4 ways to make sure you find a good tenant with great pets!

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Although it’s not a legal requirement to let a property to tenants with pets yet, there are several moves to make it more difficult for landlords to say ‘no’. This includes wording in the Government’s own ‘model tenancy’ which some landlords use that will prevent them from “a blanket ban on pets”. The tenancy agreement assumes that ‘consent for pets will be the default position’, and if the landlord objects, they have to respond to a tenant’s request, in writing, within 28 days to explain why.  

In addition, the recent white paper on ‘Rent Reform’ indicates this will be widened to all private landlords letting property and will include a mediation process if the tenant feels the landlord’s refusal for them to let with pets isn’t fair.

With over half of households having a pet, but only 7% of properties advertised to let with pets, renting to animal lovers could be a great way to secure a long term, excellent tenant, who may even pay a little more rent.

However, it’s essential to carefully reference check both the tenant and the pet(s). Here are four ways to check a tenant and their pets before you let to them:-

#1 Meet the pets

This is an excellent way to make sure the pet living in your property isn’t going to be a noise nuisance to neighbours or indeed cause damage. Ask the tenant to meet you at the property with the pet and you will soon know if they are a good pet to let to.

#2 Vet checks

If a tenant looks after their pet well, they are likely to be known by their local vet. Dogs and cats will need vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and some vets offer packages to provide these, so check with your tenant if they are up to date with the required care and ask for a written vet reference.

#3 Emergency and holiday care

A sensible pet owner will always know who will look after their pet in an emergency, be it a dog sitter, local kennels or friends and family. So check who will look after the pet when needed and, as a landlord, it’s worth keeping these details to hand, just in case.

#4 Assistance dogs cannot be refused

If a tenant has an assistance dog, it’s important to be aware you cannot legally refuse a let. And remember they will be very well trained and are a lot less likely to cause any damage to your property or a nuisance to neighbours.

If an agent is fully managing your property, it will be their responsibility to check both the tenant and the pet. Check too that the agent will do regular visits to the property to carry out periodic checks. This helps tremendously as the agent will pick up problems before they become a real issue.

Thinking of letting your property and considering letting with pets? Speak to someone at your local Leaders branch and we can explain how to let to tenants with pets safely.

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