Industry supplier the Lettings Hub has brought together industry leads from across the lettings and pet sectors to discuss how to support both landlords and tenants on the changes for pets in lets. 

Representatives from across 11 organisations including national and regional letting agents, insurance underwriters, lettings professional bodies, and pet charities sat down to discuss the challenges faced and opportunities for solutions protecting both landlords and tenants. 

The Lettings Hub surveyed over 600 current tenants and found that 82 per cent of those without a pet would look to bring a pet into their home, research also showed that pet owners stayed longer in properties with the average tenancy increasing from 21 to 24 months. 

However, currently landlords have concerns allowing pets within their rental properties with 35 per cent of landlords reporting they do not currently allow pets. 

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, commented: “We have been warning for some time that the unintended consequences of the Tenant Fees Act have reduced the appetite for many landlords to take on the greater risk of damage.”

Heidi Shackell CEO of The Lettings Hub said “Pets are an emotive subject for both landlords and tenants, at The Lettings Hub we are committed to delivering solutions and products which support and protect all parties. Collaborating with experts across the lettings and pets’ sectors allows us to truly understand how these changes are set to impact our customers and allow us to develop a holistic resolution”

Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at The Property Redress Scheme said: “Tenants rightly don’t want to feel discriminated against for wanting to have a pet, however landlords should feel they are protected. The challenge is how to deliver this in a satisfactory and cost-effective way and gathering the experts into one room is a fantastic start!”

And Richard Abbott, chief executive of Inventory Hive added: “This issue is a real hot potato right now, so it’s important that industry stakeholders come together. The Lettings Hub event really set the scene for opening-up different perspectives in the room. “

The forum is set to continue as The Lettings Hub and key stakeholders look to flesh out a solution. 

If you would like to take part in upcoming forums on the changes The Lettings Hub is welcoming stakeholders from across the industries including agents, landlords, suppliers and charity organisations. Contact [email protected] if you would like to take part.