So states the opening line of the Lets With Pets website which is a scheme set up by The Dogs Trust to encourage landlords and letting agents to consider renters with pets.
Any tenant with a pet knows how incredibly hard it can be to secure rental accommodation with the vast majority of landlords stating ‘No Pets’ in their adverts.
From a landlords point of view it is entirely understandable and I have taken on many new properties from other agents where the landlord has allowed pets and they have unfortunately caused damage. This is of course not the pets fault, but more obviously a issue with the pet owner. It’s also an issue with the agent or the landlord not carrying out periodic inspections to check on the condition of the property and being surprised 2 years later that there is a problem.
We’ve successfully let to pet owners and actively encourage landlords to consider this. A pet friendly landlord can open their property to a whole new market place, can an edge over the competition and often secure a much longer term tenant.
My top 5 tips for letting with pets are;
-Take proper references. We suggest a previous landlord reference and possibly a reference from a vet.
-Visit the tenants current residence to meet the pet and asses current living standards, where possible.
-Take a higher deposit to provide you with some reassurance. Maybe £250 extra per pet.
-Be realistic on the number of pets a property can take, 1 small dog may be appropriate to some houses but 2 dogs and 1 cat may not.
-Draw up a pet schedule for your tenants to sign, agreeing the behaviour of the pet and what steps should be taken at the end of the tenancy i.e. professional carpet cleaning.
Lets with pets have produced a pet schedule that we would always recommend is used. Pet Policy
For further advice on lets with pets contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01785 223344
