendly. When they discovered it did not allow pets, they still tried to hold the tenant to account.
There are an increasing number of lets with pets stories that we come across at Pets Lets of agencies plus landlords not double-checking the head lease and whether there is a no pets clause. Just because you see a dog in the reception, it does not mean dogs are allowed in the building. Sometimes a concierge will ‘turn a blind eye’. That is not the same as being legally allowed to rent with a dog or cat. A pets clause represents your ‘legal protection’.
This interesting article this week on the BBC website highlights the need for a CV for children and dogs The market is ‘crazy’. Properties are being rented in hours or a day or two.
This article ‘spells out’ that even tenants with children and pets are at a disadvantage with landlords. Some landlords see pets and children as causing damage to their property. It is ‘easy’ to say no to a pet. It is more difficult and not ‘politically correct’ to say the same about someone’s children. In fact, it would be seen as ‘wrong’ to question a child’s behaviour.
London property is complicated full stop. London pet friendly property is another matter. Renting with pets is another obstacle to overcome. Can you imagine buying a property, not fully owning it as it is leasehold, which prevents your dog or cat living in your own home. That would be a very costly mistake. Make sure when renting or buying as a pet owner that the ‘head lease’ is pet friendly. Never assume. Your pet is depending on you to provide their home.
As mentioned above, even buying a property with a pet can be difficult. Common sense says, I own the property, so therefore my dog or cat will live with me. Normally that is the case. If your property is leasehold or even share of freehold, yes you do own your apartment, but the building around and the common parts, come under a head lease, many of with in London still say no to pets.
You can be a landlord and be happy to make it a pet friendly rental. You agree an offer from someone who wishes to rent with their dog, only to come to the tenancy agreement to find out that the building will not allow pets. Yet, you have seen people in the building with dogs?
How can that be? Well, some concierges turn a ‘blind eye’, yet legally you cannot enforce your rights renting with a dog or cat. You are unable to insert a pet clause into a rental agreement, which means the management company would have the right to evict you.
There are stories of people buying a property in London, not even considering that this is an issue. Not something you would naturally consider raising with an estate agent or a solicitor.
The Dogs Trust Lets with Pets Scheme is also a useful source of information for pet owners as well as estate agents and landlords to understand the benefits of renting to people with dogs and cats. It offers a few useful tips when rentin with dogs about the need for a pet cv and a landlord reference stating your dogs or cats have been well behaved, caused no damage and you have paid the rent on time.
Buying or renting a London property ask if the property will allow pets?
You have to ask the questions. You cannot just assume that the estate agent or landlord knows 100% that pets are allowed in a property. Quite often you speak to pet owners, they have found a lovely dog friendly rental, only to find out further down the line that the building does not allow dogs. The property owner had no idea about a no pets clause in the building head lease. The estate agent just assumed the landlord knew all about dogs or cats being allowed.
The result being that the pet owner has wasted a lot of time and effort and has to start all over again to find a dog friendly rental. On the other hand, the agent will quickly find another tenant without a pet, so the landlord is also a ‘winner’. The same can be said for buying a pet friendly property. Before you commit to survey and solicitor costs, ask to check the head lease of the property. That will clearly state if there is or is not a no pets clause. Your solicitor can get a copy before starting the process.
Renting with a dog in London or anywhere full stop is all about being responsible. Landlords have enough ‘issues’ about pets causing damage and leaving odours behind. Responsible people with pets work hard to ‘spread the word’ that renting to people with dogs is ‘hassle free’ and the property will not be damaged and will indeed be well looked after.
The percentage of pet friendly landlords will only increase when word spreads that people renting with dogs and cats are responsible. So, it is sad to show this picture of a Central London rental property where the patio is covered with dog poo. This week I was talking to an agent contact of mine. She sent me the picture below of a tenant who had refused access to the landlord saying they had covid. That landlord was considering buying the flat above in a central London building off High Street Kensington. Looking down onto his own patio, he was horrified to see the patio covered in dog poo. That was only outside, no idea what the state was inside.
He immediately instructed his agent to exercise the break clause in the rental agreement which is coming up. All it takes is one ‘irresponsible’ dog owner. They know they are in the wrong, hence they prevented the landlord access. That landlord will probably no longer be pet friendly. Also, the fact that landlord was considering buying another property, means that he or she most likely has a property portfolio. More properties that will now say no to pets.
