Lettings
Anyone who is a pet owner will tell you that their pet is part of the family. Owning a pet has also helped them reduce stress and anxiety. But for renters, often find it difficult to find a home suitable for themselves and their pets. Some are often forced to give up a pet because a landlord has a no pets policy.
In the UK, around half of adults own a pet. According to RSPCA, in 2018, there are approximately 12 million households have pets with around fifty million pets owned. But how hard it is to find a pet-friendly place for renters?
Can I find a landlord that allows pets?
Yes, there are landlords that allow a pet in their rental property but finding a rental property that allows pets can be difficult especially in London. The vast majority of buildings in London do not allow pets, even if it is okay with the landlord for a tenant to have pets. The landlord may own the flat, but the leasehold agreement may state that they do not allow pets to live in the building.
How to find a rental property that allows pet?
The easiest way to find a rental property that allows pet is to ask a landlord beforehand if they allow a pet in the property. It’s more logical to ask a landlord first rather than asking the landlord later on.
Start your search online
Online is the best place to start looking for resources.
Speaking with the landlord or letting agents directly can be useful because you can address any concerns they have about taking on a pet in the rental property.
What to improve my chances of renting a pet-friendly property?
Make sure your pet has been vaccinated with proof of vaccination and dewormed and deflead. Also microchipping your pet helps you improve your chances of success of being allowed to have a pet in a property. Moreover, the pet should have taken obedience training and you must make sure that your pet responds to the basic command to show that your pet can be trusted.
Can I convince my landlord to allow pets?
If you have found a property but the landlord does not allow pets, or the tenancy says that “pets can be considered” then it is up to the landlord whether they will allow you to rent.
But you cannot sneak your pet into the property.
But not all cases are entire to the landlord because in some cases there are restrictions in the leasehold that do not allow pets to live in the building.
Can a landlord refuse pets?
Currently, landlords have the right to refuse your request to have a pet in their rental property. If a landlord is using the Model Tenancy Agreement that was released by the government, then they are not allowed to refuse pets in their rental property.
Although there is a new proposed bill - The Dogs and Domestic Animals Accommodation and Protection Bill to allow pets in a rental property, but it has not been passed yet.
BLUESTONE PROPERTIES
Bluestone Properties is a letting agency in south London. We provide services in south London and surrounding areas. If you are a landlord and would like help managing your portfolio of properties, please get in touch.
