Does tenant’s pet damage insurance exist?
2 years ago | 19 comments
Landlords underestimate perks of pets in properties
12:02 AM, 11th March 2024, 2 years ago
22
Categories:
Landlords underestimate the financial advantages of allowing pets in properties, according to a new report.
According to a study by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home dismisses so-called “myths about pets and assumed damages.”
The data was collected from more than 2,000 private landlords and 1,000 private renters.
76% of landlords did not encounter any damage caused by pets
The report claims that 76% of landlords did not encounter any damage caused by dogs or cats in their rental properties.
Findings included the average total reported cost of pet-related damage was £300 per tenancy, compared to £775 for non-pet-related damage caused by non-pet-owning tenants.
The report reveals that renters with pets tend to stay longer in their properties than those without pets, with half (50%) of pet-owning renters staying in their previous accommodation for more than three years, compared to only 31% of non-pet-owning renters.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Homes claim these results indicate financial and social advantages for landlords in fostering longer and more stable tenancies.
Dispelling the myths on pets and damages in the PRS
Ben Parker, public affairs manager at Battersea said: “This first-of-its-kind report is a great help in dispelling the myths on pets and damages in the private rental sector. Sadly, one of the most frequent reasons Battersea sees owners bringing their pets to us is a lack of pet-friendly places to live.
“The Renters Reform Bill has the potential to allow more people to benefit from pet ownership while ensuring landlords and their properties remain protected.
“However, although the bill passed the Committee Stage last November, it has worryingly since stalled and additional efforts are still required before the law can enable renters and pets to reside contentedly together.
“As this Bill hopefully continues to progress through Parliament, we look forward to continuing to work with the Housing department and the wider property sector to promote a more equitable rental sector for both pets and people.”
Pets important for people’s physical and mental health
The report reveals pet ownership is vital to many people’s physical and mental health.
According to the findings, 29% of renters without pets said that if the legislation were passed, they would be more inclined to consider having a pet in the future for their wellbeing.
Tags:
pet damage myths, pet friendly rentals, pet ownership benefits, Renters Reform Bill, tenant stability
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Previous Article
Will insulation save the planet?Related Articles
Why a tenant’s furry and feathered friends can rejoice over a forgotten law
2 years ago | 9 comments
Parents and pet owners hit with extra fees
2 years ago | 3 comments
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 1121
11:43 AM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Last time I inadvertently let to a couple with pets
( they moved in two dogs and a cat without asking and left them every weekend) in 9 months they trashed a newly refurbed one bed flat which cost £1500 to put right. A nice odour of dog and cat urine on laminate floor which had to be ripped up and replaced as it had soaked in.
And dogs ate the cat.
Member Since November 2022 - Comments: 65 - Articles: 1
12:29 PM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
All my tenants have pets of one kind or another and I’ve never had any problems or any damages. I charge an extra £20 rent per month which I put aside to replace carpets/flooring when they go – but so far none of them have ever left (except one who bought a place and one who got a council house – neither had any damages).
The bigger issue I worry about is if the tenant is evicted but leaves a pet behind. Baliffs won’t touch them, so it means forking out another £500 for a dog handler, or it becomes the landlords’ problem to either look after them or put in and pay for kennels etc until the tenant collects like any other belongings. Dogs trust/Rspca say they help with these cases but they’re always full up!
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 508
1:54 PM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by John Socha at 11/03/2024 – 10:35
Politicians cannot think beyond what will get a VOTE?
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 194 - Articles: 1
4:42 PM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Could the OP go back to Ben Parker at Battersea and ask the 24% who clearly did encounter pet damage for a schedule of those damages, how much the repairs cost – and, in each case, who got landed with the bill?
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 7
4:51 PM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
We have had 3 tenants with pets.
2 … there were no costs.
The 3rd ended up costing £6,700 to put right plus 2 months lost rental … and he was supposed to be a friend!
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
6:52 PM, 11th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by LordOf TheManor at 11/03/2024 – 16:42
Perhaps Battersea would like to Stand as Guarantor for all Renters Pets ?
No, thought not.
Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 94
5:33 AM, 12th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Had 2 dogs at 2 of our properties, never again, new floor , embedded smells, massive list of jobs.
If the-reform law does comes in we need to add a clause which states pet free rent and deposit otherwise additional rent and deposit will be required. Clearly in better legal language.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 201
9:46 AM, 12th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Even though my tenancy agreements say “No Dogs” tenants keep on sneaking them in. I had a tenants dog pee and poo over brand new carpets, and when he left after 18 months, I had to replace the lot. Had another property, where the tenants dog used the front garden as a toilet. When they left, I picked up 37 Poos (yes I counted). Disgusting.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
9:49 AM, 12th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Paddy O’Dawes at 11/03/2024 – 11:29
One way around it is to market the rent as between £X and £X. That way people know there is a range and it depends on tenant application received.
If people with kids apply you can suggest this will cause more wear and tear and so the rent will be X . If you are open to someone with pets then you take this into consideration and state the rent is X.
This way you are not discriminating – you are taking all applications. Any offer of a tenancy is therefore purely made on the basis of tenant affordability criteria being met. They do not have to accept it. Their choice and you don’t have to offer one either – your choice.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
9:50 AM, 12th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Raz at 11/03/2024 – 12:29
…which its always a no from me! Why add more risk to the already challenging ‘fun’ job of being a LL??