Pets in lets: what do you need to know
Having a pet can have a positive impact on people's wellbeing, but when it comes to pets in rented properties landlords can be nervous due to the increased risk of damage that pets can present. The introduction of the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May will give tenants the right to
ask to have a pet.
But this doesn't mean tenants can have any pet - or any number of pets - in any property. Requests will have to be made in writing and decisions will made on a case-by-case basis for each pet. Landlords will only be able to withhold consent though if there's a valid reason, such as the property not being suitable for the pet(s) in question or if there's a health risk to others living in there. Although mortgage terms will not be an acceptable reason to decline a reuest if the property is leasehold and the head lease bans pets this
is valid.
The maximum amount that can be asked for a security deposit remains at the equivalent of 5 weeks' rent, even if a pet is introduced to a tenancy. For this reason, and as requests will have to be made in writing, at Brittons Lettings we've devised an application form for tenants wishing to request a pet. It will ask for details about the animal and for proof of responsible pet ownership, both to reassure our landlords and to ensure the wellbeing of any animal brought into a tenancy. Questions cover vaccinations, pet insurance and the care needs of the animal, following discussion with the RSPCA West Norfolk.
Our aim is to have happy landlords, happy tenants and happy pets and getting it right from the very start is how we see our role in achieving this.
Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, if you've got any questions about pets in lets we're here to help.
