New research from animal welfare charity Battersea - the new name for the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home - claims 50 per cent of tenants fear they will never buy a home, thus limiting their aspirations of pet ownership.
The charity says that whilst 76 per cent of tenants currently own or aspire to own a pet, with one-in-three saying their pets help their mental wellbeing, last year only seven per cent of private landlords listed their properties as allowing animals.
The findings of the Battersea survey, which polled a sample of 2,000 adults, are part of its Pet Friendly Properties campaign and come after the government’s pro-pets stance in the recent Fairer Private rented Sector White Paper.
The White Paper’s proposals include formally granting tenants the right to request an animal in their property, whilst requiring landlords to provide a justifiable reason for refusing a pet.
Peter Laurie, Battersea’s chief executive, says: “At Battersea, we take in much-loved pets for many reasons but one factor we see owners cite time and time again is not being able to find a rental property that allows animals. It’s heart-breaking to see owners having to give up their cherished pets for lack of housing options.
“With long-term renting firmly on the rise, we’re calling on the government to do more to increase the number of pet friendly homes across the country. Not only will this help ensure more dogs and cats are able to stay in their original, loving homes, it will also allow more people to enjoy the many benefits of responsible pet ownership.”
The charity gives an example of one landlord who does take in pets.
This is Dominic Payne de Cramilly, an Essex-based landlord with two dogs and two cats of his own, a National Residential Landlords Association member and landlord of 25 years.
The charity says he claims landlords taking pets have a commercial edge over others.
“Providing the property is suitable for the type of pet a tenant owns, I have absolutely no issue renting to a pet owner. Ultimately, I find animals are a product of their owners – if the tenant is well behaved, chances are their pet will be too. I’ve been a landlord for a quarter of a century and have had far more issues with humans causing damage in my properties than I’ve ever had with pets. The idea of all pets being destructive is a massive misconception, and there’s definitely some myth-busting to be done amongst the landlord community.”
One of Battersea’s recommendations to government is to inform more landlords and tenants of the benefits of taking out insurance against pet damage. The charity’s research shows this kind of solution is well-received by landlords, with 70 per cent saying they were more likely to consider having pets in their accommodation if certain precautions, such as damage insurance, were taken.
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I have 2 properties where I've had tenants with dogs and other pets. Even if the dogs are fully trained and well behaved the properties smell horribly doggy when those tenants leave. It doesn't matter how much deodorising carpet cleaner a professional carpet cleaning company uses the smell is still there. That restricts the number of future tenants to either those with dogs or people who are so desperate they'll put up with the smell. Alternatively the landlord would face a bill of well over £1000 to replace floor coverings every few months.
The idea that pet owners stay longer is a complete myth. One of houses where I have allowed pets is on its 4th set of tenants in 3 years. None of my other properties have had that kind of turnover.
Totally agree, you can never get rid of that smell of dog even with professional carpet cleaning. Even extra deposit (when it was allowed) didn't cover the cost of new carpets. People suggest having laminate flooring but I had tenants who got a puppy (without permission) and it ruined the laminate flooring, which is even more expensive to replace than carpet.
As 75% have pets and im guessing about 65% without asking your biggest market is pets so why would you replace carpets, plus I dont believe you do that in any case
David if we didn't replace carpets when they get bad we wouldn't get good tenants, we would be left with the low life types which we don't want at any money
Pressure - what pressure? All the time it is a LLs market there is no pressure to take a tenant with pets. I let longstanding tenants with a good track record have a pet but I don't ever take one up front - the risks are too great.
Still not doing it. Until there’s adequate assurances in place that any damage would be fully made good at the tenants expense it’s a non starter. We all know how much use pet insurance would be when you receive a property back that smells of dog, has smelly carpets, and scratches on walls, doors kitchen cabinets etc. it would be dismissed as wear and tear, then you end up paying to get it all replaced for another tenant with cats or dogs to come along and it all happens again.
The one benefit of all the anti landlord sentiment is that there are far less landlords now and I have plenty of choice when it comes to picking tenants.
A solvent non pet owner with solvent property owning guarantors will always be ahead of any pet owners whilst I have a choice, even the choice of waiting in the unlikely event that there isn't a queue of suitable non pet owners.
Yawn.
If a pet owner now signs up we let without carpets and leave bare floorboards
They are welcome to put their own carpet down and take it with them when they leave. Obviously means an extra cost to them. Thank Andrew Rosindell MP
The lease on two of my properties expressly forbids pets. So how is that going to work?
That should be illegal as well be it rented or owned, yes I can see in a flat block making people take a dog behaviour course and the flat appropriate for the breed of dog
I think the answer is to bring back the dog licence and make it £100 per year, that would choke off a lot of the irresponsible dog owners out there
I feel like I’m living in a zoo sometimes..
Pigeons trying to roost on my roof , seagulls and crows all around - never had those before
Dogs barking away at property either side of me day and night
Maybe it’s an omen ? The return of the ark …I need a drink 😝
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