There’s no denying that pets have helped us through the pandemic – offering companionship and consistency when we’ve needed it the most. However, if you’re in between houses and looking for somewhere to rent, it’s worth noting that not all landlords accept tenants with furry friends.
Letting agents in Warrington can help you to secure a pet-friendly rental, but we thought we’d offer a few tips and tricks of our own …
- Be prepared
Landlords invest a lot of time, effort and money into their rental property, so it’s no wonder they are dubious about who they let their property out to. But if you’re going to find accommodation for both you and your pet, it pays to do your homework.
Start by documenting all of the relevant information that will help put the landlord’s mind at ease. Details about your veterinary practice, records of your pet’s last vaccinations and someone who can care for your four-legged companion in an emergency will prove that you’re a responsible pet owner and can be trusted to take care of their property.
If you wanted, you could ask your previous landlord for a reference or see if your vet will vouch for you. Oh, and don’t leave house-hunting to the last minute. To give yourself the best chance of securing a pet-friendly property, you want to begin your search at least 6-8 weeks before you have to move out of your current house.
- Be flexible
If possible, you want to expand your search criteria. Leaving your options open, and perhaps considering other locations and property types, could help you to find the perfect place to rent for you and your pet.
Another thing to bear in mind is that many landlords worry about flea infestations, the accumulation of fur on their plush new carpets and pet odours. But there’s an easy way around that… you could offer to have the property professionally cleaned – top to bottom – once your tenancy agreement is up.
- Be honest and clear
As they say, honesty is the best policy – and that certainly applies when you’re communicating with letting agents in Warrington and prospective landlords.
Sneaking your pet in without permission is not recommended and could result in your tenancy being terminated. But you shouldn’t pressurise your landlord into allowing your furry friend to stay once you’ve moved in either. Instead, you need to be honest from the start. If you want your pet to live with you, make that clear when you’re speaking with the letting agent so they can identify the most suitable, pet-friendly, properties.
It also makes sense to invite your landlord to your current property, even if they aren’t a cat or dog lover. This way, they can see for themselves that your pet hasn’t done any damage and they are well-behaved (which will also assure them that the neighbours won’t have any complaints!).
Are you ready to find pet-friendly rentals?
Great! Keep these three tips in mind when conducting your search and you’re sure to make the house-hunting process a whole lot easier for yourself. Our advice should also help you to demonstrate that you are a caring pet owner.
However, if it’s your first time renting or you have any further questions, it’s worth seeking professional support from letting agents in Warrington, like Easylet Residential.