While renter demand has increased by 13% in the last year, demand for renting with pets has more than doubled, with pet-friendly rental inquiries up 120% (Rightmove). Over half of UK adults are estimated to own a pet, with the majority of dog (26%) and cat (24%) owners (PDSA). According to research, 31% of tenants are willing to pay a premium for a pet-friendly apartment (£40 per month outside of London, £50 in London)
For renters, affordability, access to outdoor space, and broadband are all considerably higher properties. Parking is the amenity for which the greatest number of tenants are willing to pay a premium (38%).
To assist our fellow animal lovers with their property requirements, we’ve put together some pointers to help you get a leg up on the competition when it comes to finding the purrfect place for you and your companion.
Begin your search early
Because there are considerably fewer alternatives available on the market for tenants with pets, if you want to relocate with your pet in tow, you’ll need to begin your search far sooner than the usual mover. It will almost certainly take you much longer to discover acceptable lodging, and when pet-friendly lodging is available, there will be considerably more inquiries per property as animal lovers fight for this limited resource.
Keep your options open when it comes to location
It’s worth being flexible on location to offer yourself the best chance of finding a suitable property for you and your animal friend. As a result, only a tiny percentage of landlords are willing to allow dogs in their houses. If you limit your search to a single area, you’re unlikely to discover many alternatives – and even fewer that suit your precise requirements.
Recognise your leverage, but prepare to pay a higher price
Despite popular belief to the contrary, pet owners are frequently model tenants. Those renting with pets typically remain longer and take great care of the property to guarantee that they obtain a good reference because it is so much more difficult to find a pet-friendly property. When dealing with the lettings service and the landlord, you can take advantage of these benefits.
Obtain a reference for your pet as well as current vet documents
Request a formal character reference for your pet from your present landlord. If the potential landlord can witness good testimony from someone similar to them, it will aid your case considerably. It would help if you also show that you are a responsible pet owner. Gather all of your vet’s paperwork to ensure that your pet is up to date on vaccines and flea and worm treatments.
The Lets with Pets initiative (managed by the Dog’s Trust) recommends creating a thorough pet CV to win over the landlord. Pet CVs are not only adorable, but they also provide you with the chance to tell the landlord about your pet’s personality, behaviour, and any relevant obedience training they may have.
If you are thinking of moving house and aren’t sure where to start looking, give our team at Qube Residential a shout for any queries.
Sources: Dataloft, Rightmove, Property Academy (2020), PDSA.
