London Link is proud be promoting dog friendly accommodation
We undertake to encourage our landlords to consider letting their properties to tenants with pets and support them in their decision to do so.
We are also committed to working closely with those tenants that are looking to find a home for themselves and their pets, giving them advice on how to and helping them negotiate with the landlords of their chosen properties.
If you are thinking about letting pet-owner tenants rent your property, or if you are making your next move with your pet, do not hesitate to contact
The benefits of accepting tenants with pets
Increases the demand for your property and attract responsible tenants. It is an unfortunate fact that pet owning tenants find it hard to find a rental property where pets are accepted. Therefore, your property will be sought after and shouldn't be vacant for long and tenants will be less likely to do anything to jeopardise the tenancy.
Encourages tenants to stay for longer as pet-owner tenants know how difficult it is to find rented accommodation that allows pets so they are more likely to stay longer than tenants with no pets.
- Accepting pets – the next steps
- Check the terms of your freehold and lease
- Ask for a pet CV or ask the right questions about the pet
- Ask for a pet reference
- Include a pet clause in your tenancy agreement
- Asking for a higher deposit and professional clean
Looking to rent a property
When you are looking for privately rented accommodation with your pet, there are a number of things you can do to make the house hunting process as simple as possible and to show prospective landlords that you are a responsible pet owner.
TOP TEN TIPS
1. Don’t leave your house hunting until the last minute
Give yourself plenty of time to find a pet-friendly property and begin searching at least 6-8 weeks before you need to move out of your current home.
2. Be as flexible as possible
The more restrictive your search criteria are, the more difficult it will be for you to find a pet-friendly property. Try to be flexible on location and property type as this will increase your chances of finding somewhere for you and your pet to live.
3. Write a CV for your pet
Provide your prospective landlord with as much information about your pet as you can. Include the contact details of your veterinary practice and someone who can care for your pet in an emergency. You could also include details of your pet’s last vaccinations and any flea and worming treatments they have had.
4. Get a reference for your pet
By providing a reference from your previous landlord, you can show that your pet is well behaved and has caused no problems at your previous property. This will demonstrate that you are a responsible pet owner.
5. Introduce your pet to your landlord
Meeting your pet in advance may put your landlord’s mind at ease. You could invite your landlord to your current home so they can see that your pet has caused no problems there. This is particularly important for dogs as it’s an opportunity to show your dog is well behaved.
6. Offer to pay a higher deposit
Many landlords are concerned about pets causing damage to their property or furnishings. By offering to pay a higher deposit, you will reassure the landlord that you will cover any damage that your pet may cause.
7. Offer to have the property professionally cleaned
Landlords often worry that accepting pets will lead to flea infestations, excess pet hair and dirty carpets and soft furnishings. To put your landlord’s mind at ease you might consider offering to pay for the property to be professionally cleaned when you move out.
8. Be honest, don’t sneak your pet in without permission
It’s never advisable to keep a pet in a property without the landlord’s consent. This will only lead to problems in the future and could result in the termination of your tenancy. Always be honest about your pets from the start.
9. Get written permission
If your landlord has given you permission to keep a pet in your property, make sure you get it in writing. You should ask for a clause to be added to your tenancy agreement and make sure that any ‘No Pets’ clauses are removed. This will prevent problems from arising in future.
10. Make moving day stress free for your pet
When you are ready to move into your new home, think about what you can do to make moving day as stress free as possible. It’s a good idea to ask a friend or relative to look after your pet for the day if you can.
Pet CV and Reference
Writing a CV for your pet and getting a reference from your previous landlord are two good ways to persuade landlords that you and your pet are responsible tenants.
Use the CV as an opportunity to talk about your pet's behaviour and personality. You should also mention any training your pets have received and how they behave inside of the home. Include details of your pet's last vaccinations and flea & worming treatments. You should also provide your landlord with the contact details of your vet and someone who can care for your pet in case of an emergency. This will help to put their mind at ease.
Getting a reference from your previous landlord will also show that your pet caused no problems in your previous property and that you are a responsible tenant and pet-owner.
Visit our Canary Woof website to learn more about the Canary Woof Dogs Show and local dog events