Lets with Pets: Our Top Tips for Renting with Pets
Here is a selection of the best advice we have gathered over the years to ensure you can find a home for yourself and your furry companion.
With almost half of the UK’s population owning a pet, more "pets considered" rented homes are desperately needed. Landlords often have concerns about renting their properties to pet owners. To help pet owners be as successful as possible in their search for a rented home, we have compiled some top tips:
1. Do Not Leave It to the Last Minute:
Give yourself plenty of time to find a pet-friendly rented home and begin searching at least eight weeks before you need to move out of your current home.
2. Be Flexible on Location and Property Type:
Being flexible will increase your chances of finding a pet-friendly rented home for you and your pet.
3. Offer to Pay a Pet Payment:
Some landlords worry that pets will lead to fleas, pet hair, and dirty carpets. Offering a non-refundable "pet payment" to cover the cost of a professional clean when you move out will help put any landlord’s mind at ease.
4. Market Your Pet to Landlords:
Increase your chances of finding a suitable rented home with your pet by showing landlords that you are a responsible pet owner. Use the free resources on the "Lets with Pets" website to put together a pet information pack:
- Pet CV: Include as much information about your pet as possible, such as how often they are treated to prevent fleas, who will care for your pet in case of an emergency, and the contact details for your vet. Including a nice photo of your pet is always a good idea.
- Pet Reference: If possible, provide the landlord with a reference for your pet from a previous landlord or your vet. This can demonstrate that your pet is well-behaved, well-cared for, and able to live in a rented home without causing problems or damage.
- Meet My Pet: Meeting your pet in advance can help put the landlord’s mind at ease. Consider inviting them to your current home so they can see for themselves that your pet has caused no problems there.
5. Be Honest, Never Hide Your Pet:
It is never advisable to try to keep a pet hidden from your landlord, as this could result in the termination of your tenancy. Always be honest about your pet from the start.
6. Get Written Permission:
If the landlord agrees to you keeping a pet, ask for the "no pets" clause to be removed from your tenancy agreement and for a clause with the details of your pet to be added. This will prevent future misunderstandings.
Looking for a pet-friendly home or want to offer one? Get in touch today!
