UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi, I've reluctantly agreed to let a house to a professional couple with a dog.  The wife works from home and I am told that she would be in the house with the dog for 90% of them time.  The letting agent has provided me with a copy of their agreement which does not have any clauses regarding possible damage caused by the dog.  Should I draft up a separate 'Pet Addendum.  Is there any sort of clause I can put in regarding damage to the lawn itself, pet 'waste' on path/lawn, etc.  I've never had a dog myself and am now worried as to whether 'every' dog (jack Russell) is likely to cause loads of damage to a house. 

I dont normally 'google' for other people but today I am feeling generous...

http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/pet-clause-policy-form-for-tenancy-agreements/

I would kinda think part of the problem here is that you have already - reluctantly - agreed to let to this couple with a dog. You really should have made them aware of all the extra stuff you wanted them to agree to at that time... as it would form part of their decision-making process.

If you create your own agreements then, of course, you can have whatever terms and conditions you want to include in there... or you can use an addendum - but, still, it would always be best if you'd made the prospective Tenants aware of this at the time of viewing and discussing the matter. You seem to have agreed to let them be your Tenants, but are now furiously scrabbling around for extra Ts&Cs to include.

That said, they're probably very relieved they've found someone who'll agree to this, so they're likely to agree to anything. Myself? I add £150 to the deposit and obtain an upfront agreement that the carpets will be professionally cleaned - using those funds specifically - at the end of the tenancy, no ifs, no buts.

Then I accept that I will not be showing future prospective Tenants around that property while the current ones, and pet, are in situ. It can really put people off even if you say you are going to have things professionally cleaned - what you need to do is get things cleaned before viewings. People have sensitive noses and allergies.

Lastly - I've never yet had a problem with Tenants with pets. They often stay longer than professional Tenants without pets, due to the difficulties in getting properties.

You need to agree that dog damage is not fair wear and tear.

As a landlord who is also involved with rehoming rescue dogs (and has also been a tenant with dog back in the mists of time) I agree with the suggestion made by Hippogriff.You may want to add more to the deposit if this is a furnished letting with sofas etc.
Any type of dog can be destructive,but this is most commonly caused by boredom/separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.If this person works from home it should reduce the risk of damage considerably.I do hope it goes well,and thank you for being prepared to give it a go.I hope they repay you by being decent tenants.

Hi

I am a newbie landlord and have just agreed to take a tenant with a dog .. and a cat! wish I had seen this post first.. however- I decided to accept on the grounds that I was once  tenant with a cat and it was hell on wheels trying to find accommodation.

I asked the agent what the tenant planned to do with the dog all day - they didnt know and said they would ask - however! I then felt that having agreed I would just take as is.

If I know the dog will be left all day I will probably only worry!!

Newbie born naivety maybe but I have an extra bond of £100 in place and am really just crossing my fingers..I was a good pet owning tenant and I am sure there must be others. I hope yours will be one of them.