The main reason landlords aren’t keen on having pets in their property is because of the associated risks. In the hands of the wrong owner, pets can lead to dirty conditions, lingering smells, pest infestations and neighbour complaints. It's therefore your job to outline how you will prevent those risks by convincing your landlord that you are a responsible pet owner.

Prospecting tenants should be upfront, they should try to introduce their pet to the landlord in advance so the landlord can see how the animal behave first hand. The more information your landlord has, is the more likely they are to consider tenancies with a pet.

Whilst landlords can request a higher rent payment for pets, they cannot insist on a professional cleaning or de-flea treatment service at the end of your tenancy. Professional cleaning services are a prohibited payment under the legislation; however, you must return the property in the same condition as it was at the start of the tenancy.  

Pet CV's & references  - As crazy as it may sound a CV and references for your pet can help your case. Your pets age, breed, behaviour, training, vaccinations, flea treatments and a reference from your vet and/or previous landlord will help paint a picture of what your pet will be like in the property.

Although this is more common for cats and dogs, other animals will benefit from a good reference which reassures the landlord too. Its good practice is to provide your vet's contact details and someone who can care for your pet in an emergency. You should also define as best you can when you'll be away from the pet during the day or night.

The law says:

Pet rent in England: - Landlords in England cannot request a higher tenancy deposit for renting with a pet. Deposits are capped in England since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019, instead landlords can charge you extra rent for having a pet.

Pet rent in Northern Ireland: - The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 introduced changes to deposits which change what landlords can ask from tenants. From 1 April 2023 all deposits for new tenancies will be limited to one month’s rent. This means that a landlord cannot ask for or accept any deposit amount over one month’s rent, even if this was separate from the main rental deposit before the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 was passed. This includes deposits for pets. 

Pet Rent in Scotland: - Some tenancy agreements will prevent you from renting with a pet, but you may be able to gain permission if you agree to an additional deposit. Any deposit in Scotland is capped at a maximum of two months’ rent, this includes any additional deposits. 

Pet deposits in Wales: - On top of your tenancy deposit, landlords can request an additional pet deposit to cover themselves against any potential damage caused by the pet at the end of the tenancy. Like your tenancy deposit, it should be returned to you at the end of your tenancy if no damage has occurred and should also be protected in a tenancy deposit scheme.

For more info see renting with pets article by Propertymark  

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