Do you let to tenants with dogs?

EscapetoSnowdon

We have just bought our own home having rented for years in London. We have a Labrador/ Standard Poodle Cross aka Labradoodle. He is very large (30"/47Kg), has a good temperament, no behavioural issues although he was a rescue dog.

Responsible dog owners will normally have adequate pet insurance and will have their dog registered with a veterinary practice. We did offer to provide a bigger deposit 6 weeks instead of standard 4 weeks rent in advance or a letter of accepting responsibility for costs incurred as a result of letting to pet owners (may include repairs, redecoration, deep clean of house and soft furnishings) or provide a letter from veterinary practice confirming their opinion on the dog's temperament and behaviour (to provide reassurance to any prospective landlords low risk of neighbour nuisance complaints). We opted for accepting responsibility for additional damage and offered 6 weeks rent in advance but this was rejected as being unnecessary by landlord. Both parties confirmed in writing aware of expectations and responsibilities. We also sought the opinion of the neighbour upstairs before deciding to have a dog and neither had any objections, quite the opposite! At the end of the tenancy our deposit was refunded in full and landlord stated we were exemplary tenants.

Hope this helps, personally on the other side of the fence if you have carpets in the house I would ask for them to sign a contract confirming they will 'make good' any damage, deep clean which is to specifically include dry cleaning all carpets and upholstery evidenced on production of a valid receipt irrespective of whether opted for a rented carpet cleaner or professional company before end of tenancy inspection and deposit refunded. At least you will them have some confidence that the house is clean and ready for re-letting to potentially non-dog owners.

bride2be2012

we rent with a black lab. We are on our 2nd rental with the dog, and have not been asked to pay extra for a deposit, or had cleaning clauses put into either tenancy agreement - however, depending on the property, we would not be adverse to doing so.

flora48

My tenants with the dogs did ask to replace the carpet with a hard floor, at their cost, which the LA ensured was done to a high standard.

rentergirl

People with dogs understand the problems badly trained dogs can cause. Explain to the tenant that are sympathetic but worried, and suggest initial inspections: if any 'accidents' happen are are not cleaned up, then you will be able to tell. I would add that a good tenant will stay, and that you might be repaid with a long-term occupancy.

HelenYorkshire

It's a tricky question.
I rent with a dog, the place was refurbished (albeit cheaply) with new carpets, and let unfurnished.
I paid an extra deposit.
- any furniture damage/hairiness/muddiness is my own problem
- any rental contract says that the property will be returned is as good a state (if not better), so if the carpets end up needing professional treatment then so be it. But I hoover regularly!
- I installed a babygate to keep dog in kitchen if muddy - easier to clean - I accept that this will need some wood filler and a lick of paint upon leaving.
- mud splashes don't come off the walls without taking some paint off (incidentally, it seems this place used to be painted orange!). So if and when necessary I'll repaint.

In short, this is my home and I'm not about to trash it!

Compare and contrast with someone down the road, renting similar property, one dog left outside all day that has chewed through a wooden pillar :eek: scares the neighbours, and now has a new puppy too.

I understand why landlords would worry, but not sure what else I can offer to prove I will take care of the property?

jackomdj

I would once I had met the dog and owners (if possible in their current home) I would agree on an extra 2 weeks for the deposit.

jungle_jane

Yes. We will only rent to people with cats and will consider dogs. This is because i have rented before and know how hard it is to find a lovely place that will accept pets. I don't think pets are bad - it's all about what type of owners they have. We vet our tenants carefully and only go with people who give us totally the right vibe. We obviously check their references but for me its all about gut feeling and how I respond to the tenant.

We have been really lucky - to date our tenants have been awesome.

We don't have carpet though - but that would not put me off. And we ask for 6 weeks rent as deposit.

meercatsunited

would never let to people with dogs ever again, cost too much the last time.

never been fired from a canon, might be thrilling, would give it a go.

still got freehold.

love big dogs, cannot stand corgis or little yappy things.

after spending £25K on upgrading my property to a superb standard do not feel ashamed to say no to home wreakers

smileytiger

Well this thread has encouraged me a bit - since we'll be renting in a few months & we've 2 dogs, ( 1 Rottie x lab & 1 heinz 57 with a touch of alsation/collie) both are well trained and the only problem we've ever had is when the rottie was teething - she did take a fancy to my dining table legs - but they were all she ever chewed. Both of the dogs are rescues & give me dogs over kids anyday when it comes to mess at home - have just finished decorating DS's room as he has now gone to Uni - typical grungy teenager:D