Man’s best friend – what to do if your tenant wants to keep a pet?

Many landlords do not wish their tenants to have pets in their rented accommodation however often tenants feel that a pet makes their house a home, so it can be tricky for a landlord know which stance to take and how to implement it.

Landlord Guidance

Some general guidance on this should be found in the lease agreement. In this, landlords can specify whether pets are allowed to live on the premises, and if so which stipulations must apply. If, as the landlord, you do not allow pets, then the tenant must comply. However, the situation can have grey nuances. For example as a landlord you may wish to stipulate the type, species and size of animal allowed, and you can propose that a tenant obtains a vet certificate which confirms that you have an obedient animal which has been vaccinated, splayed and/or neutered. To protect your property, you may wish to add an additional pet deposit or charge more on the monthly rent. This will cover any extra damage or required cleaning caused by the pet.

Tenant Guidance

As a tenant, you can request permission from your landlord and if agreed you should be mindful of the points outlined above. The recommended contract for landlords, The Model Tenancy Agreement, suggests that the default position being to allow pets in rental homes and that landlords must respond to a request by a tenant to keep a pet within 28 days. However this is not a mandatory contract and is only outlined as best practice. It is up to landlords whether they wish to use it.

There are some legislations currently being reviewed in the House of Commons specifically around this. The Dogs and Domestic Animals Accommodation and Protection Bill. This bill, introduced into the House of Commons in 2021 and still at its second reading, aims to reform the law by removing pet ban clauses for responsible pet owners. The Renters Rights Bill also goes some way to reinforce the 28-day response by a landlord to a tenant’s request to keep a pet. The landlord must do so and provide a valid reason if they decline this request.

A landlord can also apply for an exemption certificate for specific properties not to accommodate a pet. For example, when other tenants do not want a pet, based on medical concerns and allergies and if the premises are not suitable for pets. For example a large dog in a small flat.

A harmonious outcome

It’s always good to outline the expectations of both the landlord and the tenant in the lease agreement. It should stipulate the stance for pets. Clear and consistent communication is key to this. Having good tenants who pay on time, look after your property are always worth having, so it’s something to think about if you are asked if they can have a pet. A well-behaved pet may actually mean they stay for longer. Of course, if they have bought a pet into the property without your knowledge or permission, then perhaps you can think about evicting them, although this can be stressful and expensive.

Finally, we’ll leave you with this powerful stat – on Rightmove less than 10% of properties are listed as ‘pet friendly’. Which means that conversely, 90% are not. To differentiate your property from the rest, and to attract tenants who care for animals may actually prove lucrative for you when looking to showcase your property above others on the market.

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