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The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to make pet lovers and fur parents happy. The bill introduces new provisions to give tenants the right to keep their pets. While these new regulations are meant to empower tenants to request pet ownership, how will this affect property owners and landlords?
While owning pets is a right, not all landlords are open to it because of the risk of property damage. This is the main concern of property owners and landlords when it comes to this rule. Fortunately, the Renters’ Rights Bill includes provisions to help landlords protect their properties from property damage caused by pet ownership.
In this article, you’ll get a better understanding of what it means to rent with pets under the Renters’ Rights Bill. You’ll learn how to navigate this bill when it passes into law, so you can find the balance between tenant rights and your property’s protection.
Tenants Gain Pet Rights Under Renters’ Rights Bill
Statistics reveal that 17 million homes across Britain have a pet, with 11% of households taking on new pets during the pandemic. These animals are considered by their owners as part of the family. They play a huge role in helping people with their mental health.
This is probably one of the reasons why the government is choosing to help tenants improve their rights to own a pet while living in rental properties. According to the government, pets bring joy to their owners. Through the Renters’ Rights Bill, the government wishes to empower tenants and promote sensible pet ownership as well as fair tenant-landlord relationships.
There are two important points about renting with pets in the Renters’ Rights Bill.
- Right to request for pet ownership. Tenants have the right to make a pet request to their landlords, without immediately or unreasonably being denied. The provisions require landlords to fairly assess the request before denying it.
- Right to escalate unfair requests. If the tenant feels the denial of the pet request is unjust, they can escalate it to the courts or the Private Renter Sector Ombudsman. Both the tenant and landlord will have to present evidence before the deciding body makes a verdict.
Currently, the bill has yet to finalise the details of what is considered a just or unjust denial. Once the bill passes into law, the government will publish a comprehensive guideline for landlords and tenants.
While the details are not yet clear, there are instances when the decision to refuse a pet request is valid. For instance, if the landlord is bound by an agreement with a superior landlord that prohibits pet ownership, they cannot approve the request.
How the Renters’ Rights Bill Supports Landlord Concerns
The Renters’ Rights Bill is not one-sided when it comes to the issue of renting with pets. Landlords have the right to make demands from the tenant to ensure their properties are protected from damages caused by unruly pets. Unless the tenant complies with these demands, the landlord can refuse their pet request.
- Pet Damage Insurance. The bill allows landlords to require insurance coverage for pet damage. This will help landlords pay for necessary repairs through claims. If the tenant can’t get the insurance, the landlord can make the arrangements and they are allowed to recover the cost from tenants.
- Deposit Protection. Landlords can use tenancy deposits to cover damages caused by pets unless they already made insurance claims for the same problem. They are not allowed to claim both for the same damage.
- Payments for Excess Damages. If the insurance and the tenant deposit are not enough to cover the damages, landlords can seek the tenant for additional compensation. This can be done through court proceedings.
Tips for Landlords Adapting to Pet-Friendly Lets
While the Renters’ Rights Bill is still in the process of passing into law, landlords and property owners should start taking steps to consider pet-friendly rules. These changes might take effect immediately after the bill passes into law. The more prepared you are, the easier you can adjust to the changes this will bring.
When it comes to having pets in rentals, here are tips you can implement to balance tenant rights and property protection.
Have clear pet policies
Review your tenant agreement and update your pet policies. Be as detailed as you can by including the type of pets allowed, rules for their behaviour and any maintenance expectations that you may have for the tenants.
Schedule regular property inspections
Include in the tenant agreement a schedule for regular property inspections. This will allow you to check the property for damage so you can discuss it with the tenant before issues get out of hand.
Require insurance coverages
Have a written agreement that the tenant will get insurance to cover potential pet damages. In case they cannot do so, you can add a clause in your property’s existing insurance coverage but make sure the tenant agrees to pay for the added cost.
Have an open communication
Discuss pet requests opening with tenants. If you are hesitant to approve, be honest with the reasons. Clear communications will set the right expectations and will prevent time-consuming challenges or disputes.
It’s understandable to prioritise the protection of your property. However, you should also consider the benefit of establishing a positive relationship with your pet-loving tenants. One of the goals of the Renters’ Rights Bill is to improve the relationship between tenants and landlords. If you can build better relations with them, you can get their loyalty. This can improve the vacancy rates of the rental property and will leave you with responsible tenants.
Find the Balance Between Rights and Responsibilities
Several studies have proven that pets can bring joy and comfort to people. This is why a lot of people have decided to get pets during the pandemic. However, they are still animals and if they are not cared for properly, they could cause damage to the property they’re staying in.
The Renters’ Rights Bill creates an opportunity for tenants to make pet requests without compromising the landlord’s concerns with property damage. It brings clear policies that uphold the rights of both parties and creates a dialogue between them. Hopefully, this is meant to open doors that lead to long-term relations where landlords will also enjoy tenant loyalty.
Complying with these rules is a must if you want to keep your rental property competitive in London’s property market. If you have questions about complying with the provision of the Renters’ Rights Bill, contact us. City Relay offers property management services, including compliance strategies to protect the earning potential of rental properties.
