What’s the problem with pets in rental properties?
Having a pet is something that brings joy to a great many people. Having recently lost my dog of 11 years I understand the emotional pull and transformative powers of pet ownership and I would not want to deny others the joy this can bring. I am, therefore, always amazed that there is opposition in the private rented sector to tenants bringing their dogs, cats or other pets into their home.
It is surely fundamental that tenants be allowed to bring pets into their home to begin or continue this powerful relationship.
The idea that a tenant might be asked to choose between moving into a home and having to give up their pet or losing that home is an impossible choice to make.
Landlords and investors are rightly concerned about potential damage, but they should realise their concerns can be mitigated with appropriate planning. It is illegal to not allow a tenant to have a pet – such as an assistance dog – if they require one because of their disabilities.
It is also fair to say that just as it is sensible for landlords to allow tenants to keep a pet it is incumbent on the tenant to ensure they maintain control of the pet’s behaviour. Nobody wants to rent a property to an irresponsible pet owner.
So, landlords should allow pets in their properties but with appropriate and sensible precautions.
Firstly, in Scotland any agreement to allow a pet must be in writing with clear rules to be followed. There should be a stated limit on the number and the type of animals with a restriction banning the property being used for breeding animals.
The landlord should ensure that they have the right insurance that covers any accidental damage by pets. This is not guaranteed in every policy so must be looked into.
There must also be provision from the tenant that they provide a name and contact number for someone who can look after the pet should they fall ill or be hospitalised.
The landlord should also ask for a pet reference from either a previous landlord or vet to understand whether the pet has any behavioural issues which might cause problems in the property or for other nearby owners.
Nobody wants to live next door to a dog that decides to bark or howl for two hours each night. As part of this the landlord or their agent might ask to see the pet prior to allowing it to stay.
In any tenancy it is important that the property is regularly monitored.
The condition of the property prior to the tenancy should be carefully noted and photographed and then on subsequent visits it will be possible to identify any pet-related damage that may have occurred.
While all of this may sound fussy and intrusive it is an essential part of ensuring that tenants are allowed to have pets whilst landlords feel their property is adequately protected.
Putting in place a sensible agreement for both sides is the best way to allow a tenant to enjoy their pet and for the landlord to have peace of mind.
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