If you’re a landlord in Northampton, you may wonder what to do if tenants have pets. It's a question frequently asked by would-be renters, and we are not surprised!
Almost 60% of UK households have at least one pet*, with most having dogs. Cat ownership comes in just behind. Yet, while the number of people renting privately has increased over the last few years, private landlords in Northampton are often reluctant to rent their properties to pet owners.
Can A Landlord Say No To Pets?
Until recently, landlords could issue blanket bans on all pets except assistance dogs. However, tenants can now request that they be allowed to keep a pet. The landlord must respond to the request within 28 days giving clear reasons if they decide to refuse. In those cases, there must be a good reason. For example the impracticalities of having a large pet in a small property or a flat.
Tenants now stay in rental properties for 4 years on average. Almost a quarter stay between 5 and 10 years and 34% stay for 10 years or more. Renting in Northampton has become more about finding a home to settle down with children, pets, or both.
This means landlords who allow tenants to keep pets could be making a wise choice. Those tenants are more likely to stay in the rental property for longer and take good care of it.
With this in mind, here are four tips to make letting to tenants with pets easier from the Horts Lettings team.
1. Meet With The Tenant And Their Pet
If a tenant wants to rent a property in Northampton and has a pet, arrange to meet with the tenant and the pet so that you can see what kind of animal they have. First-hand observation will offer insights into the pet’s behaviour, size, and temperament.
Regarding the tenants, this meeting can give landlords a clearer picture of how they interact with their pet and their level of responsibility and control. An in-person meeting also allows landlords to voice any particular concerns or rules regarding pets on their property.
This upfront communication can help prevent misunderstandings and pave the way for a successful tenancy. Prior knowledge and a good working relationship with the tenant and their pet can significantly lessen the risk of property damage and other issues during the lease term.
2. Get A Reference From The Vet
Securing a written reference from a prospective tenant's pet's vet is valuable for landlords. It provides an official testimony that vouches for the pet's health, behaviour, and vaccination history, helping landlords to make a more informed decision when considering renting to pet owners in Northampton.
A vet's reference verifies that the pet is well taken care of and indicates that it's less likely to cause damage or disruptions at the property. Furthermore, it demonstrates the tenant's responsible pet ownership and commitment to meeting their pet's needs.
By obtaining a written reference from the vet, landlords can assess the potential risks of having a pet in the property and have added peace of mind when welcoming pet-friendly tenants.
3. Ask What Will Happen To The Pet If The Tenant Is Away
- Will somebody be staying in the property?
- Will the pet be in a local kennel or cattery?
- Will the pet be left alone with someone calling in to feed them?
As a landlord, discussing and understanding what provisions a pet-owning tenant has made for their pet's care during their absence, such as a holiday is essential. This is necessary to ensure that the pet's well-being is maintained. Neglect can lead to potential property damage, noise disturbances, or other complications. If the pet is left behind without proper care, it may become distressed and cause destruction or bother neighbours.
Alternatively, having a steady stream of unknown petsitters can present security concerns. Therefore, a responsible pet owner should have a reliable care plan. This could be professional petsitters, reliable friends or family, or a reputable kennel service.
These considerations help maintain the peace, condition, and security of your rental property in Northampton and ensure the pet is well cared for during the tenant's absence.
4. Include a Pet Clause In The Tenancy Agreement
Including a pet clause in a tenancy agreement is crucial for landlords in Northampton. It sets clear guidelines and expectations for prospective tenants with pets, protecting the property and ensuring harmony within the building or neighbouring properties.
A pet clause allows landlords to stipulate terms around the size, type, and number of animals permitted. It also enables the landlord to outline the tenant's responsibilities for managing their pets, including noise control, clean-up duties, and liability for any damages caused by a pet.
With a pet policy in place, landlords can strike a balance between accommodating pet owners and preserving the condition and respectability of their property.
Renting With Pets
When Horts manage your rental property in Northampton, we will do all the tenant checks on your behalf. We rarely experience problems when properties are let to tenants who own pets, and we carry out regular checks on all properties so that we can spot any issues before they escalate.
If you’re considering renting a property to tenants with pets, contact our team today on 01604 639933 or at northampton@horts.co.uk. We can help make sure that your rental runs smoothly.
*UK Pet Food Survey Data 2022
