Can I charge for a woof?

Can I charge for a woof?

14:41 PM, 25th August 2020, About 4 years ago 12

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We let as standard no pets, but I received a request from the Council to house an older lady with a Jack Russell pet

Is there anything I can do to protect myself from potential damage and extra cleaning required etc?

I know can’t take more than 5 weeks deposit so now what?

What could I do instead?

Many thanks

Reluctant Landlord


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Landlord Phil

10:16 AM, 1st September 2020, About 4 years ago

It's got to be your decision if you accept or not. As hinted at earlier, a previous landlord reference is a great way to predict a problem, but not always forthcoming. I usually take 4 weeks deposit as standard, 5 weeks if a pet is in the frame. I've had good & bad experiences with pet inclusive tenancies. However, 12 years of renting multiple properties has taught me a valuable lesson. People are more likely to be the problem than pets. If a person is happy to live in a mess, caused by an animal, it's the person that's the problem. The pet just accelerates the process of creating the mess that the human will eventually bring about. How about creating a reason to go around to the persons current address, say to deliver the pre rent package (how to rent guide etc). The state of the place will tell you if they fit your selection criteria. If you're refused entry, then it adds to your own selection reasoning. Just a quick note though. I've only ever had to take tenants without pets to court to evict, or to recover unpaid rents. This supports my belief that the person poses a greater risk than the pet. With the new 6 months posession rule in place, I'd support previous suggestions to get a guarantor for almost all tenancies.

Chris @ Possession Friend

12:40 PM, 1st September 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Phil Robinson at 01/09/2020 - 10:16
VISITING a prospective Tenent at their Current rental property.

I often will do this and in an OVERT way. Three different things have occurred.
1. I visited a prospective tenant in their current property that, coincidentally, also like mine, had laminate flooring in the hall He also had a 'staffie' that was so friendly he raced towards me for a fuss but his claws were sliding and scratching on the laminate floor faster than his body would carry him !
When the prospective tenant called me the following day to ask when he could move into my house, I had to tell him I had decided to continue to market the property. He began to 'F' at me but I quickly disconnected his call.
2. Tenant was more than willing to show me fully round her currently rented home which I could see from the front door was immaculate ( including the outside of the property ) I said I didn't need to see any more and she could rent as soon as the paperwork was finalised.
3. This prospective tenant refused me a visit at their current rental property, so the matter didn't progress any further.
TIP, - if your a bit 'concerned ' ( some landlords are ? ) about doing this, look what car they turn up to visit your property in and do a drive past where they say they're currently living, expect to see the car outside.
I also am very polite in walking back to the visiting prospective tenants car to see them off with a wave ( and have a quick look at what state their car is in. If there is a mess in their car and its dirty, their house is likely the same. )
There are no '100%' foolproof ways of vetting prospective tenants, but there are quite a few you can engage that will help you to make the right 'gut decision'
( Also, look them up on social media. Have a look for the ones that say they have no pets, with photo's of their dogs etc on their profile ! )
Be your own 'private detective' and don't rely solely on a reference check.
Any concerns, don't forget a Guarantor, maybe a routine requirement if taking tenants on benefits ( of course a working tenant can become u/e, so as I say, no 100% guarantee's )

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