Renting with Pets in Wales: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Discussing renting with pets can be emotive for tenants and landlords alike. If you rent out a property, it’s instinctive to ban pets to avoid complications – though there can be benefits to renting to tenants with pets.  

Equally, as a tenant, there are ways to show your landlord that your well-behaved pet won’t give cause for concern. 

If you’re a landlord or tenant in Llangefni, Bangor, Caergybi, Gwynedd a Ynys Mon and the surrounding areas, our guide will explain some of the benefits, the challenges, and the laws on renting with pets in Wales. 

Can landlords refuse pets? 

It’s not illegal to refuse pets in a rental property, and currently, the laws on pets in rented properties encourage a common-sense approach from private landlords instead of a blanket ban on pets. Landlords are allowed to advertise a ‘no pets’ property, but tenants have the right to send you a formal letter requesting to keep one.

If you have a solid reason to refuse, you must object in writing within 28 days of a written request. Take note, the Equality Act 2010 grants tenants a legal right to an assistance dog such as a guide dog. 

Can landlords charge extra rent for pets? 

Landlords in England and Wales alike can charge more rent to tenants with pets, and Welsh landlords may also consider a pet fee. 

Can landlords ask for an extra deposit for pets? 

In Wales, landlords can charge an additional deposit for pets in a rental property under the Renting Homes (Fees Etc.) (Wales) Act 2019. Put in place to cover the cost of any damage caused, the pet deposit can exceed the average of around a month’s rent. But in England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits tenancy deposits to the equivalent of 5 weeks’ rent. 

Landlords & pets legislation 

Current legislation ensures landlords do not unreasonably withhold consent to keep pets. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act doesn’t grant contract holders the legal right to own pets, but they do have the right to ask. As a landlord, you shouldn’t refuse permission without good reason, as the Deddf Hawliau Defnyddwyr 2015 stipulates. 

Questions to ask the tenant about their pet 

One of our top tips on pets in rental properties is to ask the right questions to establish whether it’s a good idea.  

• How many pets do they own? 
• Can the tenants provide a pet reference from their last landlord?  
• Was there pet damage in the rental property? 
• Have they caused any nuisance with the neighbours? 
• Are they likely to be noisy? 

What is considered a reasonable request for a pet? 

A reasonable written request from a responsible pet owner will show they’re committed to preventing damage or nuisance, aware of their responsibilities, and that the pet is appropriate for the space. 

Should I allow pets in my rental property? 

Reminding tenants to keep the property in good condition is always beneficial, whether they have pets or not. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of allowing pets. 

Benefits of renting to tenants with pets 

• Ability to charge higher rent – limited supply can make pet-friendly property rentals profitable  
• Appeal to more potential tenants – many renters would like to own cats and dogs 
• Holding onto good tenants for longer – pet owners often stay longer once they find a pet-friendly property 
• Happier tenants as pets provide mental health benefits – pets are believed to improve the quality of home life for many people 

Drawbacks of renting to tenants with pets 

• Risk of noise nuisance – constant meowing or howling can annoy the neighbours and create friction 
• Hard-to-eliminate pet smells and fur – these signs of pet ownership can hang around  
• Chance of increased wear and tear – scratched furniture or torn carpets can mean more frequent replacements  
• Hassle and cost of deep cleaning between tenancies – factor in a deep-clean to refresh the property for the next tenants 
• Allergens – pet allergies can be serious, and the effects of having owned a pet in the property could linger after the tenant has left. 
• Health hazards – untreated pets can introduce pests like fleas into the property 

Get it right from the start 

Begin on the right foot by putting a pet clause in the occupation contract (tenancy agreement). Say so if a goldfish is fine, but there’s no outdoor space for large dogs. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to phrase it – the gov.wales model written statement (model tenancy agreement) and guidance to help you. 

After that, regular inventory checks help ensure the property is in good condition. For extra protection, you can take out landlord pet insurance too. 

Tips for tenants renting with pets 

If you’re a tenant, try these tips to find a happy home with your beloved pets. 

1. Find houses and flats with pets allowed 

If you’re starting your house hunt, seek out houses or flats that are pet friendly. Some online property portals include a search filter for pet-friendly lets, and a good agent can help you find suitable rental properties. 

2. How to ask your landlord for a pet 

Always apply in writing – the landlord has 28 days to respond. But you can talk to them too – it can be a good opportunity to prove you’re a responsible pet owner before they make their final decision. 

3. Get a reference for your pet 

Pet references from your vet or previous landlord will boost your landlord’s confidence. After all, your landlord doesn’t know your pets like you do, so an unbiased viewpoint can hold more weight. Consider including a ‘pet CV’ detailing their age, vaccine record, training, and vet’s details. 

4. Don’t conceal your pet from your landlord 

Concealing a pet risks souring a good relationship at best. At worst, crossing the terms of your rental contract could be grounds for your landlord to start the eviction process. 

5. Get authorisation for your pet in writing 

Avoid future misunderstandings by getting written permission from your landlord. Ask that permission for your pet is added to your tenancy agreement, leaving no room for doubt. 

Future changes to pets in rental property? 

The Renters’ Rights Bill doesn’t directly affect the law on pets in rental properties in Wales, yet attitudes are changing. The Welsh Parliament’s White Paper on Adequate Housing, Fair Rents and Affordability addresses similar issues, e.g. pet insurance which reassures the landlord could be a permitted payment under the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019. 

Whether you let out a property locally or seek a rental property where you can keep a pet in Porthaethwy, Caernarfon, Llanberis neu Biwmares, speak to us, we’ll be glad to advise you on the current guidance and help with your rental needs.