Tenants want a Dog

fishpond

Hi
The tenancy agreement states no pets.
My Tenants have asked if they can have a small dog.
It is a large 4 bed property with open boundaries leading to roads at the front and back.
The property was completely refurbished last year, new carpets etc.
On the one hand I do not mind them having a dog (I have one myself), but on the other hand it would need fencing in and gates and the cost would be in the £1000's--which I am not prepared to fund.
What would you suggest & do if you was in the same position as myself?
Also any advice on possible problems.
Many Thanks

SerialRenter

If it's just the cost that's preventing you, then suggest the tenants contribute towards the fence and gate? If they plan on staying for a while.

Although personally, if the carpets and fittings are new, i'm not sure i would allow it.

How detailed is the inventory you hopefully took? and is it signed by the tenant?

fishpond

I had this one done professionally, it is signed.
I forgot to add that they are in the middle of a 12 month contract.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Any dog in a house will result in hairs everywhere, and damage to paintwork and woodwork through scratching, etc. Also chewed carpets are a distinct possibility.

It's up to you whether you want to risk your newly refurbished property.

I've met two sorts of dog owners. Those like myself who keep them under control and make sure they behave themselves. The others leave the dog to its own devices alone all day whilst they go out to work. I have seen one house literally destroyed by a dog left alone all day.

Which type of owner would your tenants be?

princeofpounds

For me, it's purely a business decision. They can have a pet elephant if they pay enough.

So if it needs fences, that's part of the deal. As would be a doubled deposit or even more. I'd probably insist on a longer rental term at a slightly higher rate too.

Pets can often tie people to a property, so allowing them can make good business sense in terms of minimising voids. You just have to make sure you cover potential damage.

HappyMJ

fishpond wrote: »

Hi
The tenancy agreement states no pets.
My Tenants have asked if they can have a small dog.
It is a large 4 bed property with open boundaries leading to roads at the front and back.
The property was completely refurbished last year, new carpets etc.
On the one hand I do not mind them having a dog (I have one myself), but on the other hand it would need fencing in and gates and the cost would be in the £1000's--which I am not prepared to fund.
What would you suggest & do if you was in the same position as myself?
Also any advice on possible problems.
Many Thanks

I'd say if they want a fence and gate then they buy the fence and gate. There is no requirement for you to supply fencing and gates. I'd also ask them to provide evidence they are suitable for having a dog. The rescue centres usually require someone to be home at some point during the day to look after the dogs needs. A dog should not be left alone for more than 4 hours. If your tenants work full time then they would not be given a dog.

Pixie5740

Have your tenants ever owned a dog before? Do they know what they're letting themselves in for?

Does either tenant work from home or will the dog be left alone for hours at a time?

You could ask for a pet deposit to cover any additional damage which the dog may do to your property.

I wouldn't pay for fences. If the tenants want the dog to be fenced in then that's something they should pay for.

ACG

If it is just the fence, tell them they can - you do not have to do anything about the property - thats their issue to try and overcome to make it safe for the dog if they want to let it out on its own.

I would be more concerned that when they move out the house may smell of dog, so it might end up putting people off.

fishpond

Pixie5740 wrote: »

Have your tenants ever owned a dog before? Do they know what they're letting themselves in for?

Does either tenant work from home or will the dog be left alone for hours at a time?

You could ask for a pet deposit to cover any additional damage which the dog may do to your property.

I wouldn't pay for fences. If the tenants want the dog to be fenced in then that's something they should pay for.

Having already lost a dog some years ago on one of the 2 roads (both quite busy), I would hate to see it again, so it is not the tenant that wants the dog fenced in, it is me for my own peace of mind.

jjlandlord

Don't make a decision based on a general request for "a dog". Specifically ask what breed of dog.

If I agreed, one of the conditions would be that they must have the property fully cleaned professionally, including re. hairs and fleas when they leave.

Perhaps also specify that any damage caused by the dog would be put right. (otherwise it might fall under 'wear and tear')

fishpond wrote: »

but on the other hand it would need fencing in and gates and the cost would be in the £1000's--which I am not prepared to fund.

That's not your problem.

They are renting a property with no fence, it is for them to deal with it.

Don't let your feelings and experience re. dogs interfere.

monty-doggy

When I was renting I asked if I could have a pet and my LL amended my tenancy agreement stating I must agree to have the house professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy and that I would pay an additional 50% deposit so in the event of any damage he could keep the deposit. This made my total deposit £900 which I was ok with.
I think if they are responsible enough for a dog then they should be able to afford the extra cost, if they can't afford it then They shouldn't be having a dog in the first place.