THOUSANDS of Brits adopted furry friends during the pandemic to keep them company during lockdowns.
But before you get a pet, there are some Landlord and tenants rules you should know…
1
Can my landlord increase rent if I have pets?
The rules surrounding renting with pets differs across the UK.
In England landlords can’t request a higher deposit for renting with a pet.
This is because Deposits are capped in England since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act.
However, this means that instead landlords can charge you extra rent for having a pet.
Research by Generation Rent in 2019 found tenants were being charged up to £600 a year more in rent if they’ve got pets.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales landlords can ask for an additional pet deposit.
This is on top of your regular deposit and it used to cover against any potential damage caused by the pet.
If no damage occurs then this will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy.
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Can my landlord have a blanket ban on pets?
Tenants can no longer be automatically stopped from having a pet in their rental property.
the ministry of housing, communities and local government has unveiled a new standard tenancy agreement template, which is the recommended contract that landlords should use.
It stops landlords issuing blanket bans on their tenants having pets.
Instead, landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason such as in smaller properties or flats where owning a pet could be impractical.
Do I have to have the property professionally cleaned when I leave?
Landlords cannot insist that you hire a professional cleaning or de-flea treatment service at the end of your tenancy.
However, you must ensure that the property is in the same condition as it was at the start of the tenancy.
Can I be turned away if I have an Assistance dog?
Assistance dogs – like guide dogs – must be permitted by law when you’re renting.
The disability legislation stops anyone renting or selling a property from discriminating against a disabled person.
This includes discriminating against a person with an assistance dog.
How to find pet-friendly rentals
Very few rental listings are listed as pet-friendly, but here is how you can find suitable properties for you and your furry friend.
Property portal Zoopla has a pets allowed filter. You can select the “pets allowed” box when search for a property under letting type.
OpenRent, the UK’s largest lettings agent, lets users search for pet-friendly properties on its website.
Flatshare website SpareRoom has a “pets considered” filter.
The Dogs Trust has also set up the Lets With Pets website that contains advice on how to find suitable rental properties.
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