Landlord Facebook groups are filled with comments of bad experiences of renting to pet owners. Everything from cats scratching the carpets and curtains to dogs chewing furniture and not being properly trained to go outside to do their business.
When renting with dogs in the UK, you must pick up after your dogs. Whether it is in your garden or patio or in a park, common or off the street. It really does give other dog owners a bad ‘name’ and puts landlords off renting to tenants with pets.
Lets with pets, part of Dogs Trust offers good advice to pet owners and landlords looking at the benefits of renting to people with pets. More landlords need to consider letting with pets. That takes time and landlords need to be educated about the merits. Yes you can take a reference, but at the end of the day, it is a ‘lottery’ as to how the tenant will be, regardless renting with or without a pet. Ask yourself ** who can make more damage to a property, a dog or cat or a child or teenager?** From personal experience as a dog owner with three teenagers, I have my own opinion and ‘champion’ the quest to convert UK landlords to consider lets with pets.
- Tenants with pets stay tend to stay longer
- As it is hard to find dog or cat friendly rentals in the UK, pet owners value where they live and look after it
- Pets are part of the family. Like children, people ensure their pets are well behaved
- If as a landlord you are not sure about renting to people with pets, try it initially with a small dog or a cat. House cats, for example, sleep a lot of the day, so do older dogs Some of the many points to consider when letting to people with pets. Pets Lets also offers advice to pet owners through the information hub as well as advises pet owners on renting with pets. We also source pet friendly accommodation with the Pets Lets Relocation Service. After years of experience advising estate agents and landlords on the benefits of renting with pets, we know how to source the properties where landlords will consider renting to people with pets. Fur babies are part of the family. Everywhere you go there are adverts for dogs and cats, from grooming, pet accessories and even dog vitamin tablets.
Dogs and cats mirror people’s children.
What people also forget is that having a pet is also beneficial for children with their development. Dogs and cats, help with mental health, social and emotional skills and help them feel secure. Stroking a pet has proven to relax people. So if pets are such a big part of our lives in the UK, why are landlords not more open to renting to people with pets.
A few irresponsible pet owners can ruin it for the many
- pick up after your dog. People who own properties walk the streets, parks and commons. If they see it everywhere, step in it, it will put them offer renting to people with dogs
A lot of pet owners do not realise what a powerful tool the Pet CV is when applying for a pet friendly rental in the UK. A large percentage of people when renting with dogs for example, do not realise that Pet CV’s exist, let alone make a difference. Even estate agents look at you twice when you mention you have a Pet CV.
Why does a Pet CV help? When a landlord sees a Pet CV they visualise a responsible pet owner, who will look after their property. They have gone to the effort to put down all their details about their pets. It shows how important to them their dogs and cats are. They are part of the family. The principle is the same as a normal employment CV. The better it is collated the more impressive you come across as a potential employee.
Pets Lets secured a property for a client in February 2022 against another relocation agent and two parties without pets. A little surprised we ask the estate agent how? The response was the landlord loves pets, loved your Pet CV and the package you put together. We were not the highest offer either. The main thing with a Pet CV is that the images of your cute pets, can be the difference between a landlord saying yes or no to pets. A cute image(s) of your pets can ‘win’ people over. I have witnessed it. Best not to have a picture of your dog chewing anything or a cat clawing something. That would have a negative effect with a landlord.
Only when you see the sweet images of the dogs and cats, can you then see how unlikely those pets will ‘destroy’ the property. Whether you let to any tenant with or without a dog or cat, it is luck of the draw. As a landlord, experience in property, gives you that ability to know from ‘gut instinct’.
People renting with dogs tend to stay longer as they appreciate the ‘pet friendly roof over their heads’. Sharers are known for creating damage, something we have witnessed at Pets Lets. There is no fixed rule of thumb, and all landlords have their preferences. In an ideal world they would rather rent to someone who is hardly veer in the property, minimal wear and tear.
