Understanding UK landlords is a tricky topic. I have been working in London property, for over 25 years, advising clients on rentals and sales. Now I specialise in London pet friendly properties.
Sadly, there is no rhyme or reason to landlords and how they react. Sometimes it is purely on the advice of the estate agents representing them. Other times, it is based on personal experiences or stories they have heard about poor tenants, which leave lasting impressions.
However, I will say how dog owners behave is judged outside a property too. The amount of dog poo that is left on pavements and commons is awful. Those same landlords walk the streets and will be put off renting to pet owners because of it.
I once had a tenant who left poo bags piling up on a patio. I was shocked by the lack of common sense. Why would you not throw them away?
On another occasion, a landlord was constantly denied access to his property. He saw the flat above was on the market for sale, so he went to do a ‘viewing’. He looked out the back window and saw his patio below covered in dog poo. He gave the tenants notice. Another pet friendly property ‘bites the dust’. See my point here.
A few times, I have been on zoom calls where landlords have interviewed my clients looking to rent in London with their pets, before saying yes to their pets.
Some landlords are totally unrealistic; I had one, saying the dog was not allowed on the carpet in the bedroom, despite the bedroom doors leading out to the patio! That was in Primrose Hill. I had another local landlord, say both dogs were allowed, but the strip of land at the back of the house off the reception room was a dog free zone. How can you stop your dog going outside. Green space is there to be explored!
What makes a landlord ‘tick’ and which category do they fall under?
A professional portfolio landlord is clearly motivated by profit maximisation. An ideal tenant would be one that is rarely at the property, minimising wear and tear, and paying full rent. Worst tenant would be a number of people who are at home a lot. Potential for lots of damage.
Any emotional appeal is more likely to fall on ‘deaf ears’. They are more likely to go with the advice of the estate agent, with the focus on price, length of tenancy and starting asap.
With an amateur landlord, scenarios can vary hugely. Price may be the main factor, especially if they have a few properties. However, if the landlord used to live in the property and was their family home, emotions can come into play.
With the landlord, a tenant profile may be more important. Will this tenant look after the property properly? I have even witnessed landlords accept tenants with pets, even though theirs was not the highest bid. In many cases they loved the pet cv and the fact they were responsible pet owners.
With an amateur landlord, find out from the agent what is important to them and use that to your advantage.
Build To Rent Corporate landlords is a recent market and is growing hugely. With the reduction in private landlords with the change in UK taxation combined with rising interest rates, companies have ‘stepped’ in to provide much needed rental accommodation, as it is a huge business.
Perfect timing with people being forced to rent more rather than buy their own property. A lot of these build to rent developments, will allow pets, some not. However, check the pets’ allowed policies as they differ. Some have onerous dog ‘weight’ restrictions. Seriously, I have come across a few!
I will say that irresponsible tenants with pets affect the rest of us. I recently had a landlord, a dog owner herself, and a client with a cat and a dog. Because, the landlord had had a bad experience with a previous tenant with the cat ripping up a sofa, she was reluctant to allow a cat. All parties had a zoom call to discuss the matter and find a solution. Sadly, the landlord was not able to get over that previous experience, so we had to move on.
Can you imagine if that landlord had a property portfolio? Suddenly all those properties say no to pets because of a few irresponsible pet owners.
A useful tip. With landlords look for a solution. If your dog is old and does not move much, then say so. If your cat is indoor only, say so. A previous landlord reference stating you were a great tenant; the pets caused no damage and you paid the rent on time can really help convince a landlord to say yes to your pets.
I hope this information is helpful. If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, feel free to join our informative Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets”, for more guidance and support.
Russell Hunt is the founder of Petslets.com, a UK-based pet-friendly property portal, as well as Petsletsrelocation.com, where he serves as a pet-friendly UK property specialist. He advises clients on renting and buying properties in and around London.
