Introductory comments

The Renters Rights Act will make it more difficult for landlords to prevent tenants from keeping a pet.  Having a streamlined application procedure for them to follow will make it more likely that they will notify you first – rather than just keep a pet without your permission.

Below we give some text you could use to describe the procedure to your tenants, followed by some questions you could put on your application form.

Notes on the procedure

Item 5 refers to requesting permission from your freeholders.  Delete this if it is not applicable.

The pet form referred to in item 6 is a form which amends the terms of your tenancy agreement to include various pet clauses.  It can be found on the Tenancy Agreement Additional Forms page.  It can be used with any tenancy agreement (not just Landlord Law agreements).

Item 7 refers to a fee of £50.  Note that this fee can only be charged in England.  It is the fee for amending the tenancy agreement and is authorised by the Tenant Fees Act.  A higher fee, though, will be unlawful as will charging the fee if permission is not given.  

Item 9 in the procedure refers to your ‘redress scheme’.  At the moment, only letting agents are required to belong to a scheme.  However, the Renters Rights Act will, in due course, set up a landlord’s redress scheme, and at that time (if not before) you should include this item in your procedure.

If your headlease has a total prohibition against pets

The Renters Rights Act recognises this as a valid reason to refuse permission to keep a pet.  To avoid problems, we recommend that you notify tenants of this in advance of renting your property, perhaps in the particulars of your advertisements.  Ideally, it should also be referred to in your tenancy agreement or House Rules document.

A suitable tenancy agreement clause to replace the normal pet prohibition clause could be:

Below is the procedure to provide to your tenants:

Pet Application Procedure

If you wish to keep a pet, it is important that you apply and notify us in advance.

For example, there may need to be some adaptations that need to be done to the property (such as the installation of a cat flat), for which you will need our permission.  We will also need to notify our insurers.

It is important that you realise that keeping a pet is a big responsiblity and can also be expensive.  Particularly if you intend to keep a dog.  Expenses can include:

• Insurance of the animal (to cover any future vet fees)
• Vet fees not covered by insurance
• The cost of microchipping
• Vaccinations
• Flea and other parasite treatment
• The cost of pet food

If you have a dog and work away from home, there may also be the cost of dog walkers during the day.  You should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours, as they may become distressed and cause damage.  Some dogs, in particular, suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone, even for a short period.

Be aware also that you will be responsible for the cost if your pet causes any damage to  our property (other than fair wear and tear).

If you still wish to keep a pet you need to follow the following procedure:

1. Complete our pet application form and email it to us at [email address]. [Provide details about how they find the form]. It is important that you use the correct email address, as we cannot consider an application which we have not received.
2. If possible, you should provide a reference for your pet.  Ideally, from someone who knows it well, such as a former flatmate or previous landlord.
3. Upon receipt of your form, we will consider your application and get back to you within 28 days
4. We may have some further questions about your pet.  If so, we will send them to you at the contact email address you have given us.  Your application will then  lapse until you have provided this additional information.  We will get back to you within 7 days after receiving the information (if this is received outside the initial 28-day period) with our decision.  OR
5. Our lease prohibits pets without our freeholder’s permission, so we will need to contact them to request permission on your behalf.  We will not be able to respond to your application until we have heard back from them.
6. If permission is granted, this will be on condition that you sign our pet form.  This amends the terms of your tenancy agreement to permit you to keep your pet and incorporates additional terms relating to the pet’s well-being.  We can provide a copy on request.
7. There will also be a fee of £50
8. If permission for you to keep your pet is refused, we will provide details in writing, giving our reasons.
9. If you are unhappy about our decision, you can refer it to our Redress Scheme.

Pet application form

Your name:

The address of your property:

Which of the following is your pet?

Dog / cat / caged bird / fish / rabbit / guinea pig / other small furry animal / tortoise / exotic pet / other (please state)

Please provide more details about the pet and pet type.  For example, if it is a dog, what breed is it, and is it male or female?  If it is a bird, what type of bird (eg budgie, parrot).

Has the animal been microchipped  Yes/No/NA

Can you provide a reference for your pet?

Can you nominate someone to look after your pet if you are unable to do so (for example, if you have an accident and need to go to hospital?)

Signed                                Dated:

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