For more information about renting with dogs and pet cv’s, there is the Dog’s Trust Lets with Pets website.) Very informative with plenty of tips about looking for pet friendly accommodation. The UK property market is complicated enough as it is; when you add dogs or cats to rental properties, it makes it very much more focused as according to UK government statistics only 7% of UK landlords are actually pet friendly when it comes to their properties.
However, steps by the UK government to make it easier for pet owners to rent are merely suggestive and not enforced legally.
Stand Out Amongst the Crowd
Again just like a normal CV, it is about your USP (unique selling point). With landlords, as a pet owner, you are at the back of the queue.
You need to find ways of jumping that queue and getting to the front. A Pet CV is one of the tolls to achieve that. This interesting article from Australis on pet resume tips give a few more pointers as to what to include in a pet cv and achieving that objective of securing your pet friendly rental, whether it is in the UK or in any other country. The concerns of landlords renting to people with dogs or cats is a global one. It is just more ‘entrenched’ in some countries than others. Something that is slowly improving.
The Kurt Zouma, kicking his cats story has highlighted how important pets are to people. With half the UK population owning a pet, they play a big part in society.
Increasing shops and cafes are becoming pet friendly. Water bowls are outside shops during the summer months as a sign you can come inside with your dog. If you own a shop why turn away half your target market.
Everywhere you go you see people walking their dogs and an increasing number of adverts portray pets. Even an energy company this year told people Hug a pet on an LBC interview, which was later retracted, but highlights how ingrained pets are in modern day society.
People call their pets ‘fur babies’ and fur pets’ for reason; they are part of the family. The live with you under the same roof, whether you own your property or you rent with a dog or cat. Moving without them is not up for discussion. Kurt Zouma’s behaviour is deplorable and many pet owners view it as ‘kids’ being kicked. People in their thousands have demanded he be dropped as mistreatment of an innocent child or pet must not be tolerated.
Despite a public backlash, West Ham football club have still decided to play him. They have dealt with matter internally. A £250,000 fine which is a mere 2 weeks wages for this particular footballer. Sponsors are re-evaluating their ties with the football club. At least the RSPCA have taken his cats into custody. It is a situation where action has to be taken. Footballers are public figures and this kind of mindless behaviour cannot be left unpunished.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”. The UK can certainly be seen as ‘great’ the way they have responded. Thousands have protested, sponsors have dropped Zouma as well as West Ham and there could be further action by the) RSPCA
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
The UK is seen globally as one of the pet friendliest nations.
Half the UK population have a pet and over lockdown an extra 3.2 million people in the UK adopted a pet. This is a huge statistic. It represents a change in modern day life, with increasing number of people having ‘fur babies’. Dogs and cats are people’s children.
Yet, according to 2021 UK Government statistics, only 7% of landlords currently advertise their properties as being pet friendly. This is such a small proportion of pet friendly rentals. You don’t have to be a mathematician to realise this will become a huge issue and have consequences. Post lockdown, pets are already being abandoned and one of the main reasons is because landlords say no to people looking to rent with pets.
Nobody questions your children when you are looking to rent. School and behaviour references are not required. Yet children have crayons and paints and can damage a property.
When it comes to renting with your dog or cat, otherwise know as your fur baby, you need to provide a pet cv, a reference from a previous landlords to say whilst renting with your pet, that no damage was caused to a property. In addition, landlords ask for funds up front, at least 3-6 months, because of this ‘mythical perception’ that dogs and cats can wreak mayhem in a property.
At Pets Lets, we specialise in finding UK pet friendly rentals for clients. We offer a pet friendly relocation service, so we come across all kinds of situations. For example, we recently had a landlord ask for 12 months rent up front from our client despite the property being unfurnished with wooden flooring. We were ‘scratching our heads’ to see what could possibly be damaged apart from a small area of worn carpet, which our client offered to cover with rugs. Their pets cv’s and pet friendly references were impeccable. For more information on this, have a look at The Dogs Trust, lets with pets information website.
Pets are part of the family. By landlords saying no to pets, it is the same as not allowing people’s children. With circa 50% of the UK population owning a pet and an extra 3.2 million pets being adopted over lockdown, this represents a growing number of potential pet owning tenants across the UK.
