Renting with Pets in Wales: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
TPPUK posted on 5th June 2023
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, BangorHolyheadGwynedd and Anglesey 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?
The laws on pets in rented properties encourage a common-sense approach from private landlords instead of a blanket ban on pets. 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, which can cover the cost of any damage caused. But in England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits tenancy deposits to the equivalent of 5 weeks’ rent.
New landlord pet legislation
New 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 Consumer Rights Act 2015 stipulates.
In England, the Renters Reform Bill white paper would put more legal frameworks in place for pets in rental properties. For instance, pet insurance could become a permitted additional payment.
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
Appeal to more potential tenants
Holding onto good tenants for longer
Happier tenants as pets provide mental health benefits
Drawbacks of renting to tenants with pets
Risk of noise that is annoying to neighbours
Hard-to-eliminate pet smells and fur
Chance of increased wear and tear
Hassle and cost of deep cleaning between tenancies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you let out a property locally or seek a rental property where you can keep a pet, speak to us, we’ll be glad to advise you on the current guidance and help with your rental needs.
Free Instant Valuation
Are you looking to sell or let your property? Take the first step and find out what your property is worth with a free no-obligation instant valuation.
Williams & Goodwin The Property People are members of the Guild of Property Professionals, National Association of Estate Agents, Association of Residential Lettings Agents, National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and are Chartered Valuation Surveyors we are members of a National Network of approximately 800 independently owned and operated Estate Agents.
Well what can we say, a brilliant service from Caron Sally and Gemma and Amy , they went out of their way to make our journey less stressful, Caron was always there to listen to me when I was worried about anything, and thank you also to Dafydd .
Ceuron Parry
Gemma, our estate agent, truly made the process of buying our first home a breeze. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive and attentive to our needs, guiding us through every step with patience and expertise. Her in-depth knowledge of the local market and her keen eye for detail help...
Catherine Fiona Richmond
Absolutely 💯 % customer service keeping everyone up-to-date in the process
John Lewis
Williams And Goodwin at Llangefni provided an excellent service throughout the process of selling our property. Caron and her colleagues were very efficient and helpful. Initial valuation was well organised turned out to be very accurate. Enquiries were handled quickly and effectively. Very useful t...
Llinos
Hoffwn ddiolch i TPPUK am werthu fy eiddo ar fy rhan. Roedd Dafydd yn wych a’r broses gyfan yn ddi-drafferth. Roedd Gemma yn y swyddfa yn arbennig ac yn fy niweddaru’n gyson ar ddatblygiadau. Buaswn yn argymell TPPUK I rywun sy’n meddwl gwerthu- proffesiynol a gwasanaeth cwsmer rhagorol.
Diane Foster-Deam
We have had a 7 month marathon,from putting an offer on a property,to exchange of contracts. We have had pretty poor communication from solicitors,who have made this journey very stressful. The only saving grace has been Gemma, from williams and goodwin. Her support and professionalism has been out...
John Lewis
Williams And Goodwin at Llangefni provided an excellent service throughout the process of selling our property. Caron and her colleagues were very efficient and helpful. Initial valuation was well organised turned out to be very accurate. Enquiries were handled quickly and effectively. Very useful t...
Dean
Highly recommend the team at Holyhead Williams & Goodwin. From beginning to the end. Firstly very prompt in getting a valuation done on the property, Matthew came out very prepared with a folder with all information on previous sales and houses similar currently on market and other factors which...
David Simpson
Very pleased with the service provided by Williams & Goodwin in selling my parents’ house. Everyone was helpful and professional, all along, starting with Matthew at the initial meetings and Jamie throughout viewings, reviews etc. in the later stages Charlotte has been especially dedicated and...
Alison Wakeman
The professionalism of the staff at Williams-Goodwin (Holyhead) in particular Charlotte is absolutely superb. We were in a very sad situation of having to sell my father's bungalow to support his residential care. Although Jamie and Matthew were also involved, initially with the valuation and phot...
