If you are a responsible pet owner yourself, this question might be a no-brainer for you as a landlord but for those who are unsure if allowing pet owners to rent their property is a good idea, there are some valid points to consider. Many places are becoming more pet friendly so If you are considering it, here are some tips to help you make the process run as smoothly as possible.
Fact Check
When you talk to a prospective tenant for the first time, ask them if they have any pets, how many pets they have and what sort of pets they are. For example, you will probably feel a lot differently about a pet owner with five large dogs to a family with a pet hamster. A few simple questions will help you to figure out how to proceed.
Consider Insurance
If you are a landlord who doesn’t mind the thought of pets living in their property then it’s still worth looking at your insurance policy again to see if it covers unintentional pet damage as this might put your mind more at ease and be less costly down the line if something should occur accidentally.
Ask for References
Did your tenant rent previously with their pet? If so, they should have no issue with you speaking to their former landlord about their tenancy, particularly when it involves discussing any formerly resident pets. If the previous landlord is happy, you will feel better about letting to a responsible pet owner.
Increase Deposit
If you still aren’t sure then you might feel more comfortable asking for a higher initial deposit from your tenant to safeguard against any pet damage in the future. This will ensure you won’t be out of pocket if the worst did happen within the property. As an extra layer of protection, you could also stipulate in the tenancy agreement that the property should be professionally cleaned upon the end of the tenancy.
Carry Out Regular Inspections
One of the best ways to check if your tenant and their pets are respecting your property and the tenancy agreement is by carrying out regular, planned inspections for the duration of the tenancy, this way, you can see for yourself any problems that might be arising over time.
We hope our tips have put your mind at rest and helped you make a considered decision when it comes to letting your property to pet owners. If you need any more help around all things property, we would love to hear from you. Contact us here.