They aren’t just pets, they are companions, friends for life and a part of the family, so much so, over half of UK households own a pet.
However, some private renters are taking drastic action to keep their furry friend by their side and avoid being evicted by private landlords.
These drastic measures go as far as hiding a pet from their landlord, with almost a quarter of those who were caught , being evicted for doing so. Many of these tenants that are hiding pets admit that it is affecting their mental health, feeling anxious for having to hide their animal.
Around 90% of properties on the private rental market don’t allow pets, despite a huge demand on estate agents for pet-friendly homes increasing by 120% in the UK.
Even one of the UK’s oldest and best-known animal rescue centres Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, is backing a new campaign, rallying animal lovers to come together to raise awareness of the issue. They have even been involved in publishing a handy digital guide called ‘The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership’, with all the info that tenants and landlords need to know when renting with a pet. They are also asking that people sign a pledge for new pet-friendly legislation provisions in the Renters Reform Bill, to be brought before Parliament before the end of the year.
The pledge comes as one in ten dogs and cats taken in by the charity are re-homed due to restrictions in rental properties.
- The top animals that people have secretly owned and hidden include dogs, cats, and rabbits.
- A large number of pet owners are living with a furry friend, despite it being banned as part of their tenancy agreement.
- Many of these tenants refuse to ask their landlords for permission, knowing that they are going to keep their pet regardless.
- Many haven’t asked their landlord for fear of being told ‘no’ and for fear of being evicted.
- Many have been caught out by their landlord, due to either a surprise visit, due to being seen out during a dog walk and even by anonymous tip-offs.
- The lengths that tenants have gone to to hide their pets include having someone on emergency stand-by to pet-sit, using room sprays to conceal pet give away smells, pretending the pet is not theirs but a friends and covering their pets cage or bed with a sheet.
Scotland is the most pet-friendly place in the UK when it comes to property rentals that allow pets. As a nation of pet lovers, more than two in five people bought a puppy to be their Covid 19 companion and two thirds agreed that their dog was a lifeline during lock down.
As a renter, it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to pets. While some landlords may prohibit pets altogether, others are required by law to allow them. In Scotland, the law states that landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent for a tenant to keep a pet, if the pet is not causing a nuisance or damage to the property.
However, it’s important to note that there may be some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re renting a property in a building with a no-pet policy, your landlord may not be able to make an exception for you.
Before signing a lease, it’s always a good idea to review the pet policy with your landlord and clarify any questions or concerns you may have.
When searching for a rental property with pets, it’s important to consider your pet’s needs. For example, if you have a dog, you’ll need to ensure that there’s enough space for them to run and play. If you have a cat, you’ll need to ensure that the property is safe and secure, with no potential escape routes or hazards.
It’s also important to consider the type of pet you have. Some landlords may be more open to allowing cats or smaller dogs, while others may be less willing to allow larger or more exotic pets.
Many landlords who allow pets will require tenants to pay extra fees or deposits to cover any potential damage or wear and tear caused by the pet. These fees can vary depending on the property and the landlord, but they can add up quickly.
When searching for a rental property with pets, it’s important to factor in these additional costs and ensure that you’re able to afford them.
If you’re having trouble finding a rental property that allows pets, consider creating a pet resume. A pet resume is a document that outlines your pet’s breed, age, training, and other important information that may help reassure landlords that your pet is well-behaved and unlikely to cause damage to the property.
Include photos of your pet, references from previous landlords or veterinarians, and any certifications or training your pet has received. This can help demonstrate that you’re a responsible pet owner and increase your chances of finding a rental property that allows pets.
Finally, it’s important to be a responsible pet owner when renting a property. This means ensuring that your pet is well-behaved and not causing any damage or nuisance to the property or your neighbours’.
Be sure to clean up after your pet, keep them on a leash when outside, and follow any other rules or regulations set forth by your landlord or building management.
Renting a property with pets can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By knowing your rights, considering your pet’s needs, and being a responsible pet owner, you can increase your chances of finding a rental property that allows pets and enjoy the company of your furry friend in your new home.
if you are thinking of becoming a landlord or are looking for any information on keeping a pet in a rental property, get in touch with us here at Victoria Letting and we will be happy to help and provide any information we can.
For information on all our services, please pick up the phone and have a chat with one of our friendly staff on 0141 339 9292 or send us an email at info@victorialetting.co.uk.
We look forward very much to hearing from you.
