Pet owners face challenges when seeking rental properties so the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has teamed up with Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to release advice to tenants on how to secure their dream rental property for them and their animals.
The lack of rental accommodation in the private rented sector means competition for accommodation is growing. Renters who own pets could find themselves increasingly sidelined in favour of individuals without pets, if they do not market themselves in the right way.
Research from the United States shows that tenants who own pets usually stay for longer, by an average of 23 months compared to 15 months for those without pets. The association made between pets and property damage, however, is causing concern among landlords. With over a third (36%) of people now renting and pet owners taking up to seven times longer to rent a home compared to non-pet owners, it is an issue pet fans need help to address.
Susan Fitz-Gibbon, president of ARLA, said: “Finding the right rental accommodation can take time, especially if you own a pet. Some landlords believe pets cause damage to their property and furnishings. However, often the reality is that pets are no trouble and are, in fact, a signal that the tenant is committed to making the property a home.
"Turning down tenants with pets may mean that landlords are not only forgoing good tenants but losing out on longer lets. In light of this, ARLA, in association with Dogs Trust, has drawn up some advice for pet-owners looking for homes.”
Clare Kivlehan, outreach projects manager at Dogs Trust, said: “With more and more people renting and almost half of UK households owning a pet it can be frustrating trying to find a landlord who is willing to accept pets.
"We launched our Lets with Pets scheme to help pet owners and to encourage landlords and lettings agencies to consider pets by providing advice and information.
"There are simple steps that tenants can take to enhance their chances of securing a tenancy. In the current market, it is essential that pet owners make themselves stand out from the crowd and to show they are responsible pet owners.”
Tips to help prospective tenants with pets looking to move into a new rented property:
- Consider a higher deposit: One of the main reasons landlords do not rent to pet-owning tenants is because they are concerned about damage to their property. By offering to pay a higher deposit, it can offer the landlord peace of mind that any damage will be covered. It might also be worth offering to pay for professional cleaning on leaving the property. That also illustrates commitment to maintaining the property - who wants to lose their deposit?
- Pet information: When trying to secure a tenancy it is important to provide as much information about your pet as possible. It is worth including references from previous landlords and even vets to show that your pet is well behaved.
- Meet and greet: What better way to show that your pet is friendly and to alleviate any concerns the landlord might have about their behaviour, than to arrange a meeting with your pet. Even a brief meeting could be enough to change a landlord’s mind.
- Written permission: You should always get any agreement with your landlord to allow your pet in their property in writing. That will provide proof if there are any disputes in the future.
- Be flexible: Not all landlords will be open to renting their property to someone that has a pet, so it is important to remain flexible in both location and type of property.
- Speak to ARLA agent: If you are still struggling to secure a tenancy because you own a pet, speak to an ARLA agent.
- Visit the Dogs Trust Lets with Pets website to search for a pet-friendly letting agency in your area - letswithpets.org.uk
