The Lowdown on Pet Friendly Tenancies

There has been much discussion recently on the subject of pet friendly tenancies, with campaigners on the case and a number of initiatives in the pipeline. But there is also confusion, with recent developments having prompted the assumption that landlords are now legally obliged to accept pets. How much truth there is in this notion, and just where the whole situation is up to, is something we’ll explore in this post.

Many landlords have traditionally declined pet owners as tenants for fear of pets causing damage to property and furnishings, annoying neighbours or generally causing issues. Research by SpareRoom shows that although 50 per cent of households in the UK currently own pets, 69 per cent of private landlords refuse to accept them.

As a result, political parties and leading animal charities have united to resolve what they consider discrimination against responsible pet owners. Recent developments however have led to confusion for landlords, with many concerned as to whether or not they are now legally obliged to accept pets.

Are landlords legally obliged to accept pets?

Currently, landlords are not legally required to accept pets, although moves are underway to make it law in the future.

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell is a long-time campaigner for the introduction of the Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill, which successfully passed its first reading in parliament in 2020.

The MP’s campaign, nicknamed Jasmine’s Law, has gained cross-party support, as well as the backing of key animal charities, all of which are continuing to press hard to make pet friendly tenancies a legal requirement. However, a second reading was recently stalled due to COVID issues.

There is however a second possible route towards pet friendly tenancies. On 28^th January 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced changes to the Model Tenancy Agreement, making it easier for tenants with well-behaved pets to secure rental accommodation. Whilst the use of the agreement is voluntary, the Model Tenancy Agreement is recommended as best practice for landlords.

The new Model Tenancy Agreement requires tenants to undergo a range of checks to demonstrate that they are responsible pet owners, and that their pets are well-trained. Landlords who have particular objections are welcome to make their views known, although they must do so in writing within 28 days of a written request from a tenant. Any objections must be reasonable, for example, concerns over the animal’s welfare, or the suitability of the pet for the type of accommodation.

Will pet friendly tenancies become a legal requirement in the future?

A webinar held by MP Andrew Rosindell in February debated whether landlords should be allowed to ask tenants with pets to take out pet insurance ahead of moving into a rental property.

The idea was proposed by pet activist Jennifer Berezai, founder of not-for-profit organisation AdvoCats, set up to help tenants put together mini ‘pet passports’ for landlords. Berezai also spoke at the webinar, alongside broadcaster Anna Webb, New Statesman journalist Rachel Cunliff, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Peter Laurie and renowned ‘companion animal studies’ academic Dr Elizabeth Ormerod.

AdvoCats has spent several months researching whether requiring tenants to take out insurance could be the most sensible way to solve the UK’s pet renting problem, and Berezai has proposed a third way towards pet friendly tenancies, suggesting that the government amends the Tenant Fees Act to allow pet rental insurance premiums as ‘permitted payments’ alongside deposits, rent and holding deposits. This would permit landlords and letting agents to charge for pet insurance.

To rent to pet owners, or not to rent to pet owners?

That is the question. But with long term tenants not always easy to find, it may be worth opening up to pet owners.

Matt Hutchinson, communications director for SpareRoom, “With more of us renting our homes it’s vital we have a conversation about what that means for quality of life. We know that allowing pets into rented homes can be particularly beneficial – and in more ways than people might think.

“Pets can be a source of higher rental income for landlords, but they can also improve the wellbeing of tenants, reduce the number of pets given up for rehoming or, worse, abandoned, and they can even have an impact on reducing homelessness.

“Ultimately, there’s no reason tenants shouldn’t be able to live with pets, subject to certain relevant conditions and checks being in place.”

Naturally, there are various considerations to make when going down the route of letting to tenants with pets. The importance of regular mid-term inspections for example, to check for any pet-related damage, cannot be stressed enough.

You may wish to include a clause in your tenancy agreement which asks the tenant to accept responsibility for any damage caused by the pet. A reasonable request for a higher deposit may be a good idea, bearing in mind the increased risk of damage by pets. In addition, you could ask for agreement by the tenant to cover the cost of specialist cleaning, fumigation or de-infestation at the end of the tenancy if required.

Property management made easy, by homes2let

If you are considering letting to tenants with pets, but are not keen on all the added management responsibilities that go with it, why not hand over to homes2let to take care of all the day to day tasks? Not only will everything be handled for you, including arranging property inspections and returning the property to a rentable condition at the end of the tenancy, but you’ll also get your rent paid in full every month, even during void periods, courtesy of the homes2let guaranteed rent scheme.

Interested to learn more? You are welcome to get in touch with our expert team.