Tag: renting

Data circulating the property industry provides a clear message – landlords don’t like tenants keeping a pet!

Data from gov.uk states that only 7% of UK rentals advertise themselves as pet-friendly. Potentially, there are a lot of missed opportunities from landlords sticking with the ‘no pets allowed’ policy.

In this article, we’ll explore what the UK law is on tenants keeping a pet. We will also look at the benefits of being pet-friendly for landlords and share our advice on how to safely allow your tenants to keep a pet.

Things to Consider About Letting Prospective Tenants With Pets Into Your Rental Property in Peterborough

What is the Law on Letting With Pets?

Ultimately, it’s the landlord’s decision as to whether a tenant can keep a pet in their property.

However, the UK government encourages more landlords to allow pet-friendly renting through the Model Tenancy Agreement. This is the government’s recommendation for what a good shorthold tenancy agreement should look like.

This contains two crucial elements about pets in rentals, including:

• Landlords shouldn’t have a blanket ‘no pets allowed’ policy and;

• Landlords should consider any request from a tenant to keep a pet seriously and only decline for good reason

Should I Let Tenants Keep a Pet?

While there are risks associated with a tenant having domestic pets (like damage to the property or causing a nuisance to neighbours), there are benefits, too.

Private landlords that accept pets and advertise their property as pet-friendly can:

• Attract better tenants in the future
• Sign longer leases (which can mean less chance of voids)
• Stand out from the crowd
• Keep existing tenants happy

How to Safely Let Your Property as Pet-Friendly

If you have decided that allowing pets is the right way to go, it’s time to lay down some ground rules and establish whether potential tenants are responsible pet owners or not.

Ask for Records

Depending on the animal, you may want to check that it’s up to date with its vaccinations. A pet owner who stays on top of vaccinations is a good sign that they are a responsible owner. Plus, it can reassure you that the animal is healthy and protected from diseases.

Check training and behaviour

If your tenant is requesting to keep a hamster, cat or reptile, checking training records isn’t important. But if your tenant wants to keep a dog on your property, make sure you ask about its training to see if they maintain responsible pet ownership.

Ask questions like:

• Is the dog house-trained?
• How much training have they had?
• Will the dog be left alone for long periods?

Arrange a meet and greet

If you’re concerned about how well-behaved your tenants’ pet is, arrange a meet and greet to see what the pet is like in person. Alternatively, ask for a video call with the pet!

There are plenty of lovely spots in Peterborough that are dog friendly and would help you see if they are a responsible pet owner.

This is a great opportunity to see just how well-trained the animal is, and assess how comfortable you are letting the animal stay in your property.

Set boundaries

Before agreeing, consider setting boundaries around the tenant keeping a pet. For example, confirm if you are allowing pet owners to have one pet only, and that any new pets require prior approval.

Agree on terms

Whatever you decide when it comes to agreeing to let your tenants keep a pet in your Peterborough rental property, make sure it’s documented in the terms of your lease.

Include information about any boundaries you set, what responsibilities the tenant has when it comes to cleaning up after the pet in your rental property, and any tenant fees may occur if those standards are not upheld or there is pet damage.

In Summary

Allowing your tenants to keep a pet is ultimately your decision as a landlord. Numerous benefits are available to landlords if they allow pets, but you still need to ensure you’re always protecting yourself and your property.

For more advice on property management or letting your property, our friendly team at PTL Lettings are happy to help. Get in touch today on 01733 555183, or email us at info@ptl-lettings.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pet-Friendly Landlord

Can I charge additional rent or fees for tenants with pets?

Landlords are not allowed to charge a ‘fee’ to a tenant who wishes to keep pets or other animals in a rental property. Deposits are capped in England since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019. However, permission may be given for pets on the condition that the tenant pays an additional reasonable amount in rent.

Can I charge for professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy with a pet?

Landlords cannot insist on a professional cleaning service at the end of a tenancy as this is a prohibited payment under the Tenant Fees Act legislation, however tenants must return the property in its original condition.

Can I discriminate against certain types or breeds of pets?

It’s advisable to focus on the behaviour and history of individual pets rather than discriminating based on breeds, as breed-specific policies may be subject to legal scrutiny and can be seen as discriminatory.

What steps can I take to protect my property from potential pet-related damage?

Implementing a clear and detailed pet policy, conducting thorough tenant screening, and including specific clauses in the lease regarding pet responsibilities and potential consequences for damage can help protect your property while allowing for responsible pet ownership.

Over the past couple of decades, rental accommodation in Peterborough has greatly improved, however mould in rented property is still an issue plaguing landlords and tenants alike. One of the biggest problems is that responsibility for preventing mould in the first place lies with both the landlord and the tenant, and that means that the parties blaming each other can end up taking priority over resolving the problem at its cause.

So, if you’re based in Peterborough, are landlords responsible for dealing with mould in rented property? Find out here, as the expert team at PTL lettings have put this helpful guide together for you.

You may also be interested in 8 Things UK Landlords Need To Know

What Causes Mould?

Mould in rented property can have several different causes including penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation. The most frequently seen reason for mould developing in properties is, undoubtedly, condensation, but luckily, it’s also the easiest cause to address.

It’s trickier to resolve a rising damp problem, but fortunately, it is encountered far more rarely. Usually, this issue is found in older properties, however, new homes may also be affected, especially if they’ve recently had repair works carried out that could have caused damage to the damp proof course.

If your property suffers from rising damp, it’s likely to be your responsibility as the landlord to resolve it, although if the tenants have interfered somehow with the damp proof course, it could be their responsibility to deal with.

If your property suffers from penetrating damp, its source must be found so the issue can be solved. Usually, it will be down to missing roof slates or leaking pipework – issues that are the landlord’s responsibility to rectify.

What Are The Tenant’s Responsibilities With Regard To Mould?

Tenants will usually need to keep any condensation inside the property to a minimum. If a faulty heating system or inadequate insulation is the cause of condensation, the landlord must take responsibility. Otherwise, condensation is something the tenants need to control by ensuring proper ventilation and temperature levels. They should follow these tips to reduce condensation and mould in rented property:

• Close the door of the bathroom when bathing or showering and open the window or use the extractor fan afterwards.
• Dry laundry outdoors whenever possible or utilise a dehumidifier.
• When cooking, cover pans with lids to prevent steam from escaping.
• Wipe wet windows down and keep them open for ten minutes each morning.
• Make sure furniture is 10cm-15cm away from the external walls to prevent the evolution of a microclimate.

What Are My Responsibilities As A Landlord With Regard To Mould In Rented Property?

If mould is affecting your tenant’s safety or health, or if it has occurred due to a property issue that can be repaired, it’s your responsibility as the landlord to rectify it. Landlords must ensure their property is fit for living in under the terms of the 2018 Homes (Fitness For Human Inhabitation) Act.

Some repairs you may need to carry out to resolve mould issues include:

• Repairing broken bathroom or kitchen extractor fans
• Fixing a faulty heating system
• Resolving guttering issues
• Repairing window frames that have rotted
• Fixing plumbing leaks
• Repairing roof problems
• Fixing large cracks in the external walls

This is where the services of a letting agent in Peterborough can help you stay on top of maintenance!

What Next?

If you’re a landlord in Peterborough and you need advice, or a valuation, get in touch with the PTL Lettings team today on 01733 555183 or at info@ptl-lettings.co.uk. We’re looking forward to working with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mould In Rented Property