Labour Government’s New Renters’ Rights Bill: Tenants to Gain the Right to Have Pets
The Labour government has recently revealed that the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill which included new guidelines for landlords, one of these being the inability to unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep pets in their rented homes.
Earlier, the Renters Reform Bill, which was shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, included a clause allowing tenants to keep a pet if they obtained written permission from their landlord. This permission could only be denied with a valid reason, and landlords could request tenants to have pet insurance.
The King’s Speech briefing notes indicate that the new Renters’ Rights Bill will incorporate similar provisions concerning pets and pet insurance as those in the Renters Reform Bill. Labour will need to provide the guidance and details on pet insurance that were promised but remained pending when the election was announced.
Understanding Current Laws and Landlord Concerns
Currently, landlords are not required to allow pets and can include “no pets” clauses in tenancy agreements. They can use Section 21 to evict tenants who violate this clause, provided they serve a valid notice. The proposed Renters Reform Bill sought to give tenants the right to have pets with landlord consent, which could not be unreasonably withheld. Although the Bill did not pass before the election, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to include similar provisions.
The new bill will allow tenants to request pets, and landlords must consider these requests without unreasonable refusal. Landlords can ask for pet insurance to cover potential damages.
Why Many Landlords Are Reluctant
Landlords often refuse pets due to concerns over property damage, noise, and potential conflicts with neighbours. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can cause significant wear and tear, carry fleas, and make the property harder to rent to future tenants with allergies. Properties without outdoor spaces, HMOs, and short-term rentals also present challenges for pet ownership. Moreover, some lease agreements with freeholders may prohibit pets.
The Benefits of Allowing Pets in Rental Properties
Allowing pets in rental properties can be beneficial. It does not mean accepting all types of pets in every property, but reasonable requests should be considered. It is important to consider how landlords can accommodate pets while minimising the risk of damage.
Despite these concerns, there are benefits to allowing pets. Pet-friendly properties often have higher demand and longer tenancies, reducing the time and cost associated with finding new tenants. Landlords can also charge slightly higher rents to account for the increased wear and tear from pets.
It’s important to keep good notes when agreeing terms with tenants about pets and to document each pet individually, rather than agree to a blanket policy.
Tips for Pet-Friendly Landlords
To manage the risks, landlords can include a detailed pet policy in their tenancy agreements. This policy should state that tenants are responsible for their pets’ behaviour and any damages caused. Regular property inspections and requiring tenants to clean to a professional standard at the end of their tenancy can help mitigate potential issues.
There are significant benefits of accepting pets for both tenants and landlords. Tenants with pets are more likely to stay longer, reducing void periods and increasing overall returns. By taking reasonable precautions, landlords can create pet-friendly policies that protect their properties while accommodating tenants’ needs.
Alphaletz also host a weekly podcast called Good Landlording which you can find on all the usual podcast channels. We discuss all the updates on the Renters Rights Act as well as other key topics for landlords to stay updated. The podcast is co-hosted with Suzanne Smith from The Independent Landlord.
How should I keep good records and notes about pets?
Keeping good records and notes about all aspects of your rented properties is vital. This includes notes on the pets that you allow into your property with a signed pet agreement from your tenant stored in your Property Management Software system.
If circumstances change, or the tenant wants another pet, make sure that each pet is documented separately so there is no dispute or issues along the way.
When it comes to property management software solutions, one size does not fit all. It’s crucial to choose a software package that aligns with your specific needs and enhances your management capabilities. Here’s what you need to consider:
Monitor rents in real time:
By connecting your bank and even credit cards, to Property Management Software you can instantly see which rents and expenses are being transacted. You can then set up ‘rules’ so that transactions can be completely automated and instantly updated on your desktop and mobile app.
If a rent payment doesn’t come in, you can see the details in the arrears dashboard and send automated emails to chase the tenant automatically. You can also send polite reminders of when the rent is due to ensure the rents arrive on time.
Better Financial Management:
With good landlord software, you’ll also get a complete overview of your property portfolio’s financial health. You can monitor cash flows, understand profit and loss patterns, reconcile bank transactions, and make informed financial decisions. Your entire financial performance is visually represented at a glance, providing you with insights that you would have missed in a traditional book-keeping setup. When it comes to tax time, you will also be able to create instant reports in an accountant friendly format to get your tax returns done with minimal effort.
This also allows you to switch from using multiple general purpose systems like accountancy packages, spreadsheets, task and document management systems, into one purpose built product designed specifically for todays’ landlords.
Ease of Use:
The best software in the world won’t do you much good if it’s too complicated to use. Look for a software package that offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, one that simplifies tasks rather than complicating them. Alphaletz is a super modern and beautifully designed system to make it easy for landlords everywhere to navigate, reducing your learning curve and enhancing productivity. Expect to save 75% of your time.
Comprehensive Features:
Your chosen software should be a one-stop solution, covering all aspects of property management. This means storing everything from tenancy agreements and safety certificates, managing rent collection and repairs, to tracking property maintenance. With Alphaletz, we have you covered with our integrated task management system. Our software ensures you have all the tools you need in one place and available from anywhere and any device, making property management a breeze.
The Revolution in Property Management
In today’s digital age, landlord software solutions are transforming the landscape of property management.
Whether you are a self-managing landlord or use agents to manage your properties for you, if you own a property portfolio, these software solutions can make a massive difference to your daily routine. Instead of getting bogged down in paperwork and administrative tasks, you can use the time to focus on growing your business and improving your properties.
There is an App too for Landlords
A key feature of Alphaletz’s landlord management software solution is that not only is it available from any desktop, there is also a dedicated app for landlords available on IOS and Android. This mobile application brings numerous benefits:
- Real-time Notifications: Be the first to know when a legal compliance document becomes due or a tenancy is due for renewal.
- Access on the Go: Manage your properties no matter where you are, right from your mobile device.
- Instant Communication: Send messages and documents directly to your tenants and maintain clear, open lines of communication.
- Your business in your pocket: no matter where you are, all your data will be automatically synced up so you always have your data on the go.
Making the Most of Your Property Management Software
To truly reap the benefits of your landlord management software, it’s important to understand all its features. From tracking expenses to producing financial reports, Alphaletz’s software is designed to handle every aspect of property management.
Start by inputting your property and tenant details into the system. The software will then use this information to help you manage tenancies, track rent payments, organise maintenance, and much more.
Alphaletz: Your Ideal Property Management Software
At Alphaletz, we’ve designed our landlord management software with you in mind. With a suite of powerful features and an easy-to-use interface, we can help you take control of your property portfolio.
Embrace the future with landlord management software solutions and be a better landlord with half the effort! Let Alphaletz be your guide on this journey, and discover the difference that our app for landlords can make. Start here by adding your first 3 properties for free.
Renters Rights Bill and pets
What does the Renters Rights Bill say about tenants rights to keep a pet in their property?
