Pet Owners Face Property Rejection
The number of people handing in pets to UK rehoming centres due to housing problems has increased by 56% in the past five years.1 Leading South London estate agent Wooster & Stock suggests that growing competition in the rental market means that pet owners are often rejected by private landlords and faced with agonizing pressure to give up their pet.
Written by: Becca Dwyer, Sky Communications International, on behalf of Wooster & Stock
Date of issue: 20th March 2012
The number of people handing in pets to UK rehoming centres due to housing problems has increased by 56% in the past five years.[1] Leading South London estate agent Wooster & Stock suggests that growing competition in the rental market means that pet owners are often rejected by private landlords and faced with agonizing pressure to give up their pet.
This nine week old Cocker Spaniel puppy, Biscuit, was given up by her family because they didn’t have written permission from their landlord to have a pet.[2] Biscuit was thankfully rehomed to local farmer Malcolm Babey [pictured], but thousands of other dogs and cats are not so lucky.
Luke Wooster, MD, Wooster & Stock, comments: “While many pet owners may be struggling to find appropriate rented accommodation, there are steps to take that can help them and their pets, secure a long-term tenancy with private landlords or lettings agents:
- Empathise with the landlord. Recognising their concern about damaged carpet or disgruntled neighbours shows your commitment to making this agreement work for both parties.
- Ask anyway – don’t be put off by a ‘no pets’ listing. It doesn’t hurt to ask a letting agent or potential landlord whether they will reconsider their ‘no pets’ policy. By utilising some of the other tips below, you may be able to change their mind.
- Compile your pet’s CV and references. Include vet check up results, vaccination certificates and evidence of fleaing/worming treatments which show that your pet is clean, healthy and hygienic. A potential landlord will also feel more comfortable if others in their position have been content with allowing your pet in their property. Try to select references that highlight you and your pet’s cleanliness.
- Offer to pay an extra deposit. Potential landlords will often be more accepting of a pet if you offer to pay a higher deposit to cover potential extra costs associated with a pet.
- Offer to buy renter’s insurance. A landlord can avoid costly repairs and the hassle of claiming against their own insurance.
- Add a carpet cleaning clause to the tenancy agreement. Offering to include additional clauses in your tenancy agreement can show your commitment to the agreement and will again offer the other party peace of mind.
- Opt for unfurnished accommodation where possible. This ensures owners and managing agents have less to worry about.
- Take literature to indicate that most rental property damage is caused by children. A recent study noted that tenants with children caused, on average, about $100 more damage than those tenants with pets.[3]
- Offer to introduce the landlord and pet. This may make your landlord may feel more comfortable with having a pet in their property.
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Take literature to indicate that pet owners can often be more reliable tenants (and longer-lasting). Pet owners are generally responsible people and tend to be more stable, reliable and home-centred.[4] Pet owners are also likely to stay in a rental property longer.[5]
Press Contact:
Becca Dwyer or Julia Arnold
Sky Communications International
44 (0)1273 355 111
44 (0)7747 578 617
rebecca.dwyer@skycommunications.co.uk
julia.arnold@skycommunications.co.uk
Sky Communications International
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Frederick Place
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