Over the years, it has been difficult to find landlords that would happily allow pets in their rental properties. For many landlords, having a pet-friendly rental can be a serious gamble, especially if they already aren’t a big fan of animals!
Like with many things, owning a pet-friendly rental has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore that!
Advantages:
Calmer Tenants: Tenants with pets are generally more settled and calm. This is due to the responsibility that comes with owning an animal. The more stable and responsible the tenant is, the more likely they are to respect your property.
Higher Rent: It’s fair to up the rent of any property that accommodates pets. We recommend adding a small amount that will help to account for wear and tear later on. Don’t forget, you can’t claim back any money from the security deposit for fair wear and tear.
More Options: By allowing pets into your property, you open the door to a far greater number of potential tenants.
Longevity: Tenants with pets know it’s not easy to find a landlord accommodating to their situation. This means your tenants are likely to stick around and settle in your house.
Disadvantages of a Pet-Friendly Rental:
Animal Hair: Animal hair can be very difficult to remove from upholstery and carpets, so you may have to consider different options in terms of flooring and furnishings. You also have to consider that pets can also scratch things!
Allergies: You have to consider that future prospective tenants may have a pet allergy which can lead to medical concerns and issues.
Smells: Pets can develop an odour, even when they’re cared for properly. These smells can be hard to get rid of, even once the tenant has left. They can also give the property a dirty feel which can lead to difficulty bringing in new tenants.
Damage: Pets are renowned for causing damage to properties, especially when it comes to soft furnishings. Whilst it’s possible to claim this back through the deposit though it’s still frustrating for landlords.
We wrote about dealing with pest control in our last article, have a read here! ‘Pest Control: Is it the Landlord or Tenant’s Responsibility?‘