Nearly two thirds of landlords will hike rents if tenants are allowed to keep pets

63% of landlords said they’ll increase rents if it becomes easier for tenants to keep pets in their properties.

The findings are part of a survey carried out by Simply Business ahead of the Renters Reform bill being passed into law next year.

The proposed legislation aims to ban section 21 – no-fault evictions - and includes further measures to ensure protection for tenants.

These include stopping landlords from denying tenants from keeping pets in a rented property unless there’s a reasonable reason for refusal.

Landlords will be required to give or refuse consent in writing within 42 days of receiving a written request from a tenant to keep a pet.

Courts will also be able to decide whether landlords can ‘reasonably’ deny a request.

But landlords will be able to force tenants to have insurance to cover potential pet damage or pay extra for the landlord to take out the cover on their behalf.

Just 28% of the landlords polled currently allow their tenants to keep pets.

Renting with pets

Start by searching properties that are listed as ‘pets considered’ or have positive mentions of pets in their adverts.

When viewing a property make sure you consider whether it’s appropriate for both you and your pet. Things to look out for include whether there’s access to outdoor space and whether there’s enough room for your pet to move around.

Try approaching the landlord directly. Landlords are sometimes more open to the idea of pets than letting agents who tend to have a blanket ban.

You could collect references for your pet from your vet, groomer or previous landlord, to reassure the landlord about its character and training.

When you speak to a prospective landlord, offer solutions to any problems they might anticipate. They might be more comfortable with the idea of a pet if you offer to take out insurance or are willing to cover the cost of a deep clean at the end of the tenancy.