Don’t be put off renting your property to a pet owner with this helpful guide.
There are more and more people with a pet that they share with their home. This could mean that you have a pet owner wishing to rent your property. But before you agree, make sure you carry out your due diligence for a straightforward letting.
1. Are pets permitted?
Before you even embark on considering whether to let your property to a pet owner you will need to check if pets are even allowed within the building. Check with the building’s regulations and also your own insurance as this may quickly answer your question.
2. What is the pet?
A husky dog is going to cause more wear and tear than a hamster. Find out what the pet is and how many there are. A small domestic dog that is taken out for walks regularly throughout the day is unlikely to cause any problems.
3. Are you able to obtain a reference from a previous landlord?
One way to ascertain how the tenant behaves in a property is to get a previous reference. If you are able to collect one then check if the pet disturbed the neighbours, damaged the property or caused any other issues during the tenancy.
4. Is your property furnished or unfurnished?
Should your property be furnished then remember that animal odour can hang around. So ensure that the tenant is aware that they will be responsible for the professional cleaning of all soft furnishings in the property, such as the sofa, curtains, rugs etc. at the end of the tenancy. On the other hand renting a property to a pet owner of an unfurnished property is naturally going to cause disruption.
5. Request a bigger deposit.
Ask the tenants for a bigger deposit to cover the risk associated to letting to a pet owner. This can only be used should there be any damage above fair wear and tear. So make sure this is clear in the contract that and any cost relating to damage caused by the pet can be deducted from the deposit. Also it is advised to make it clear that it is the tenant’s responsibility to get the property professionally cleaned at the termination of the tenancy.
6. An up-to-date inventory.
The inventory will be used to detail the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. Therefore it is important to make sure that one is conducted before the tenant moves in and that you have in writing that the tenant agrees with it’s contents. That way you have every base covered and proof of the property before the pet moved in.