One of the changes relates to requests for pets in properties. The Renters’ Rights Act will give all tenants the right to request a pet. The landlord must not refuse a request unless it is reasonable to do so, and they must respond to requests within 28 days. As tenants could apply to court to enforce this right, it’s important that as a landlord you understand how to handle these types of requests going forward.
Many landlords have understandable concerns about noise, fleas, damage and allergies. With deposits now capped, they can no longer take the additional insurance of a pet deposit to cover any damage or additional cleaning at the end of the tenancy. As a result, many prefer to let properties to people without a pet.
However, a number of landlords are willing to allow pets to live in the property, particularly where the pet owner is responsible, and the pet is well-trained and looked after.
When deciding whether to allow a pet or not, you should focus on whether that specific pet is suitable for your specific property.
An assessment based on the specific facts will show you have taken reasonable steps when making your decision rather than arbitrarily banning a pet.
To decide on this, you should ask relevant questions to assess suitability such as:
- The type of pet being requested
- The size of the pet
- The size of the property
- Whether there is outside space
- How this could impact other residents in the home, especially those with allergies or phobias
- How this could impact other residents in nearby homes
- Whether the pet would normally need training
What is reasonable will generally depend on a combination of all of these factors, and you should carefully consider the full facts before making your decision. This will help to evidence your decision is reasonable.
For example, a request to have a small goldfish in a bowl is likely to always be suitable as the goldfish wouldn’t need training, require much space and isn’t going to make noise or disturb other residents.
Similarly, if a tenant asks to keep a house-trained dog in a large family home with a garden, then accepting the request is likely to be reasonable. Particularly if your tenant can provide evidence they are house-trained and the breed is not a dangerous one.
In contrast, landlords may have reasonable concerns about a request to keep a large untrained dog in a small room in a house in multiple occupation. Particularly one where another tenant is allergic to dog hair or the room is of insufficient size for the pet.
If you have a superior landlord and they refuse to allow pets, then that is always an acceptable reason for you to refuse a pet request.
