Letting your property to a tenant with pets need not be confusing with these simple tips.
With the rise of domestic pets you may find that you have a tenant wanting to move into your property with a pet in tow. Should you not be a pet lover than you may easily be deterred by this, however many owners are conscious of how their pets behave at home. Therefore consider the following points should you come across a tenant with a pet cat, dog, rabbit or even snake!
1. Are pets allowed?
First and foremost, if you are renting out a unit in a condominium are pets allowed in the building? Check with the building’s regulations and also your own insurance as this may quickly answer your question.
2. What pet is it?
A husky dog is going to cause more wear and tear than a hamster. Find out what the pet is and how many there are. A small domestic dog that is taken out for walks regularly throughout the day is unlikely to cause any problems.
3. Can you collect a previous landlord reference?
Unless the pet is a new addition to the family it is likely that the tenant was renting elsewhere with a pet. Check with the tenant and ask for their previous landlord or managing agents details to follow up a reference. Ask if the said pet ever caused any problems, disturbance to other neighbours or if it damaged the property in any way.
4. Is your property furnished or unfurnished?
Should your property be furnished then remember that animal odour can hang around. So ensure that the tenant is aware that they will be responsible for the professional cleaning of all soft furnishings in the property, such as the sofa, curtains, rugs etc. at the end of the tenancy. On the other hand renting a property to a pet owner of an unfurnished property is naturally going to cause disruption.
5. Increase the deposit.
If you have cause for concern then why not request a bigger deposit? That way you will have more money set aside should there be any damage caused by the said pet.
6. Add extra clauses to the tenancy agreement.
It is advisable to get an additional clause in the tenancy agreement stating that any wear caused by the pet is not classes as fair wear and tear. And that any cost relating to damage can be deducted from the deposit. Plus make sure it is clear that the tenant has to get the property professionally cleaned at the termination of the tenancy.
7. Don’t forget to have an up-to-date inventory.
It is vital that you have a recent inventory stating what is in the property and its condition. It is also important to make sure that you have in writing that the tenant agrees with it’s contents. That way you have every base covered and proof of the property before the pet moved in.
