Benefits of pet damage protection insurance
The key benefits of a pet damage policy range from financial security to peace of mind, with pet damage insurance covering a wide array of potential risks
Around 51% of UK adults own a pet, so by not renting to pet owners, landlords limit their market by more than half. So long as the property is suitable for the pet, renting to tenants with pets offers a number of benefits for landlords. While there may be concerns about potential damage, there are several advantages.
Larger tenant pool: As more people are pet owners, allowing pets expands your potential tenant pool, making it easier to find tenants for your property
Longer tenancies: Pet-owning tenants are often more likely to stay long-term, as finding pet-friendly accommodation can be challenging. This reduces turnover and the associated costs of finding new tenants
Higher rent: Many pet owners are willing to pay a premium for a pet-friendly rental, which could increase your rental income
Responsible tenants: Pet owners may be more responsible and committed to taking good care of the property in exchange for being able to keep a pet
Allowing pets in your rental property can be a win-win situation, offering benefits to both you and your tenants.
By allowing pets, you not only attract responsible, long-term tenants, but also position your property as more appealing in a competitive rental market.
Here are some key benefits of having pet damage protection:
Financial cover: Pet damage insurance provides crucial financial protection for landlords by covering the cost of repairs or replacements due to pet-related damage. Whether it’s damage to furniture, flooring, or carpets, this cover keeps landlords from being burdened by unexpected repair costs
Avoidance of deposit disputes: Pet damage protection helps reduce conflicts with tenants over security deposits, as pet-related repair costs are covered by insurance once the deposit has been exhausted, offering an extra layer of financial protection. Allowing pets not only makes pet-owning tenants happy, but it also increases the chances of them staying long-term in a property that accommodates their needs, reducing turnover and the costs associated with finding new tenants
Attracting pet-friendly tenants: With more tenants owning pets, offering pet-friendly rental properties can give landlords a competitive edge in the rental market. Pet owners often struggle to find suitable housing that allows pets, and when they do find such properties, they tend to stay longer and take better care of them
Peace of mind: With pet damage protection, landlords can offer pet-friendly homes with confidence, knowing that pet-related damage will be covered by a specialised pet damage insurance policy
Legal and compliance protection: In some cases, landlords may be legally required to have adequate cover for potential risks, including pet-related damage. By offering a transparent and legally sound pet policy, landlords can avoid disputes and legal challenges that may arise from tenant dissatisfaction or additional claims for damage
Having a clear and effective pet policy is crucial for landlords who have pets in their rental properties. A well-structured policy not only sets clear expectations for tenants but also helps prevent potential issues related to pet behaviour and property damage down the line, making it easier for both parties to maintain a good relationship throughout the tenancy.
By outlining specific guidelines and responsibilities upfront, both landlords and tenants have a transparent understanding of what is expected, creating a smoother and more positive rental experience for all.
A good pet policy should be clear and enforceable, setting expectations for both the landlord and tenant. Here are a few tips for what to include in your pet policy:
Types of pets allowed: Specifics about which pets are allowed (e.g., dogs, cats, etc.), including breed, size, and number of pets
Pet behaviour expectations: Clearly state what is acceptable pet behaviour to prevent disturbances to neighbours or damage to property. You may require that pets be house-trained and kept on leashes when outdoors. For example, when renting with a dog, you might include guidelines on noise, such as limiting barking during certain hours or banning the dog from being left unattended for long periods
Damage responsibility: A good pet policy should outline the tenant’s responsibility to repair or cover the cost of any damage caused by their pet. This sets clear expectations for both parties, so tenants understand their financial obligations. Landlords can expect fair compensation for any necessary repairs or replacements, reducing the risk of disputes
Requesting a pet CV: A pet CV is a useful tool for landlords to assess whether a tenant's pet is a good fit for the property. A pet CV provides important information such as the pet’s breed, age, training history, medical needs, and general behaviour. This can give you some insight into the pet's habits and whether the tenant is a responsible pet owner. A well-documented pet CV can help make informed decisions about whether to approve or deny a pet request
Pet reference: When possible, ask for a pet reference from a previous landlord. This reference will give you a clearer understanding of how the tenant's pet behaved in their previous home, including any incidents of damage or complaints from neighbours. A pet reference can help landlords determine the reliability of a tenant as a pet owner and add an additional layer of security when making a decision
"Pets allowed include dogs and cats. Maximum of three pets per property and no pet breeding permitted. The pet must be a domestic or tamed animal owned by the tenant and kept indoors at the premises."
Through our Pet Friendly Properties campaign, Battersea is working with tenants, landlords and the Government to implement solutions to this challenge. The Renters’ Rights Bill is a positive step towards an inclusive approach to pet ownership in rented accommodation—one that reflects today’s rental market and the value of the human-animal bond.
Housing is the second most common reason that cats and dogs are relinquished to Battersea. Our research has found that 76% of tenants are impacted by restrictive pet policies. [1] In many cases, tenants have been forced to make the heart breaking choice between their pet and a place to live. And because renters are essentially excluded from pet ownership, there are fewer people who can rehome dogs and cats from rescues, and experience the joys – including the physical and mental health benefits - of pet ownership themselves. Yet it doesn’t need to be this way.
Allowing pets can be beneficial for both landlords and tenants. Battersea commissioned research has found that:
82% of pet owners feel more settled and stay longer in their properties, reducing tenant turnover.
76% of landlords report no pet-related damage.
When damage does occur, it averages £300, far less than the £775 average for other types of damage.[2]
Renting to pet owners is financially beneficial to private landlords - the total monetary benefits to landlords of letting to tenants with pets exceed the costs.
[1] Pet friendly properties report - the private rented sector[2] The financial impact of pet ownership in rental properties
Zeke arrived at Battersea just 24 hours before his first birthday after his owners were faced with an unenviable decision, to find an alternative rental property that would allow pets (which can be incredibly difficult to find) or give up their beloved cat.
Whilst Zeke was fortunate to quite quickly find a new family to spend the rest of his birthdays with, this is not always the case for pets who have been rehomed due to overly restrictive tenancy agreements. Battersea remains committed to creating a more inclusive rental sector and securing a future where no one has to choose between their home and their pet.
