Landlords which allow pets

Here's what to include in the agreement. Include a "Pet Agreement" in the Lease You can reduce the additional risks created by having pets on your property by creating smart pet policies, putting them into a "pet agreement," and including the agreement as part of your lease. Here are some common provisions to consider including in your pet agreement. Policy 1: Identify the Types of Pets Allowed Your pet agreement should specify which types of pets are allowed.

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See All Renters' Rights Articles. Landlords who allow pets in their rental properties should include clear clauses in their tenancy agreements stating that the tenant is responsible for any pet-related property damage. Although many landlords are reluctant to allow pets due to fears over property damage, there are a host of benefits that come with letting to tenants with animals:.

Your tenant is likely to stay longer if their pet is allowed to stay with them and this can also provide mental health benefits. Hair from animals is also difficult to remove from carpets and any furnishings you supply and can be costly to eradicate. While the most common pets in the UK are cats and dogs, there are also other animals kept by tenants that landlords may need to consider.

Dogs are the most common pet in the country, but also the most likely to cause problems for landlords through property damage or noise nuisance. However, a well-behaved dog will more often than not have a responsible owner at the other end of its lead, and this can actually mean a rental property is looked after better over the course of a long-term tenancy.

Although cats are less likely to be problematic due to their size, there are things landlords need to consider. They can spend a lot of time outside and this can cause problems with neighbours if the cat ventures on to their property.

Their claws can also damage furniture and carpets so, for both of these issues, a litter tray and scratching post should be provided by the tenant.

And if landlords do decide to allow a cat in their rental property, they should ensure the tenant has someone who will feed their pet when they are away.

While reasonably clean and little trouble, some birds require stimulation and are happier when in the company of their owners. Review your lease. Typically if a lease does not mention pets at all, then you are allowed to have pets. Some communities and public housing authorities have laws and rules banning certain types of animals or breeds of dogs.

Be sure to check if any local laws or rules are in effect, as these outweigh your lease. Contracts like leases cannot be changed without both sides agreeing, unless there is already language in the document that allows the change.

Your landlord cannot go into your apartment and remove a pet or show up and force you or your pet out. Landlords have to follow the law and go through a legal process to remove tenants or their pets. Generally the landlord cannot even enter the home without giving the tenant notice except in an emergency, unless the lease specifies otherwise.

Even if your lease does not allow pets, you may have a legal right to keep your pet. Your right to keep your pet may depend on local housing laws, the type of housing you live in, as well as the type of lease you have. This is why it is so important to find legal resources to assist you. Also, if your pet meets the legal qualifications of an assistance animal , you may have a legal right to keep your pet. Co-op and condo boards have strict defined rules they must follow to make any changes in pet policies or to remove unit owners.

If you are being faced with eviction or loss of your pet, seek help before you do anything drastic. There may be legal resources in your community see next section to help you find answers to questions about your lease or about notices you have received from your landlord. To summarise, not all landlords are created equal and some will require more convincing than others until they finally budge and invite your pets in. However, some people can resist even the cutest of cat or dog faces, at which point you will be better off looking for another place to stay.

Sooner or later, you will find a person who is able to appreciate your fluffy family member and treat him as an equal. And once you do, make sure to spread the word about your agency as much as possible so that people in a similar position can find a pet-friendly rental in no time.

We advise you to check out Lets with Pets which offers support, information and resources to help you find a new home for you and your best friend. This article is provided as a guide. Any information should be used for research purposes and not as the base for taking legal action.

The Tenants' Voice does not provide legal advice and our content does not constitute a client-solicitor relationship. We advise all tenants to act respectfully with their landlords and letting agents and seek a peaceful resolution to problems with their rented property.

For more information, explore the articles in our category. For more ways to reach us, please visit our contacts page. Finding themselves at a crossroad, many pet owners are thus forced to either: Gift their pets to a good friend; Take them to a rehoming centre; Put them to sleep.

Disclaimer This article is provided as a guide. Moving in?