Owning a pet has become more the ‘norm’. You see people all the time walking their dogs. If so many people own a pet, logic would dictate that these same people need a place to live. Yes, the UK is a pet loving nation. Cafes, shops, department stores have opened their doors to dogs. The last frontier to ‘welcome pets’, are landlords.
The main reason why landlords are so fearful about renting to people with pets, is all about ‘supposed’ damage pets can cause. A buy to let property is an investment. Even fellow pet owners are reluctant to allow pets in their rental properties. A case of the ‘head’ ruling the ‘heart’ or simply ‘money’ over ‘sympathy’ for fellow pet owners.
It is all about changing the mindset of the UK landlords and agents when it comes to pet friendly rentals.
With Pets Lets being a pet friendly relocation agency as well as a UK property portal where landlords consider pets, we work with people who love their pets every day.
It is surprising how quickly some UK landlords and some estate agents say no, when you mention your clients have a cat or a dog. Despite that, it is slowly improving as landlords cannot ignore the post lockdown surge in people renting with pets. The fact that the UK government merely suggested and did not enforce landlords accepting pets, did not help the situation of those people renting with dogs or cats.
The Dogs Trust Lets With Pets Scheme is a good source of information when researching into pet friendly accommodation in the UK. It gives tips on how to get a landlord to change their minds from no to a yes when renting to people with pets. The diary of a pet friendly relocation agent is to show a brief insight to what the role entails when searching for and agreeing pet friendly rentals for clients.
What do I need to know about renting in the UK with my dog or cat? According to a Pets Mag poll, the UK is a nation of dog and cat lovers, which of course came first and second. Surprisingly the guinea pig and hamster came 29th and 30th very strange, as you see them in many households with younger children.
Everywhere you turn, there are adverts, TV programmes featuring all kinds of dogs and cats. Over the years in the UK we have grown up with the iconic Andrex puppy advertising toilet paper and running off and having fun making a mess. Another iconic dog mascot, dating back to 1961, is the Dulux dog , a beloved UK icon. This shows how much we are a pet loving nation. Brands have been built off the back of dogs and cats. Why because they appeal to us and endear us to the brands. A dog has nothing to do with paint or toilet paper. It is more the sweet and ‘playful’ element that makes it work. The naughty Andrex puppy.
That is why the UK pet population has suddenly accelerated withAn extra 3.2 million pet owners over lockdown which also ties in with [pets and mental health(https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/pet-dog-cat-mental-health-lockdown/). Pets make people happy and forget the everyday stresses.
There is no doubt with lockdown and in general, people can get very lonely. The highest rate of loneliness tends to come in bigger cities, in particular London. Research has proven that having a cat or dog brings joy to people. It gives them a companion. Gets people out the front door to take the dog for a walk. Before you know it you are socialising with fellow dog owners.
A family friend lost his wife last year and he was given a labradoodle puppy by his immediate family. They really thought having a puppy would cheer him and prevent him from being lonely. I saw him the other day. He said in the last 8 months he has met so many people and made some great friends just by going on local walks with his dog called, Duu. It brought a smile to his face just talking about it
When it comes to pets and property, damage is the main concern landlords have. At Pets Lets we talk to agents and landlords whilst we are finding pet friendly rentals for clients. Landlords are concerned primarily by damage and smells and how that will affect future tenants with allergies. However, adults damage properties; there have been many places we have been to where the landlord is carrying out extensive works because the last tenants ‘trashed’ the place. Also, children have be known to have paint brushes, crayons, parties and like anyone can cause some damage. To say dogs and cats, cause extensive damage is an ‘exaggeration’, when most sleep all day.
With any rental property, there is a tax allowance for wear and tear. With a tenancy, there can be accidents, or some tenants do not look after properties. People renting with pets, should not be ‘classified’ as ‘home wreckers’.
As a landlord, taking on a tenant, it can be ‘luck of the draw’. How responsible will they be? We have seen tenants over the years ‘work the system’, not pay the rent up until eviction, knowing they can get away with it. However, with pet owners looking to rent, you are so grateful when you find a property that will allow your dog or cat, that you want to look after it and stay longer term. People renting with pets are more responsible than your average tenant without a pet. Most dogs are trained, and a lot of our clients have Pet CV’s as well as a reference from a previous landlord.
