Landlords underestimate perks of pets in properties

Landlords underestimate perks of pets in properties

0:02 AM, 11th March 2024, About 10 months ago 22

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 Landlords underestimate the financial advantages of allowing pets in properties, according to a new report.

According to a study by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home dismisses so-called “myths about pets and assumed damages.”

The data was collected from more than 2,000 private landlords and 1,000 private renters.

76% of landlords did not encounter any damage caused by pets

The report claims that 76% of landlords did not encounter any damage caused by dogs or cats in their rental properties.

Findings included the average total reported cost of pet-related damage was £300 per tenancy, compared to £775 for non-pet-related damage caused by non-pet-owning tenants.

The report reveals that renters with pets tend to stay longer in their properties than those without pets, with half (50%) of pet-owning renters staying in their previous accommodation for more than three years, compared to only 31% of non-pet-owning renters.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Homes claim these results indicate financial and social advantages for landlords in fostering longer and more stable tenancies.

Dispelling the myths on pets and damages in the PRS

Ben Parker, public affairs manager at Battersea said: “This first-of-its-kind report is a great help in dispelling the myths on pets and damages in the private rental sector. Sadly, one of the most frequent reasons Battersea sees owners bringing their pets to us is a lack of pet-friendly places to live.

“The Renters Reform Bill has the potential to allow more people to benefit from pet ownership while ensuring landlords and their properties remain protected.

“However, although the bill passed the Committee Stage last November, it has worryingly since stalled and additional efforts are still required before the law can enable renters and pets to reside contentedly together.

“As this Bill hopefully continues to progress through Parliament, we look forward to continuing to work with the Housing department and the wider property sector to promote a more equitable rental sector for both pets and people.”

Pets important for people’s physical and mental health

The report reveals pet ownership is vital to many people’s physical and mental health.

According to the findings, 29% of renters without pets said that if the legislation were passed, they would be more inclined to consider having a pet in the future for their wellbeing.


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Monty Bodkin

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7:09 AM, 11th March 2024, About 10 months ago

Or to put it another way-

Landlords fully understand the added risks and difficulties of taking on tenants with pets and the Renters Reform Bill will only make it a lot worse.

John MacAlevey

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9:56 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home underestimate..ie don`t understand, tenant & animal behaviour in rental properties. It invariably ends in `tears` arguments & costly resolutions. Budgies, canaries & song birds considered.

Andrew57

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9:58 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

I almost ended up with a new tenant with dogs. Fortunately I had to give him a lift to his current council rent. When I got there he invited me in for a cup of tea. They had taken the carpet up in the front room so the dogs could live in there. The floor was soak with pee and faeces, the door had been ripped to bits with the dogs scratching at it. A new floor would be needed before anyone moved in and that was the bit that he was happy for me to see.
His boss who I had only met once when he fitted a carpet for me called me the next day and warned me not to let him rent! Got to be careful.

L Bennett

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10:02 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

No problem with pets but more about the animal's welfare and barking in the case of dogs. The ability of the owner to adequately provide care is more what I would base acceptance on. You don't want any unwanted impact on neighbours.

So far had 2 tenants with cats and no problem.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:07 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

positive spin required as clearly lots of tenants being refused accommodation on the basis of pet ownership.

Shame. Not.

Unless the law changes to say a higher deposit can be taken for tenants with pets, then landlords are entitled to refuse on the basis that POSSIBLE damage cannot be financially mitigated against if it happens under the current system. A LL is under no obligation to accept pets, yet may consider doing so IF there is a specific pet bond/deposit that MAY be claimed against should the worst happen and the pet causes damage during the tenancy.
.
Good pet owners/tenants would be fine paying an higher deposit if they were confident in their pet as its only retained IF damage occurs. Damage is not automatically assumed and therefore a deposit will be returned.

Northampton Landlord

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10:35 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

Politicians thought they knew it all and restricted deposits to 5 weeks rent.
They did not consider an extra large deposits for pets or children.
In the land of unforeseen consequencs the politicians are blind to other outcomes.
I used to take on a tenant based on anassurance and an extra deposit to pay for redecoration and floor coverings.
Now it is much simpler to say no.

James Noble

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11:03 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by John MacAlevey at 11/03/2024 - 09:56
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home? Well of course they will come out with nonsense like this. It's like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. There is a strong bias in their research. I would never allow a dog or cat in any of my properties.

Andrew Morris

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11:28 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

I have some level of issue with almost all properties where there are pets. I’d put it at over 80%. It’s frequently several hundred pounds; on some occasions, it has been thousands. We just agreed a £1,200 per month tenancy at £1,300 with a dog and I’m worried I’ll live to regret it.

Paddy O'Dawes

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11:29 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by John Socha at 11/03/2024 - 10:35
I understand in terms of the pets but asking for a larger deposit because of children is going to go straight down the discrimination route so I wouldn't mention it. It's a bit like charging a wheelchair user extra as the risk of scuffing skirting and paint is higher. That kind of thing would get you in trouble.

Chris @ Possession Friend

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11:32 AM, 11th March 2024, About 9 months ago

There was ( and is ) a simple answer to encouraging a landlord to accept pets.
That is by allowing a greater Deposit.

Whilst the government continues to believe that the only tool to affect renting is a stick against Landlords, ( forgetting the benefits of carrots ) Tenants will continue to be impacted.

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