Happy for Lassie to Come Home?

Whilst being a nation of animal’s lovers, where do you stand if you have a prospective tenant who wishes to let your property and have a pet?

Taking into consideration that 25% of the UK population own a pet and that this 25% will be a cross selection of professional occupants.

Although we very rarely have pet-friendly properties, we recommend to landlords not to discount them straight away. As typically pet owners stay in a rental property longer due to the difficulty of finding another pet friendly option. If you have a property in a relatively undesirable location or having trouble letting at the price you like, allowing pets (with strict rules and conditions) may be a saving grace.

Here are some pointers to consider:

• Meet your tenants with their pet. Make sure the pet is suitable for your house, a large dog will not work in a small property but you may find a single cat would be acceptable.

• Enquire what arrangements the tenants have in place for their pet while at work? In the case of a dog, would a dog walker come in and take them out to do their ‘business” - you may also wish to have proof of such services.

• Make it a prerequisite for tenancy that a full professional clean will be required at the end of the tenancy.

• Explain to them that any damage caused by the pet, will be chargeable against their deposit. In this vain, arrange prior to tenancy for a professional inventory clerk to draw up a comprehensive inventory.

• Note that an older and less active pet will likely cause less damage compared to a newborn puppy or similar.

We hope that this assists you and gives you an opportunity to have a longer-term tenant who has a four legged friend!