Being a landlord seems easy—post the property, give over the keys, receive rent. But the second a potential tenant inquires, "Can I have pets?", you're suddenly in dilemma mode.
Do you open your arms to their cute golden retriever and risk scratched hardwood floors, or do you say no and risk losing a good tenant?
At CRIBO, we witness this argument every day. So here's a pragmatic, solution-based manual for landlords, drawn from actual situations and intelligent remedies.
Can landlords refuse pets?
Picture this
- A prospective couple walks through your apartment, smiling nicely, "He's just a little, really quiet husky…"
- Another vows their cat is essentially an ornament that sleeps twenty-four/seven.
Meanwhile, your landlord brain is shouting
Scratched doors! Chewed furniture! Carpets that will never smell the same!
Here's the thing—banning pets altogether may damage your rental appeal. Pet-friendly rentals are scarce, so they're also intensely desirable.
Tip: You can also screen for verified tenants and responsible pet owners with CRIBO so you don't have to risk taking unnecessary chances.
Real Issues Landlords Deal with When It Comes to Pets
Let's be real about the issues
- The Scratch Artist – Cats that consider your doors their high-end scratching posts.
- The Surprise Zoo – One "small dog" magically becomes three dogs and an "emotional support rabbit."
- The Barking Alarm Clock – Neighbors calling in complaints about noise at 3 a.m. due to a lonely dog.
- The Flea Legacy – Even after the tenants leave, the property still remembers the pets.
Recognize any of these? Worry not—there are solutions to prevent these horror tales.
Intelligent Solutions for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Rather than an absolute "no pets" policy, guard yourself with planning and policies:
Develop a Pet Policy
- Detail the number, kind, and size of pets permitted.
- Describe cleaning and damage duties.
- Add a pet clause to your tenancy agreement.
Ask for a Pet Deposit or Pet Rent
- A refundable deposit (say, £150) or a minimal monthly pet rent of £20–£30 pays for additional cleaning or minor maintenance.
Check References (Even for Pets!)
- Inquire about references from past landlords.
- Demand vet records to verify vaccinations and flea control.
Why Having Pets Can Be a Win-Win
Pet-friendly lets have unexpected advantages
- Bigger Rent Pool – Lots of renters have pets and find it tough to get a home.
- Extended Tenancies – Pet owners are not as likely to churn because they have fewer options.
- Increased Rent Yield – You can usually afford a modest rent premium on pet-friendly flats.
Try this: Search "pet-friendly flats" on CRIBO—you'll see how quickly they get snapped up!
Conclusion: Be Practical, Not Paranoid
Having pets doesn't involve your home becoming a zoo. With an effective pet policy, thorough vetting, and reasonable deposits, you can have blissful, conscientious tenants.
Next time someone asks "Can I bring my dog?", don't automatically say no.
Instead, say: "Yes, provided that it complies with the pet policy."
Because at the end of the day…
Happy tenant + happy pet = happy landlord.
Quick Landlord Questionnaire
Before you make your decision, ask yourself
- Would I consider allowing pets if tenants sign an agreement to pay for damages?
- Do I have a documented pet policy and pet clause in my tenancy contract?
- Would paying a small pet rent or deposit make me feel more at ease about pets?
- Am I willing to visit the property quarterly to check on its upkeep?
- Do I want to reach a greater pool of solid, long-term tenants?
- Can landlords refuse pets?
