Pets in rented homes: what landlords in Wales need to know
There’s been a bit of confusion floating around recently about pets in rental homes, especially with changes that have recently come in in England under the Renters' Rights Act. These reforms have shifted things quite significantly for landlords and tenants across the border.
Only a tiny part of that Renters’ Rights Act applies in Wales, and – crucially – it’s not the section about pets, so these changes do not apply here.
England: a new right to request a pet
In England, all tenants now have a contractual right to request to keep a pet in the property they rent, and the landlord can only refuse if it’s reasonable to do so. This is law, so it overrides anything that might have previously been written into the contract about not being allowed to keep a pet.
However, landlords still retain control over the letting process. They don’t have to allow viewings from those with pets and they can continue to select tenants who don’t have a pet – they can even continue to say “no pets” in advert. But once they’re in occupation, a tenant has that legal right to request one - and the landlord can only refuse with a reasonable reason.
As for what actually counts as reasonable, the legislation doesn’t say what is or isn’t a valid reason, but the Government have provided some guidance on the subject. Ultimately, if challenged, it would be for a court to decide.
Wales: no automatic right to pets
In Wales, contract-holders do not have a statutory right to keep a pet, so landlords can continue to refuse any request to keep one that they may receive. This applies both before and during a tenancy.
It goes without saying, though, that a landlord who does allow pets is increasing their pool of prospective tenants, so it’s worth thinking about if the property is suitable.
Should I allow tenants to keep pets in my rental property?
Allowing pets can be a great way to make your property more appealing and stand out in the rental market. It can also bring a number of benefits, including the ability to charge higher rent, as limited supply of pet-friendly homes can make these properties more in demand. It may also appeal to a wider pool of potential tenants, with many renters actively looking for homes where they can keep cats or dogs. In addition, pet-friendly properties often encourage longer tenancies, as pet owners are less likely to move once they have found a suitable home.
If you decide to allow pets, it’s sensible to put a few safeguards in place to protect your investment. One consideration is the potential for additional wear and tear, with items such as light scratching to flooring or furniture, or increased cleaning requirements, sometimes more likely in pet-occupied homes. Where permitted in Wales, landlords can request an additional deposit to help cover any potential pet-related damage. It’s also good practice to start with a property that is clean, well-presented, and fully documented with detailed inventory and condition reports, so there is a clear reference point at the end of the tenancy.
Clear expectations should be set out from the outset, with any pet permissions and conditions included in the Occupation Contract. This might cover things like appropriate pet care, cleanliness standards or limits on the number or type of pets allowed.
Regular inspections can also help ensure the property is being maintained properly throughout the tenancy, allowing any issues to be identified and addressed early.
If you have any further questions, the CPS Homes team are here to help. You can reach us at lettings@cpshomes.co.uk or call 02920 668585.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
