An industry body, Propertymark, has published guidance for letting agents regarding tenants renting with pets. The guidance suggests that agents adopt a case-by-case approach when considering pet requests and recommends that tenants provide a 'pet CV'.
This advice comes after the Renters’ Rights Act established that private renters have the right to request a pet, and landlords and letting agents cannot unreasonably deny these requests. Propertymark also noted that landlords reported an average of £300 in pet-related damage per tenancy, compared to £775 in non-pet-related damage for landlords without pet owners.
Propertymark suggests checking property space, lease limitations, and arrangements in houses of multiple occupation. They also recommend regular inspections once a pet has been approved and the use of clear written terms to outline responsibilities, including avoiding nuisance to neighbours and tenant liability for damage. While landlords can require a property to be returned to its original standard of cleanliness, they cannot demand payment for professional cleaning or flea treatment.