Finding a pet-friendly rental property throughout the festive season is proving to be a troublesome problem for renters.
According to analysis by Zero Deposit, solely 9% of rental properties in England are listed as pet-friendly – that’s simply over 8,000 out of 94,000 rental properties.
However, the Renters’ (Reform) Bill will quickly drive landlords to have a “good reason” to not let tenants hold a pet.
London boasts the best whole variety of pet-friendly leases
According to analysis by Zero Deposit, the South West is home to the best proportion of pet-friendly leases, however even nonetheless, simply 15% of present rental properties available to tenants are listed as such.
The South East (11%) and East of England (10%) additionally boast a few of the highest proportions of pet-friendly inventory, though this solely equates to round one in 10 rental properties.
However, it’s London that boasts the best whole variety of pet-friendly leases. Of the 8,343 pet-friendly properties presently available to tenants throughout the nation, 3,439 are discovered throughout the capital, accounting for 41% of all pet-friendly leases throughout England.
The analysis reveals the present asking lease for a pet-friendly rental property is £1,719 per thirty days.
Pet insurance coverage
Under the brand new reforms, landlords will likely be required to completely think about all requests on a case-by-case foundation.
A landlord should give or refuse consent in writing on or earlier than the forty second day after the date of the request, though there are some exceptions detailed within the Bill.
As a part of the Renters’ (Reform) Bill, the federal government will amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to incorporate pet insurance coverage as a permitted fee.
This means landlords can require pet insurance coverage from their tenants to cowl any injury to their property.
Landlords apprehensive about pets
Sam Reynolds, chief government officer of Zero Deposit, says many landlords are nervous when renting out to pets.
He stated: “A pet is a large dedication, and it ought to be rigorously thought of no matter your dwelling standing.
“For many tenants, the cost of renting is already substantial and so they need to be confident that they can afford the additional outgoings of pet food, insurance and the often inevitable vet bills.”
He added: “The excellent news is that whereas pet-friendly leases could also be exhausting to come back by, adjustments are being made to make renting with a pet extra broadly accessible.
“Of course, it’s vital to do not forget that whereas a rental property is your home, it’s additionally another person’s funding and so you ought to be rightfully ready to cowl the cost of any damages prompted.
“Many landlords may understandably be apprehensive about pets within their rental property, but in many cases, a clear and upfront line of communication is the best plan of action for tenants when considering introducing a pet to their home.”