It is understandable why many landlords would prefer to not let rental property to tenants with pets. It is also easy to see why many tenants are desperate to find rental accommodation which allows them to live with their pets.
While most landlords would prefer to not avoid a group of willing tenants, the costs and lost time associated with cleaning a rental property with pets is an issue.
Cleaning rental property with pets is expensive
At the end of the tenancy, a lot of time and money has to be spent restoring the rental property to a suitable condition. For many landlords, this is too high a cost.
However, it might become harder for landlords to avoid letting to tenants with pets, or at least receiving applications from tenants looking for pet-friendly rental property.
If you would like to talk about this matter, or you need guidance, please contact Andrew Lees Lettings today.
The Government says landlords are no longer able to issue a blanket ban on pets. A statement released at the time said; “Instead, consent for pets will be the default position, and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.”
What do landlords think about the current situation?
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP commented: “We are a nation of animal lovers and over the last year more people than ever before have welcome pets into their lives and homes. But it can’t be right that only a tiny fraction of landlords advertise pet-friendly properties and in some cases, people have had to give up their beloved pets in order to find somewhere to live.”
The Housing Minister continued by saying; “Through the changes to the tenancy agreement we are making today, we are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords. This strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that’s right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords’ properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly-behaved pets.”
Should landlords allow tenants with pets?
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, issued a tweet on the matter. The tweet stated; “Too few renters can enjoy the pleasure and companionship of pets. We’ve updated the standard tenancy agreement to make allowing well behaved pets the norm – and are encouraging all landlords and agents to adopt it.”
Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Adviser of Propertymark comments: “Whilst we acknowledge that allowing pets can make a property more desirable and encourage tenants to rent for longer, even the best-behaved pets will have an impact on a property. The UK Government must recognise the impact of their decision to cap deposits and the knock-on costs that landlords face. This is a complex issue that is determined on a case-by-case basis highlighting the need for landlords to get advice from a professional letting agent.”
As an experienced letting agent serving the Bridgwater community, and many of the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We promise to stay in touch with the latest technology, helping our clients to achieve more, and we aim to support the local community as best we can. If there is anything, we can assist you with; please contact Andrew Lees Lettings today.