Landlords do over complicate the ‘issue’ of renting with a dog or cat. You don’t ask about children’s ages or how well behaved they are. To do so, would be ‘insulting’ to many parents. Dogs and cats are to many their ‘children’; yet people renting with dogs and cats are questioned all the time.
The UK is a pet loving nation. Over lockdown, a staggering 3.2 million pets were bought over lockdown. So why do people talk about how difficult it is to find pet friendly rentals in the UK? It is a big topic of conversation across social media, at dinner parties, and is on the ‘agenda’ in the House of Commons, to make it easier to have Pets in Rented Homes.
Yet, the UK Government has so far refrained from legally enforcing landlords to accept pets in rented accommodation and has instead made suggestions. The end result is that nothing has changed, and the majority of UK landlords will opt for tenants without pets. The Dogs Trust Slogan of a dog is for life and not just for Christmas or indeed lockdown is so true.
Having a dog or cat is like having a child that needs to be looked after. Children go to nursery or to school, why not consider your dog being looked after by a dog walker or when you are away, there are plenty of people or companies who look after dogs. Adopting a pet has to be thought through and not just done on a whim.
Pets Returned Post Lockdown
Post lockdown has seen an increase in the number of dogs being returned due to lack of time with a return to working life in the office as well as difficulties in finding pet friendly accommodation. Unfortunately, too many people, when the going gets tough, return the family pet for an easy life.
The majority of UK landlords will not consider pets, with others only renting to tenants with pets, once all other avenues have been exhausted. Some landlords will even try and charge extra pet rents. There are some pet loving private landlords who are happy to allow pets in their rental properties. You find many that fall into this category, are renting out their own home, where they lived with their family pet, so to them it is not an issue, just natural.
The private rental market is set to grow to 22% by 2023. Rising property prices, difficulties saving for a mortgage deposit as well as stringent mortgage criteria, have already been forcing many to rent.
The focus has moved away from the ‘obsession’ with bricks & mortar and having a mortgage, to renting, seeing your friends, as well as being able to travel. Build to Rents (BTR’s) are changing the face of the rental landscape in the UK. Good news for pet owners is that 47% of build to rent (BTR) developments are stating they are pet friendly.
With the Government having recently Said No to Changes on the Tenant Fees Act, BTR’s may offer a quicker solution whilst the Government revaluates the renting with pets sector in the UK. Fingers crossed, one day in the near future, they will amend legislation on renting with pets.
I have always thought that pressure on private landlords rather than forcing more legislation on them, is the key to making them adapt and allow pets in the rental properties. I even come across dog owners, who love pets, sympathise with the lack of pet friendly properties, yet when it comes to their own rental portfolio, say no to pets. Money unfortunately talks. BTR’s will ‘hurt the landlords purse strings’. That is the way to force landlords to re-consider allowing pets.
BTR’s see renting with pets as a huge sector. By 2025 it is forecasted that 52% of millennials and generation z will be pet owners. The core target markets. Something BTR’s as well as private landlords cannot ignore.
We have seen many companies such as Blockbuster and HMV unable to adapt and cease to exist. The same can be said for private landlords; adapt and consider pets or lose out, have months with a vacant property which will lead to a fall in rental yields. Properties that are currently under construction have increased from 34,744 to 36,415 units – a rise of 5%. Unlike many private landlords, Build to Rent providers often manage the whole building, purpose-built for renting, and seek to prioritise a high level of service, property management and the building of a community where people are happy with or without pets.
They have listened to their target audiences, from allowing pets, to a concierge, inclusion of utilities and broadband in the rental prices as well as the creation of social and working communities. This is compared to closing the door to your flat, not knowing anyone and paying a high rent to a private landlord you never see..oh yes and you are not allowed to adopt that puppy you always wanted due to the buildings no pet clause. You can understand the appeal of the pet friendly build to rent alternative.
In 2018 alone, £2.6 billion was invested, up 11% on the year before. That growth was supported by major institutions such as Greystar, M&G Investments, Legal & General and a number of private equity firms, and the forecasts suggest that growth is here to stay.
Lloyds Bank are investing in BTR’s through their off shoot company, Citra Living with plans to build 5000 new homes. A large percentage will no doubt be pet friendly.
