#18: Renters’ Rights – Let’s talk about pets

This episode is on the hot and controversial topic of tenants' rights to have pets in rental properties, which is on the horizon again with Labour's new Renters' Rights Bill. Richard Jackson and Suzanne Smith discuss what this right to request a pet is likely to look like, specific examples of when it might be reasonable to refuse for both single lets and HMOs, flats and houses. They also coverthe steps that landlords can take to reduce the risk of damage and being left out of pocket when the tenants move out. >> Ask a question: Click here for question form What we cover in this episodeWhat does the new Renters Rights Bill say about pets?What are landlords' attitudes towards pets in rental properties?What was in the old Renters Reform Bill about pets?The benefits of allowing tenants to have petsWhen would it be reasonable to turn down a request for pets?1. Pets in flats / leasehold2. Allergies3. Pet not appropriate for the property4. Concerns about the welfare of the pet5. HMOsWhat can landlords do to reduce the risks of allowing pets?1. Have a good pet policy2. Make sure you're comfortable that the tenant will look after the pet properly3. Carry out regular inspections4. If it's a dog, ask to meet it!Can a landlord insist on a professional clean at end of tenancy?Golden nugget What does the new Renters Rights Bill say about pets? The briefing notes to the King's Speech say that the Renters' Rights Bill will give "tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will be able to request insurance to cover potential damage from pets if needed". This is the same or very similar to the wording in the Renters Reform Bill.  What are landlords' attitudes towards pets in rental properties? A poll of a few hundred landlords in The Independent Landlord Community Facebook private group shows there is no consensus in attitudes towards having pets in rental properties. Here are the results: 31% already pet friendly 12% would reluctantly accept pets 15% would rather not accept them 31% would not accept pets if at all possible to refuse 11% said it would depend on the circumstances Of those in the "it depends" camp, some would allow it for tenants who've been there for a while and have proven themselves, like a form of probation,  showing they can look after the property. Others would charge more rent to reflect the increased risk as they can't ask for a bigger deposit. Bear in mind that the rent should not be above the market rent as that would mean the tenant could potentially successfully challenge a Section 13 rent increase notice in the First-tier Tribunal. What was in the old Renters Reform Bill about pets? Section 10 of the Renters Reform Bill, (which was abandoned before the election) included the right a tenant for to request permission to keep a pet. The landlord would not be able to refuse to give consent unless they had a good reason. The tenant had to make the request in writing and include a description of the pet for. The landlord needed to respond within a certain time period, and could ask the tenant to take out insurance that would cover the risk of pet damage, or require the tenant to pay the landlord's reasonable cost of maintaining insurance against pet damage. And if the renter is unhappy with the decision and thought that the landlord didn't have a good reason for turning down their request,