A new Pet Caring Agreement and Information Form

Tenants’ situations change over time, and sometimes those changes need to be reflected in their tenancy agreement.

We have a number of forms which landlords can use to grant permission for various things, which, when signed up, will amend the tenancy agreement.

This will become more important once the Renters’ Rights Bill has become law.  All assured shorthold tenancies will be converted to assured  periodic tenancies.  Meaning that there will be no ‘renewals’, which provide an opportunity for tenancy agreements to be amended.

Probably the most popular of our tenancy agreement amendment forms are the pets forms.  These provide for the tenancy agreement to be amended to permit up to four pets. 

Details must be given for the pets concerned (as permission is limited to specific pets) and the forms amend the tenancy agreement by adding new clauses providing for the treatment of and welfare of the pet or pets.

A form permitting caring for a pet

Permission needs to be obtained from the landlord by the tenant, not just for keeping their own pet at the property but also for regularly looking after someone else’s pet.

For example, parents may agree to care for their adult son’s dog when he is away for work.  Or neighbours may have a reciprocal arrangement where they look after each other’s pet where necessary.

The current pet form is not really appropriate for this situation, and so I have drafted a new form for members.

Here are a few points about its use

• The form covers up to two pets, from the same owner.  If any members require a form for more pets, let me know.
• If tenants want permission to care for pets from different owners, then complete a separate form for each of the pets.
• The form makes it clear that the tenant will be responsible to you for any damage done by the pet, and it will be up to them to seek repayment from the owner.
• The form provides for details of the vet the pet is registered with, but this is less important than for the standard pet form, as if the pet becomes ill, it will be the responsibility of the pet owner to deal with this.  However, the form provides that if neither the tenant nor the pet owner are available to care for a sick pet, the landlord will refer it to a relevant animal welfare organisation

The form is now available for use and can be found with the other pets forms on the Tenancy Agreement Additional Forms page.