Battersea calls for greater awareness of pet damage insurance.
Some three quarters of renters in the UK may be unfairly affected by ‘no pets’ rental policies, according to a new report.
The research, conducted by animal charity Battersea, found that demand for pet-friendly rental property is at a record high, with 43 per cent of tenants currently owning a pet and some 33 per cent hoping to own a pet now or in the future.
Despite this, Battersea’s report shows there can be significant barriers preventing private tenants from getting a new pet or even keeping a beloved one they have had for many years. The charity is now calling for greater awareness from both tenants and landlords about pet damage insurance.
Peter Laurie, Battersea’s chief executive, commented: “Each year rescues like Battersea take in much-loved pets from responsible owners who have had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their companion because they have been unable to find a rental property that will allow a pet.
“While we will always help any animal in need, we believe that by campaigning for more pet-friendly homes across the country, we will see fewer dogs and cats being brought into us and more staying in their original loving homes."
Barriers to renting with pets
The report, entitled Pet-Friendly Rental Properties: The Private Rented Sector, highlights findings from property websites Zoopla and Rightmove, which show an enormous disparity between the surge in demand and the lack of options for private tenants.
In the last year, demand for pet-friendly rental properties on Rightmove soared by 120 per cent, while just seven per cent of landlords listed their properties as suitable for pets on Zoopla.
One owner who struggled to find somewhere to live with her pet is Sara*, who suffered a change in financial circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sara set out to find somewhere more affordable for herself and her 16-year-old cat to live, but she kept getting shut down, despite having glowing references from previous landlords. Thankfully, she finally found a flat with a landlord willing to waive the no pet policy on the understanding that the other tenants and landlords did not find out.
Recommendations
Battersea's report reveals that the number one reason why landlords are still wary of pets is the concern about the risk of damage to property or mess. Despite this, just three per cent of dog owners reported that their pet had ever damaged property or been the subject of a noise complaint.
The report makes several recommendations so “everyone can experience the joy of pet ownership – whatever their housing situation.” Among them is the suggestion that landlords and tenants should be better informed of the benefits of taking out insurance against pet damage.
Battersea found that 42 per cent of landlords would be willing to consider allowing pets if they could ask for insurance against pet damage. A further 33 per cent said they would be in favour if they were able to impose a higher security deposit.
The animal charity says these are just two of many compromises that landlords and tenants could use to reach an agreement that works for all parties and keeps pets together with their owners.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
