For many landlords, allowing pets has traditionally been an easy decision: simply say no.
Concerns around damage, additional cleaning and neighbour complaints have often outweighed the potential benefits. However, the rental market is changing. More tenants than ever own pets, and finding pet-friendly accommodation can be surprisingly difficult.
Recent changes introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act have also shifted the conversation. While landlords are not required to accept every pet, there is now a greater expectation that requests will be considered fairly rather than automatically refused. As a result, many landlords are reviewing their policies and asking whether allowing pets could actually benefit their investment.
So, should you allow pets in your rental property? Like many aspects of property management, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Why More Tenants Are Looking for Pet-Friendly Homes
Pet ownership has increased significantly in recent years, with many people viewing their pets as part of the family. For tenants, this can make finding suitable accommodation particularly challenging.
Although demand has grown, the number of rental properties that welcome pets has not kept pace. Many landlords still advertise properties as strictly no pets, leaving tenants competing for a relatively small number of suitable homes.
As a result, pet-friendly properties often receive strong interest from tenants who may otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation.
The Benefits of Allowing Pets
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A Larger Pool of Prospective Tenants
By accepting pets, your property immediately becomes available to a wider section of the rental market. In areas where pet-friendly homes are limited, this can lead to increased enquiries and more viewing requests.
Potentially Shorter Void Periods
Every week a property sits empty represents lost rental income. If allowing pets attracts more applicants, you may find it easier to secure a suitable tenant sooner, helping to reduce costly void periods.
Longer Tenancies
Many pet owners stay in properties for longer because moving with animals can be difficult. Suitable rental properties are often limited, meaning tenants who find the right home are more likely to renew their tenancy if they’re happy.
Longer tenancies can reduce the costs and disruption associated with frequent tenant changes.
A Competitive Advantage
As more landlords continue to prohibit pets, properties that welcome them naturally stand out. In a competitive rental market, this can become an attractive selling point that differentiates your property from similar homes nearby.
What Are the Risks?
Of course, allowing pets isn’t without its considerations.
Some landlords worry about scratched flooring, damaged gardens, stained carpets or additional cleaning once a tenancy ends. Depending on the type of pet, there may also be concerns about noise or potential disruption to neighbours.
However, it’s worth remembering that damage isn’t exclusive to pet owners. A tenant without pets can cause just as much wear and tear if they fail to look after a property.
Rather than focusing solely on whether a tenant owns a pet, it’s often more useful to consider how they have looked after previous homes and whether they have a strong rental history.
It’s Not Just About the Pet – It’s About the Tenant
One of the biggest misconceptions is that pets automatically make a tenant higher risk.
In reality, the quality of the tenant is often far more important than whether they own a dog or a cat.
A well-referenced applicant with stable income, positive landlord references and a history of responsible pet ownership may present less risk than someone with no pets but poor references or an inconsistent rental history.
This is why thorough referencing remains one of the most important parts of the letting process. Looking at the complete picture allows landlords to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
How Can Landlords Protect Their Properties?
Allowing pets doesn’t mean accepting unnecessary risk. The key is putting the right safeguards in place from the outset.
A detailed inventory with photographs provides a clear record of the property’s condition before a tenant moves in, helping to avoid disputes if damage does occur. Regular inspections are equally valuable, allowing small issues to be identified and resolved before they become costly repairs.
It’s also important to set clear expectations. If a pet is permitted, the tenancy agreement should make it clear that the tenant remains responsible for looking after the property and returning it in a good condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
With sensible management, many landlords find that allowing pets doesn’t significantly increase the risks of letting their property.
When Saying No May Still Be Reasonable
Although many landlords are becoming more open to pets, there are still situations where declining a request may be entirely appropriate.
For example, a small one-bedroom flat with no outside space may not be a suitable environment for a large or energetic dog. Likewise, there may be restrictions within the property’s lease, concerns about the welfare of the animal, or legitimate issues relating to neighbouring residents.
The important thing is that decisions are based on the individual circumstances rather than a blanket policy. Considering the type of property, the type of pet and the suitability of both allows landlords to make fair, balanced decisions that work for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to allowing pets. For some properties it will make perfect sense, while for others it may not be appropriate.
The key is to assess each request individually, considering the property, the type of pet and, most importantly, the quality of the tenant.
If you’re unsure how to approach requests for pets, or simply want to talk through the options for your property, we’re always happy to help. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or have been letting property for years, the team at Townsends are always happy to have a chat and offer straightforward, honest advice with no pressure or obligation.