Almost half of UK’s entire population owns a pet, as stated by recent research. That exact statistics also suggest that currently, pet-owning families occupy approximately one in five homes. However, looking for rental accommodation is still a struggle for pet owners. So how to rent a house with pets? Here are several ways that might just help boost your chances of securing a pet-friendly rental home.
Do Your Research
Take your time researching for the most suitable place for you and your pet.
Time Management
Make sure that you have a good grasp of time. Looking for a new home can be just as tedious as moving. Stressing yourself will do you no good. So check your notice period to avoid last-minute house-hunting.
You will have better chances in finding pet-friendly properties if you search way earlier. Additionally, if you act on time, moving will more likely become less stressful for you and your beloved pet.
Manage Your Expectations
Setting a realistic expectation will help you find a more suitable home for you and your pet. Your potential home to rent should depend on the type of pet you have, especially its size. Thinking of finding a studio apartment for your Great Dane is just impractical.
Keep Your Options Open
When looking for a new home for you and your pet. Keeping your options open will be very helpful in doing negotiations with your potential landlord or letting agent.
Discuss all your needs and preferences so that in case the first one does not work out, you always have a ‘backup’. Keep in mind that landlords need tenants just as much as tenants need homes.
Show the Landlord That You Are Worthy of His Trust
Another key to helping you secure a good place is to be convincing and showing your potential landlord that you can be trusted.
Provide Necessary Documentation
Create a folder solely for important pet documents. You can hand these documents to the house proprietor to show them how responsible you are as a pet owner. Here are the documents that you need to include in your file collection:
- Your veterinarian/veterinary clinic’s contact details
- Microchip and licence numbers
- Spay or neuter certificate
- Updated vaccination records
- Latest pictures of your pet/pets
Collect Pet References
Show that you are a responsible pet owner by exhibiting your proofs, also known as pet references. You can try asking your previous landlord as well as your veterinarian for a reference.
If you deem to go an extra mile with this, attach a picture of your current home showing no signs of damages done by your pet/pets.
Communicate and Be Honest
It sure is difficult to look for homes that would allow you to rent with a pet. And that sure does not entail that you should mention owning a pet the last minute or right before signing an agreement. That move will definitely frustrate property owners, giving them every right to nullify your consensus, force you to have your pet removed from their property, or worse, file an eviction lawsuit for breach of the agreement.
To avoid this, communicate and be open with the landlord about everything he might need to know about your pet to avoid future complications.
Provide Further Reassurance if Necessary
If even after all of the convincing that you have done, the homeowner is still sceptical and wary about your pet potentially damaging the furniture, it is now time to take an alternative approach. You can assure the homeowner that you will provide your pet sufficient equipment to stay busy with; for example, if you own a cat, you will be supplying it enough scratching posts.
Another assurance would be to offer to pay professional cleaning when the tenancy ends. This is to show that you are willing to go these extra steps to ensure that you are a responsible pet owner and suitable to rent the place.
Meet and Greet with Your Pet(s)
When references and documents do not seem to be convincing enough, persuade the landlord to visit your current rental to have an exclusive meet-and-greet with your furry companions. This is the perfect time to show how responsible you are as a pet owner to your potential future landlord. This is also the best time to flaunt the cuteness of your pets.
However, if the landlord refuses to see your lovely furry friends for any possible reason, you can give them a tad summary of your pets. Include information about its breed, size, habits, favourite toys, and activities, along with some well-taken pictures.
The Last Resort, Pet Deposit Options
In case none of the above options worked, offer him payment for an additional pet deposit. This might just get the job done. If you cannot afford to pay two deposits upfront, try to agree with doing it in monthly instalments.
Convince Letting Agents
If you are working with letting agents, it is best to try to convince them to help you find a home that will allow you to live with your pet. Show them how docile, harmless, and cute your pet is. Many of these letting agents are keen and passionate about helping pet-owning families.
How to rent a house with pets is a question many pet-owning tenants have, but if you are clear with your intentions, honest with your goals, and assure the landlord that you will treat his place with the utmost respect, surely sooner rather than later, you will be able to find a good home for both you and your pet.
