How to become a landlord who embraces pets
Letting to tenants with pets can have many benefits for both landlords and tenants. Here we look at some ways that landlords might make the accommodation they are providing for rent more pet-friendly.
If you’re a landlord seeking long-term tenants, consider strategies to make your investment property as enticing as possible.
You might have also missed the large group of pet owners in Britain who need to rent a home and want to make their furry friends as comfortable as possible.
Unfortunately, many landlords have been known to refuse pet owners over the years, sometimes due to concerns about damage or general unsuitability for a property.
Many pet owners prefer to stay in a rental because it might be difficult to find suitable housing. This is a big benefit for busy landlords, as it reduces the burden of finding new renters and possible vacant periods every 12 months.
With rental reforms on the horizon, now is the time to explore opening your rental investment to responsible pet owners.
We’ll look at some ways to make your rental property pet-friendly and get responsible pet lovers who will stay there.
Add a Pet Clause to your Tenancy Agreement
You could add a pet clause to your lease if you’re really worried about a tenant with a pet doing damage. Most pet owners will go the extra mile to make sure their pet doesn’t do damage. This might say that the renter is responsible for any damage the pet causes and that the property needs to be cleaned completely when the lease ends. Talk to your real estate agent about the specifics of your lease.
Consider your flooring
If you’re renovating a rental property, make sure you plan ahead to keep damage to a minimum. Think about laminate, wood, or tiled floors instead of rugs. You can keep these choices cleaner, and they won’t hold on to pet hair or smells.
Choose the right Furnishings
If you are renting out a house with furniture, don’t use light-coloured sofas and chairs because they are more likely to get dirty. If you want to keep your furniture clean, think about fabrics that are easy to wipe down, like leather. The same goes for shades or curtains; muddy paws and light fabrics don’t go together!
Keep the Garden Secure
Make your property’s outside area a pet sanctuary by securing the fences and/or gates so they can’t escape. Remove any plants that may be harmful to cats and dogs.
Get Insurance
You may also protect your rental property from pets by getting landlord insurance. Check to see if the policy covers unintentional pet damage, as not all do.
And finally, a few more points!
- Tenants with pets stay longer, on average. They are a good bet.
- We have pet agreements, which require tenants to do a professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy and pay a larger deposit
- There are no worries about damage. If it happens there will be an appropriate charge to the tenant’s deposit
If you wish to make your Rental Property pet friendly, talk to the expert team at Western Lettings Glasgow to learn what tenants are looking for.