The question is can landlords actually refuse pets and what are the rules and regulations. This interesting guide from My Urban Jungle offers an up to date guide on renting with pets in the UK.
“We tell landlords they have to consider tenants with pets. Demand is too high to ignore. We see this changing a lot in 2022 with more pet friendly properties coming on. Competition is tough though against people without pets.” North London Agent, August 2021.
”We see an increasing number of landlords saying yes to a small dog or house cat and being won over by cute images.” Pets Lets Relocation Consultants
Did you also know that after lockdown, 80% of prospective tenants asked that no pets clauses be removed from tenancy agreements as they were thinking of adopting a pet. That figure has now dropped to as little as 10% as many landlords refused to remove the clause and open their doors to renting to people with pets.
A recent article in the Evening Standard highlighted how 2 in 5 UK households bought a puppy over lockdown. Look at it another way; that is 40% of UK households. A huge pool of potential tenants.
Also according to the {Pet Manufacturers Association](https://www.pfma.org.uk/news/pfma-releases-latest-pet-population-data), by 2025, it is predicted that 59% of millennials and generation z will have pets. The UK is increasingly becoming like mainland Europe, where an increasing number of younger people are having to rent. People can no longer afford to get on the housing ladder.
If individual as well as portfolio landlords do not start to consider allowing pets, they will lose out to an increasing number of build to rent companies as well as big companies investing in the UK residential property sector. Lloyds Bank is heavily investing in property and has set up a separate company called Citra Living. They see the evolving needs of tenants, including those with pets.
Amend Tenant Fees Act to make bringing pets into rented accommodation easier, say MPs, peers and campaigners
A cross-party group of over 35 MPs and peers have joined leading pet charities and landlord associations have penned an open letter.pdf to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging him to amend the Tenant Fees Act after new research demonstrated the negative impact the Act has had on pets in rented accommodation.
New data in a report being published tomorrow, “Heads for Tails”, by pet charity AdvoCATS, finds that almost one in five landlords who previously allowed pets in rented accommodation have stopped doing so since the passage of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019. This is because, as the report explains, “the Act effectively prohibits landlords from asking for pet damage insurance and it fails to include a separate pet deposit as part of its list of permitted payments.” As a result, many landlords have imposed a blanket ban on pets or increased rent for pet owners.
The report finds that public opinion and industry opinion among landlords would favour the introduction of pet deposits and pet damage insurance. Over half of pet-owners would be willing to take out pet damage insurance if required by a landlord and three-quarters of landlords support pet insurance according to the research.
With my 16 year old having finished his GCSE’s what better way to celebrate than take him away with our beagle/ basset, Biscuit & Co Founder of Pets Lets, as well as a friend of my sons to experience a dog friendly holiday on the Isle of Wight.
Simple to get to from London and the ferry to Fishbourne from Portsmouth (insert Whitley ferries link) was easy. We even arrived early and drove straight on to a ferry. Before 8.30am we were on the Isle of Wight with all three asleep in the back of the car.
Holidaying with a dog can be more complicated when looking for place to stay. On Pets Lets we list pet friendly rentals from long & short lets to holiday lets and now dog friendly pub rooms. We work a lot with Michael Paul Holidays, who are so helpful and recommend and decided to use one of their resorts that we list on the Pets Lets portal. Biscuit needed to ‘sniff’ the place out.
When going on holiday with a dog or more than one dog, there are other things to consider. At your dog friendly place to stay, having that safe and secure bit of outside space makes such a difference in the morning and at night. Far more relaxing and stressful. Save the harness and leads for the main walks during the day.
At Pets Lets, we work with clients from all over the world looking to relocate with their pets. They are astounded by how difficult it is here in the UK to find pet friendly rentals.
In other counties if you want to rent with your dog, it is a simple process. Yet here in the UK, it is a ‘hotly debated topic’.
Landlords are keen to protect their investments and are concerned at the potential damage can do to their properties. It takes one irresponsible pet owner to have a knock-on effect with landlords and estate agents. Talking to property professionals, you hear about cats scratching carpets and dogs chewing furniture.
