CONSIDERING RENTING TO TENANTS WITH A PET, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

The UK Government has revised its model tenancy agreement template making it easier for tenants to keep pets as the default option. And, with a considerable percentage of the population owning pets, landlords and agents will need to be aware of their rights and obligations when renting to pet owners.

Here, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme provides insights on renting with a pet in the property.

What is a Model Tenancy Agreement?

Under the new Model Tenancy Agreement that is recommended by the Government, landlords can no longer issue blanket bans on pets. Instead, landlords will need to actively object, in writing, within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.

This could be, for example, the property being too small meaning it would be impractical to keep a pet.

If consent is given on the condition that an additional deposit is paid by the tenant, the total deposit must not breach the deposit cap introduced under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (for tenancies in England only) and must be protected in an authorised tenancy deposit scheme such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

What damage can landlords prepare for?

Being prepared is crucial for a successful tenancy, especially when renting to pet owners.

Landlords should consider the kind of damage that pets can cause, this will help to focus on potential problem areas when conducting the inventory and checkout reports.

Potential issues to be aware of include:

Chewing of skirting boards
Scratching of doors and furniture
Stained carpets
Damage to lawns and gardens
Odours
Pet hair on furniture and carpets
Fleas

Advice for landlords renting to a tenant with a pet

We recommend that a specific pet clause be included in your tenancy agreement.

This clause should clearly outline the responsibilities of the tenant with regard to maintaining their pet in the rental property, and the responsibilities should include any

Necessary cleaning
Pest control
Additional garden upkeep
Repairing any damage caused by the pet

By including such a clause, both the landlord and tenant can ensure that the rental property remains in good condition and that the tenant’s pet is properly cared for.

Make sure you include specific details within the clause on the number and type of pet(s) allowed in the property gives less room for dispute over what the tenant is responsible for, and whether deposit deductions are reasonable at the end of tenancy.

Advice for tenants

For tenants looking for help convincing their landlords to accept pets, guidance on background information should be provided. For example:

Provide details of the pet’s breed (whether it sheds hair, is hypoallergenic, is large or small, etc.) with confirmation that is not listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act or Dangerous Dogs Act;
Include a profile of your pet with details about whether it has been treated for fleas, when it was vaccinated if it has been neutered, whether it is microchipped and if it has been trained;
Demonstrate your pet’s past behaviour by providing a reference from a recent landlord.

Frequently asked questions

Although pet disputes are not among the most common in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, we have seen a few cases that have been related to pets and have used this experience within the guide. Understandably, landlords and agents have many questions about pets in properties. The guide includes expert answers to the most frequently asked questions including:

Can I charge a higher rent to tenant pet owners?
Is a breach of the pet clause enough to claim for a deposit deduction for damage?
Do I have to allow pets in my property?
My tenant has a pet in the property without permission – what do I do?

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme’s ‘Pets in Properties’ Guide is now available to download for free here.

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