Finding a landlord who allows furry babies to stay on the property in London can be a challenging task. However, securing a suitable home is possible with the right approach and a little luck.
This article aims to provide valuable insights and tips for those looking to find a pet-friendly rental in London.
Let’s dive in!
How many of the rental properties in London are pet-friendly?
Sadly, such rentals in the capital are not so easy to find and may require a lot more effort than usual.
Yet there has been a positive shift with more and more landlords becoming open to accepting tenants and their furry babies.
There is no concrete percentage of pet-friendly rentals in London, yet, the estimates are between 40 and 50%. However, the landlords who openly advertise that they welcome owners with furry friends are well below 10%.
However, some of them will have restrictions on type, size, number of pets, and even their weight.
Are landlords more open to cat or dog owners?
That depends.
They may have varying preferences when it comes to allowing cats or dogs in their rental properties. Many property owners accept cats more than dogs because they perceive them as more suitable and less likely to cause any damage or disturbance.
Additionally, cats are smaller than dogs and more independent, making them easy to care for and raise indoors.
But that doesn’t mean that all pet-friendly homeowners prefer cats over dogs. Some landlords understand that responsible canine owners can be a perfect fit for their property, especially since some of them have pets of their own.
The important thing to remember is not to be afraid to ask. If you don’t, the answer is always going to be “no”. And, who knows, with a bit of luck, you may very well find your new home.
Some landlords will need to be convinced, of course. Don’t give up hope, and keep trying until you find a suitable place.
What to consider when looking for a pet-friendly rental in London
Finding a suitable place in the capital is a daunting task that requires careful consideration. But that doesn’t mean you, as a pet owner, cannot get the job done with a few tips we’ve prepared for you.
Prepare a pet CV
This is a valuable tool when searching for a pet-friendly rental.
Just like your CV highlights your qualities, you can include your pet’s positive traits and behaviours in his. With a nice photo of your furry friend, include as much information about them as possible (this can include breed, age, and vaccinations).
You can even support it with references from previous landlords and neighbours. This will give your potential landlord a good image of you as a responsible pet owner and your pet’s behaviour as well.
It will also put their mind at ease when it comes to concerns such as end of tenancy cleaning and property maintenance.
It will take time
Finding a pet-friendly rental may require more time and effort than a standard rental search. This is naturally expected, as the number of such homes is limited.
As a pet owner, you’ll have to prepare yourself for extensive searches in different areas and some compromises as well.
A good tip when searching is to look near parks and commons, which are plenty in London. This can save you a lot of time looking in areas with scarce pet-friendly rentals.
There may be pet fees
When looking for pet-friendly rentals in London, you’ll have to accept that they might come with extra costs. This can come in the form of pet fees or pet deposits. Those are to cover any end of tenancy cleaning or property maintenance that may be needed.
When considering a specific rental, you must review whether the landlord requires any pet fees or deposits.
It’s essential to understand these costs upfront, as well as any terms related to pet damage and anything regarding your responsibility for any cleaning services or property maintenance.
You might be able to save money if you use a professional end of tenancy cleaning before moving out or if you’re willing to do it all by yourself.
Look for websites and apps that offer pet-friendly rentals
Many websites and apps specialise in connecting pet owners with pet-friendly rental properties. If you’re lucky, some may even have gardens, which are perfect if you have dogs.
Some specialise in finding suitable rentals, while others come with filters to match your needs. Websites and apps such as Zoopla and SpareRoom can help you find your new home.
Consider getting a real estate agent
When searching for your new home, utilising pet-friendly relocation experts can greatly benefit you. It helps you save a load of time searching for potential rentals and locations suitable for you and your furry friend.
Someone with real estate experience can help you with insights about the current market trends, clear all the terms and fees related to your pet, and negotiate them for you.
Can my landlord evict me for owning a pet?
It depends on your tenancy agreement and your landlord. You have nothing to worry about if you’ve signed a tenancy agreement with a pet clause specifying your furry friend in it.
The opposite is likely if your tenancy agreement has a “no pets” clause and you agree to it. Your landlord can evict you if you adopt a pet afterwards.
However, it’s worth noting that the law in England and Wales changed in 2019 to provide more flexibility for tenants with furry friends.
The new legislation allows tenants to keep pets unless there is a reasonable justification for the landlord to refuse, such as if the property is not suitable for the type of pet or if it would cause significant damage or disturbance to other tenants or the property.
Conclusion
Finding a pet-friendly rental in London may require extra effort, but it is certainly achievable.
Following the tips and suggestions in this article can increase your chances of finding a suitable home that welcomes you and your beloved furry baby.
With perseverance and the right approach, you’ll be one step closer to finding your ideal pet-friendly rental in London.
