As a nation of animal lovers, it’s not surprising that over half of the UK population own at least one pet. Whether it’s a dog, cat or rabbit, we’re definitely obsessed with our furry friends.
Unfortunately, this can often make house hunting a nightmare for those looking to rent. It’s likely that whilst looking around, you’ll come across a lot of properties that flat out say “no pets allowed.” It’s becoming more and more difficult to find pet-friendly accommodation.
Why are some landlords so reluctant to rent our their properties to people with pets? And what can tenants do to try change their mind?
Reluctant Landlords
The reason that landlords are often hesitant and unwilling to allow pets into their property is because they are afraid of the damage that the animal will make. This especially true for those who are renting out their house or flat furnished.
This often applies mostly to larger pets such as cats and dogs, which are more likely to chew, scratch and break fixtures and fittings within the property. It doesn’t help that a lot of insurance companies refuse to cover damage made by pets – making it an even more unappealing option.
So what can you do when you’ve found the perfect property but you’re faced with a landlord that won’t budge?
Be Honest
There is no point deceiving the landlord – this will only make things worse for you in the long run. Even ‘accidently’ forgetting to tell them that you have a dog will probably end up in tears. They could throw you out of the home for violating the terms of your contract. It’s much better to be honest about your situation – tell them that you have a dog/cat/rabbit/snake etc.
Design a Pet CV
A pet CV is a brilliant way to try and endear your furry friend to the landlord. It’s to persuade them that your pet is well behaved and very unlikely to cause any damage! It should include basic details about your pet, such as name, age, sex, breed and an image. When possible, you should include a reference from a previous tenant or from the vets. You should also include information on how long they will be alone in the house.
There is no guarantee that this will work but it’s definitely worth doing.
Be Prepared to Pay More Money
In some situations, a landlord may relax their ‘no pet’ rules if you offer to pay more money. This is referred to as a pet deposit and isn’t unusual in the rental world. It’s there to cover any damage or problems that your pet may cause when in the house. Some might ask for an upfront deposit of money, whilst others may request it when you move out to cover the cleaning costs.
Next time you come across a ‘no pets’ warning on a property listing, we advise you not to give up easily. Contact the landlord with the above advice – you never know!
In the middle of searching for a new property to rent? Check out our list of houses and flats to rent in Sutton Coldfield. Our team of property experts will be more than happy to guide your search and offer you lots of helpful advice.
Please contact us on 0121 321 3388 to make an appointment. You can also find us over on Twitter and Facebook.
