Hello,
This week were are looking at Tenants with pets and I have 8 tips to help you source the right property.
Earlier this year Zoopla research confirmed the search term ‘pets’ as the 3rd most popular in UK. This coincides with an increase in UK pet ownership in recent years.
You may recall the Tenant Fees Bill coming into effect on 1-JUN, which banned most Tenant fees and also capped deposits at 5 weeks rent. Often Landlords would request an 8 week deposit to cover the extra wear and tear our furry friends can cause as well as risk of damage, stains and smells. The latter rarely happens but sadly there is always a horror story or two which the Landlord has heard or experienced.
It is important to add that sometimes Landlords have no choice as pets are simply not permitted in the Head Lease of the building.
Either way the unintended consequence of the Bill is that the roughly 10% of advertised property permitting pets before 1-JUN, dropped to 2% after that date. Yes, of course, Govt were warned about this during the Bill process and yes of course they didn’t listen to the industry.
OK, gripe over. So what to do if this is you?
Here are 8 tips to help you secure a property:
1. Don’t leave your property search to the last minute, you need more time not less. Start 6-8 weeks before you need to move.
2. Be as flexible on location and property type as possible as it will increase your chances.
3. Offer £25 PCM per pet on top of the rent. You cannot pay a higher deposit so this is the only way round it. Most agents have not yet caught up with this new approach so you may need to suggest it to them. The Landlord will be happy as the potential for additional wear and tear, damage etc is covered AND they get a higher rent so ironically pet owners could become more attractive compared to non-pet owners. Wouldn’t that be nice!
4. If this is a private Tenancy or a property the Landlord manages ask to meet him or her and introduce your pet. That could seal the deal.
5. If through a letting agent ask if they offer a zero deposit scheme. The policy will guarantee 6-8 weeks rent as a deposit for a non-refundable fee of roughly 1 weeks rent. Be careful of any where you are charged monthly though, they can be expensive.
6. Create a pet CV showing recent vaccinations, flea or worm jabs, emergency pet carer contact details, previous deposit return decisions which you can download from the deposit scheme websites, and ask your Landlord or agent to include your pet in the reference for your new Landlord/agent.
7. Whatever you do, be honest. Sneaking pets in without permission will likely be in breach of your Tenancy and you could be repeating the stress of looking for another property in 6 or 12 months time.
8. Finally make sure there is a clause in the Tenancy Agreement which specifically permits your pets. This way it is black and white, no grey areas.
So in summary although pets are often seen as a negative by Landlords and agents with the right approach that can be changed. Pets generally result in an improved physical and mental well being of a person/Tenant and also in this example an increase in rent too. That is all positive in my books.
If you need any assistance letting your property in Brighton, Hove, Kemptown and surrounding areas or if you just have some general queries please feel free to contact us on +44 (0)1273 646426 or lettings@bishopsullivan.co.uk
Best Regards,
