At Just Lets, we stay in touch with the latest regulations and guidelines in the rental market, ensuring Peterborough landlords stay in touch. Earlier this year, the Government changed the Model Tenancy Agreement. This change made it easier to tenants to stay in rental property with pets, even though this isn’t mandatory.
If you are interested in letting to tenants with pets, or you would like more information on this subject, we can help.
A recent study suggests:
- 18% of landlords oppose the changes
- 24% of landlords strongly support the recent changes
- 55% of landlords support the changes to the Model Tenancy Agreement which allow tenants to have pets by default
Hope McKendrick, a head of lettings for a leading name in the English lettings market, said: “Of course, there are considerations for landlords to make in terms of protecting their property and many options have been discussed in parliament, including higher deposits, referencing for pets and specific insurance.”
Information provided by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, who admittedly have a biased position when it comes to his information, claim close to half of the households across the United Kingdom own pets.
Guy Gittins, a known name in the UK letting sector, said “I understand what an important part pets can play in people’s lives and that landlords are often unaware of the benefits of allowing pets in their properties, that is why our company has chosen to support Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets scheme. We encourage our landlords to consider letting their properties to tenants with pets and support them in their decision to do so.”
Should landlords let to tenants with pets?
Some of the reasons landlords should consider letting to tenants with pets include:
- By having a greater level of prospective tenants to cater for, landlords can minimise the likelihood of void periods
- Tenants with pets are liable to stay for longer because they have finally found a rental property that caters to their needs
- There is a growing demand for this style of service
- There is nothing to suggest a tenant with a pet is less responsible than a tenant with a pet- continue to do your due diligence on potential tenants and find reasonable tenants
Tips for landlords when considering letting to tenants with pets?
Review your leasehold terms as these may impact your ability to let to tenants with pets
- Ask for a reference for any pets
- Ask questions about the pet
- Commit to a personal clean of the rental property, and include some commitment from the tenant to pay for or pay part of this process
- Review your insurance policy and make sure you are covered to let property to tenants with pets
- Update your tenancy agreement to include pets
If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.
You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.