Yet 9 times out of 10, pet owners are far more responsible than tenants without pets, and you can argue that dogs and cats damage properties less than children. On the other hand, pet owners are equally as vocal about landlords and agents not listening to them and ‘flatly’ saying no to pets.
At Pets Lets we specialise in finding pet friendly rentals. We talk to landlords and agents as well as visit developments all the time. The topic of conversation is how landlords should be more open minded when renting to tenants with pets.
According to the is BBC News article, only 7% of landlords allow pets. It also refers to ‘renters being allowed to keep well-behaved pets’. In fact, nothing has changed. The law has suggested rather than enforced that landlords should consider pets.
The Pets Lets pet friendly property portal list properties that allow cats and dogs all the time. It is about landlords considering pets as dogs and cats vary in size and quantity. We come across pet owners all the time who are looking for rural unfurnished properties because they have more than four dogs, need the space and would prefer that their own furniture has ‘wear and tear’, rather than worrying about the landlords furniture. It is about giving landlords the ability to consider each case. Don’t say no to all pets. If the tenant has a small dog or a house cat then that is a different proposition to a pet owner with a number of pets.
People renting with pets do stay longer and do tend to be responsible as they appreciate the landlord allowing pets
More information about the properties mentioned in this blog is on Pets Lets a 100% pet friendly property portal where landlords consider pets.
The Best Pet Friendly Property Portals & Facebook Groups
Anyone coming to the UK and London with a pet, realises sooner or later, that finding rentals that allow pets is not easy. It is time consuming and a lot of landlords and estate agents say no to pets We are a pet loving nation, 50% of the population has a pet and lockdown witnessed a surge in people adopting pets, in particular puppies.
By 2025, it is estimated 40% of the UK population will be renting. In London alone that figure is set to increase to 60%. Currently 50% of the UK population has a pet. 30% of pet owners do not declare their pet(s) to their landlords. Hundreds of pets a year are returned to shelters because landlords say no. Refusing pet friendly accommodation has a negative effect on society.
In the UK, basically landlords are afraid of what they don’t know. A pet means damage to many and they hear horror stories. Unlike the other afore mentioned countries, a UK landlord cannot ask for a bigger deposit, add a request for pet insurance and a deep clean to be written into the tenancy agreement. Unlike their counterparts overseas, their hands are tied. Yet it is forecast that by 2025, 60% of the UK population will own a pet. With a younger ‘generation rent’, that is over half the available tenants. Something has to change. The recent suggestive approach by the UK government is not enough and it needs to be regulated.
Pets Lets is a London-based pet-friendly property portal with over 20 years of experience. They help pet owners find pet-friendly rentals and also offer a UK relocation service, as well as advice and tips for pet owners.
At Pets Lets, our network of UK relocation consultants are constantly speaking to agents and landlords across the country about pet friendly properties. We are so passionate about the subject of renting with pets in the UK that we have set up a Pets and Property Tips Facebook Group where we can offer professional advice.
Questionable Extra Fees for Tenants with pets
Otherwise known as pet rents, pet owners are finding themselves charged an extra rent per month for a pet, ranging from £20 – 50 per month. Finding pet friendly accommodation or landlords that will consider renting to people with pets can be tricky. Adding another fee on top is too much. It is merely a backlash because of the 2019 tenant Fees Act which made the landlord absorb some of the tenant’s costs. People renting with pets is an obvious way to recoup those costs.
We have even come across an Estate Agent trying to charge dog background checks
Summary of changes in UK legislation in renting with pets
As the Founder of Pets Lets, a Landlord, pet owner, a property search agent for over 20 years, I have a lot of experience dealing with landlords and agents.
I came across a person recently who has a dog and rents out a property. They agreed that is hard to find a property that allows pets, but as a landlord they would not allow people with pets. You would hope that a fellow dog owner would be a more sympathetic landlord.
We are so passionate about the subject of renting with pets in the UK that we have set up a Pets and Property Tips Facebook Group where we can offer pet owners struggling to find a pet friendly place, professional advice.
Why NOT to hide a Pet from your Landlord
Did you know that just under half the UK population owns a pet? It would not surprise me if that has now risen to 50% with the pre and post lockdown rush to adopt a pet. We all know friends or relatives who have a new puppy. In the US, 85 million families own a pet. A staggering statistic.
