Pets are a major concern for landlords in the wake of Renters (Reform) Bill

There are significant concerns among private landlords about pets in rented properties ahead of the implementation of the Renters (Reform) Bill.

The Renters (Reform) Bill proposes comprehensive changes, including the abolition of evictions under Section 21, the introduction of a “lifetime” deposit system, and, notably, provisions for tenants to request permission from their landlords to keep pets. While these changes aim to offer more stability and security for tenants, they raise significant questions about the impact on landlords and the management of their properties.

The findings of a survey carried out by Statista on behalf of the Leaders Romans Group (LRG) indicates a palpable apprehension ahead of the new rules being introduced.

The study revealed that 57% of UK households had a pet in 2023. However, it introduces a host of challenges for property maintenance, tenant relationships, and building management.

Some 56% of landlords surveyed predict negative impacts due to the Bill’s approach to pet ownership in rental properties; in contrast, only 9.81% see a positive impact. This concern surpasses even the potential effects of abolishing Section 21 evictions, demonstrating the magnitude of the pet policy issue within the private rental sector.

Interestingly, 56% of landlords perceive the impact of the “right to request a pet” as positive for tenants, whereas 16% view it as negative, and 16% believe it will make no difference. Only 10% are unsure of the impact. Interestingly, tenants were less concerned about pet ownership; 68% said when they last moved, they did not ask to keep a pet, as they didn’t own one. 18% asked and were accepted, 9% had difficulty but did find somewhere to rent, and only 2% said they had difficulty and therefore, didn’t get a pet.

Allowing tenants to request permission to keep pets would require a change in tenancy agreements and acknowledges the importance of pets in people’s lives.

Commentary gathered from landlords echoes this sentiment, with one landlord noting, “ownership of Dogs in flats [is] negative unless [there is] outside space – barking can be a problem!!” Another adds, “Don’t think people should be able to have dogs more easily – they are destructive if left alone, damage gardens, but most importantly, can create difficulties with neighbours as so many bark for long periods.” A third comment reflects a broader concern: “Better for tenants but re the pets, more constraints on landlords trying to maintain decent standards of property.”

Kim Lidbury

Kim Lidbury, group director, property management at LRG, underscores the complexity of the situation.

She said: “The introduction of pet-friendly policies in rental agreements is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration to balance the interests of tenants with those of landlords. Not all property types may be suitable for pets, for instance flats within blocks and properties without gardens.

“The Third Reading of the Bill recently included a mandate that tenants either maintain insurance to cover potential pet damage or compensate the landlord for the reasonable cost of obtaining such insurance.

“This is a positive step forward which does seem to address landlords’ concerns while also enhancing the lives of tenants and their pets. However more detail is still required to ensure that pets can only be requested in an appropriate property.

“LRG is dedicated to engaging with both landlords and tenants to navigate these legislative changes effectively. By leveraging insights from the landlord community and advocating for balanced policies, LRG aims to contribute to a fair and sustainable rental market that meets the needs of all parties involved.”

 

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8 Comments

  1. MrManyUnits

    Obviously take a deposit but also a property owning guarantor with an inventory, I had a dog ruin £3000 of soft furnishings and sent photos to the guarantor who said I’d doctored photos.

    One quick video back and advising rental was still payable until replace and payment was forthcoming by return.

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  2. MLB

    You’d honestly think dogs were the only pets and that no-one worked from home these days.

    My daughter took a year to find anywhere that would take her house cat. To date he has caused zero damage or disturbance.

    By contrast the last human tenants of my rental property caused £20k of damage.

    Ask for a bigger deposit and deep clean of carpets on departure.

    As for the daft statistic on tenants asking to keep a pet, well they are hardly likely to when most ads state ‘no pets’. Animal charities will tell you about the huge number of family pets they are forced to take in when owners move and the new place doesn’t allow pets.

    And dogs bark. Its what they do regardless of whether they are in a rental or privately owned home

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    1. bren_gun

      Bigger Deposit? It’s now been several years since these were capped at 5 weeks rent – time to get advice from an expert

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      1. HowAbout

        Common Law tenancy maybe… higher deposits makes sense.

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  3. jeremy1960

    Yet again last week a checkout revealed p**s stained carpets and stench from unauthorised pets (2 cats) at a house only refurbished 5 years ago. Carpets need to be replaced, deposit disappeared on other cleaning and damages!

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    1. HowAbout

      …small claims process, given unauthorized pets. Been there, done it & trust me – it works.

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  4. HowAbout

    …a mandatory neighborhood consultation scheme for all (not only tenants) those who want to keep a pet at home.

    Obviously not for all pets but those certain pets, which can have a detrimental effect on neighbours.

    …third party pet insurance – mandatory for all too, given so many incidents now days in news about pets harming others, in all sort of ways (not just to rented property).

    Equality, Safety, Accountability & Transparency !

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  5. AcornsRNuts

    On the rare occasions that I have let a property suitable for a dog, I insist the dogs comes to the viewing. I also ask who looks after it when they are at work. So far all have been well behaved.

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