- Landlords can no longer put blanket “no pet” bans, so they have to be prepared in the case of property damage from pets
- It is recommended that landlords check their existing landlord insurance to make sure pet damage is covered
- In the case of pet damage, landlords can withhold some of the tenant’s deposit to cover the costs of damage
If a tenant’s pet damages a rental property, landlords can rightfully deduct any repair or cleaning costs from the tenancy deposit. It’s also recommended that they file a claim through their insurance to cover the damage.
With the new Renters’ Rights in place, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse to allow tenants to have pets in their rental properties. So, it is more important than ever for landlords to take action to protect their properties.
Working with a property management company will help draw up a watertight tenancy agreement that includes what to do in the case of damage by pets, as well as providing regular property maintenance year-round to avoid excessive damage. If you’re a landlord looking for assistance with property management, contact us at J Property Management London to see how we can help.
What Can Landlords Do If Pets Damage Their Rental Property?
Deduct From The Deposit
If there is damage to the property caused by pets, landlords can withhold funds from the tenancy deposit to cover any repairs. This arrangement should be outlined in any paperwork given to tenants. However, there is a maximum that landlords can charge according to the deposit caps outlined under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Landlords usually have a maximum amount of 5 weeks’ rent that they can withhold from the deposit.
File An Insurance Claim
If landlords have a relevant insurance policy in place, they may be able to claim on their insurance for any property damage caused by pets.
Pet Fee
Landlords are not allowed to charge a specific “pet fee” for tenants with pets. Therefore, it is important to establish pet damage as part of the tenancy agreement or take out a specific insurance policy that covers pets.
Start Eviction Proceedings
Following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, it is more complicated for landlords to initiate eviction proceedings. They cannot merely wait until the end of a fixed tenancy or try to evict tenants without reasonable grounds.
Instead, they can only start eviction proceedings if they are able to demonstrate antisocial behaviour. Regarding pets, this could be ongoing noise complaints from neighbours, not cleaning up waste in communal areas or other people’s properties, unhygienic conditions or dangerous animals.
Damage to property caused by pets alone is not enough for landlords to start eviction proceedings.
How Can Landlords Prepare For Damage From Pets?
Before starting the tenancy, landlord and tenant should agree on how any damages from pets will be handled, including who is responsible for the repairs and the process of keeping money from the tenancy deposit to cover costs.
Landlords should also consider which insurance policy to take out and make sure that it covers any damage from pets. However, it should be noted that landlords cannot claim for the same damage twice. That is, if they claim insurance to cover costs, they cannot also deduct the damage from the tenant’s deposit.
Can Landlords Reject Tenants With Pets?
No, under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably reject tenants with pets; however, there is a protocol to follow.
Tenants must submit a request to have a pet in their home in writing, including a description of what type of animal it is, its size and how much room it will require. Without permission from the landlord, tenants cannot keep a pet. However, landlords also can’t refuse pets without a fair reason.
After the pet request has been received, landlords must respond in writing within 28 days. They can request more information if needed. Landlords should also check the terms of their lease or ask for permission from their freeholder (where relevant).
There are certain cases where landlords may reasonably refuse the request for a pet, including:
- Other tenants with allergies
- The property being too small for large or multiple pets
- The pet is illegal
- If the freeholder doesn’t allow pets.
If refusing a pet in your property, you must provide a written explanation as to why. Your tenant also has the right to challenge the refusal if they deem it unfair.
Do Landlords Need Special Insurance For Pets?
Landlords may be able to claim pet damage under their generic landlord insurance, depending on the specific policy and its inclusions.
Tenants can also take out pet damage insurance themselves if they want to give the landlord extra peace of mind about having pets in the rental property.
If landlords choose to claim against their insurance, they cannot also deduct costs for damages from the tenancy deposit, as they could be charged for fraud.
Protect Your Rental Property With J Property Management
At J Property Management, we’re committed to helping landlords protect their rental properties. From ensuring clear, legally binding tenancy agreements to carrying out regular property inspections and scheduled maintenance, we’re here to make sure your property’s value is maintained.
Whether it’s sourcing trustworthy tenants to minimise the risk of property damage or helping draft a tenancy agreement that outlines a clear protocol about pet damage, we can help you protect your property.
From individual services to full property management, we have something for all landlord needs. Get in touch today!