So, it is not uncommon for people to have a dog or cat. To many your pet is part of the family, it is like having a ‘child’ that you look after, who welcomes you home each time. Even if you have been gone for only 5 minutes. It’s comforting for everyone. You move into your home and settle in.
What’s missing; of course, a ‘four-legged’ friend. Always wanted a cat or dog. What will the landlord say? How will they find out? We never see them. They don’t drop by. What could possibly go wrong, it’s fine.
In a city where cafes, pubs, and even department stores have opened their doors to our four-legged friends, why are London’s landlords bucking the pet friendly trend?
To answer this question–and to shed light on how to find pet friendly apartments in London–I’ve invited Russell Hunt to share his expertise.
Russell is the Founder of Pets Lets, a 100% pet friendly London property portal with a relocation service and a hub of information about dogs in London. Pets Lets is a community where people with pets matter, and Russell is a staunch advocate for increasing the number of pet friendly landlords in the city.
At Pets Lets we ask landlords to consider pets. Look at it on a case by case basis. Property Owners can 'consider pets' without feeling obliged to let to people with a dog or a cat. You can stipulate a small dog or a cat or even allow more than one pet. It is totally up to you. The layout and size of the property will also be a factor. We suggest you meet the tenants with their dog(s) or cat(s). You will know very quickly whether it will work or not.
In the pet sector, we are all working hard to make it easier to live with your pets. It takes a while to convince agents and landlords that having a dog or cat in your property, will not cause excess damage or upset your neighbours. All it takes is one bad dog owner and that landlord will never rent again to someone with a pet. Worst still, if that landlords owns a big property portfolio and is well connected in the London residential sector, then the damage done by one irresponsible owner is far greater.
Moving with your pet is emotional. Your four legged friend is part of the family. To many another child. There is now way you would leave your dog or cat behind.
To a landlord, renting out their property is a business decision devoid of emotion. It is all about the tenant being able to pay the rent. If the tenants is hardly going to be there, then minimal wear and tear to the property is more appealing. To UK landlords, having a dog in the property means damaged furniture and neighbours being woken up during the night by barking.
It is an out of date mindset. People have parties, children draw on the walls and adults vape or smoke. Most dogs sleep, exercise outside and are well behaved. Like people there is the odd exception which gives pets as tenants a bad reputation which agents and landlords remember for a long time.
Under the 1988 Road Traffic act 1988, dogs are seen as property as are some other animals such as cows, sheep and horses. Unlike injuring or killing a person with your car, running over a cat or dog or a collision with an animal, does not have to be reported.
In 2020, when nearly half the UK population has a pet and when dogs and cats are seen as people’s children and part of the family, these acts really are from Medieval Times.
In the UK, it is not against the law for a landlord or letting agent to charge an extra ‘pet rent’. In addition to you paying for your own rent, your four-legged ‘furry friend’, which is part of the family, is charged an additional rent. With some pet friendly rentals, it is not unusual to pay an extra £20-50 per month. Naturally that comes out of the pocket of people who own pets.
The 2019 Tenants Fees Act has had a negative impact on dog and cat friendly rentals in London and across UK Cities. How can you say no to dogs who wants to be part of the family. They cannot be left behind. Only 10% of London landlords offer dog friendly rentals.
London is viewed by many as a welcoming Capital for people with pets. People come from all over the world with their dogs and cats to work as well as attend University or a College. London really is a top pet-friendly relocation destination.
Research has shown that owning a pet can decrease stress, improve mood and boost opportunities to socialise. Whether to are travelling on the underground, shopping or walking in the parks and commons, if you have a dog, people will come up and talk to you. It opens up a whole new London pet friendly world.
London is a hub of pet activity. It is hard to walk in any part of London without seeing people walk their dogs. We are a pet loving nation and pets are like family and make people happy. More and more ‘boutique’ pet shops and groomers are opening across the Capital.
Britain is a nation of dog lovers. In a large Capital City like London, it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of dogs from French Bulldogs, to Cockapoo’s to Labradors to Dachshunds to Beagles running around in the parks and commons with their four-legged friends. You also see dog owners talking to each other. A great social life for all. And yet, renting in London with a dog or even a cat is difficult.
