Bristol – Survey data from The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) have suggested a dramatic increase in tenants moving property in order to accommodate a pet – and a decline in renters who are prioritising homes with more outdoor space.
Around a thousand tenants who had moved property between October 2021 and March 2022 took part in the DPS’ 2022 tenant survey, with 30% saying that they had done so to accommodate a pet – making it the most common reason for moving.
Last year, only 7% cited pets as the most significant influence over their decision to move, making it the least common factor.
Conversely, in this year’s survey just 11% of respondents cited ‘more outdoor space’ as the reason for their move, making it the least common influence over their decision.
Last year 18% said that outdoor space was the most important factor in their move.
Matt Trevett, Managing Director at The DPS, said: “The easing of restrictions earlier this year means that tenants are typically not as interested in moving away from cities to more rural or suburban areas as they understandably were during the height of the pandemic.
“However, it’s interesting to see that the reported popularity of pets during the lockdown period seems to be having a continued influence over tenants’ priorities.
“The present high level of demand for rental properties means that tenants who secure homes that allow pets typically stay for longer, resulting in more certainty for both tenant and landlord.
“Tenants should however understand and respect any obligations that come with having a pet and consider what changes they may need to make to meet a ‘pet-friendly’ tenancy agreement, which may reduce the chances of issues when they move out.”
The DPS has issued six top tips for tenants and landlords organising a pet to live at a property.
- Confirm ‘pet rules’ in writing
Landlords should be clear on any rules that allow pets in the property, for example the limit on the type or number of animals or whether the tenant can or cannot breed the animal at the site – and put those in writing. Landlords should share the document with the tenant, and both sides should sign it and keep a copy in case there are disputes or damage at a later stage. Landlords cannot ask for a separate deposit to cover pet damage, however. - Get the right insurance
Landlords should check that their property’s insurance policy includes accidental pet damage, a feature that is not always standard. Landlords may need to alter or find a new policy to ensure coverage. - Emergency contact
Tenants should also provide an emergency number for somebody who can look after the pet if they fall ill and need to go to hospital. - Landlords must by law allow certain pets
Landlords must always allow people with disabilities who need an assistance dog to have one inside the property. - Ask for a pet reference
Landlords can also ask for a pet reference from a previous landlord or vet to understand whether the animal is aggressive or has received its vaccinations and correct treatments. They can also ask to see the pet as part of their pre-tenancy checks. - Arrange regular inspections
Landlords and tenants should agree regular inspections to assess and discuss the condition of the property, which can reduce the chances of a dispute about any pet-related damage at the end of the tenancy.
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Sarah Chidgey
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sarah.chidgey@computershare.co.uk
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About The DPS
The Deposit Protection Service’s custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme is accredited by the Government. It is provided free of charge, and funded entirely by the interest earned from deposits held in the scheme. The DPS was approved by the UK government to run an insured TDP scheme in September 2012 in addition to the approval it has already been granted by the UK government in respect of the custodial scheme. The DPS is run by Computershare Investor Services PLC. Online self-service allows landlords to register and make deposit payments, transfers and repayments 24 hours a day. Help and advice is available through a dedicated call centre during office hours. An impartial Dispute Resolution Service, helps to resolve any disputes quickly and without the need for court action.
About Computershare Limited
Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, mortgage servicing, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialise in corporate trust, bankruptcy, class action and a range of other diversified financial and governance services.
Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in high integrity data management, high volume transaction processing and reconciliations, payments and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world’s leading organisations use us to streamline and maximise the value of relationships with their investors, employees, creditors and customers.
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