It’s more durable for pet homeowners than people who smoke to hire

It’s at present six instances more durable for pet homeowners to discover a rental property than people who smoke, highlighting why the Renters Reform Invoice has chosen to construct it into tenancies as customary.

A median of simply 7% of obtainable rental properties are listed as ‘pets thought of’. Compared, 44% of landlords are keen to welcome an energetic smoker.

Dan Marchant, smoking cessation skilled and director at E-Liquid retailer Vape Membership, mentioned: “It’s clear to see that proudly owning pets severely limits your choices when looking for a rental property.

“Nonetheless, it’s shocking to see that this sentiment isn’t the identical for people who smoke and virtually half (44%) of landlords are keen to just accept an energetic smoker.

“Smoking could cause injury to rental properties with cigarette smoke staining partitions, leaving an odour that’s onerous to take away and doubtlessly leaving burns on surfaces.

“We additionally know that smoking can considerably injury private well being. While I’m stunned that so many landlords settle for energetic people who smoke however not pets, it’s clear that quitting smoking will nonetheless open up over half of the rental property market.

“So, quitting smoking won’t solely enhance your well being but in addition enhance entry to the rental market which is at present massively aggressive.

“It’s vital to do all you may to spice up your possibilities of getting the rental property you need, which is why quitting smoking can virtually double your choices.”

The borough of Havering in London is the least welcoming to pet homeowners looking for a rental residence, with zero pet-friendly properties.

Comparatively, 44% of landlords in Havering have been nonetheless keen to permit people who smoke to hire their properties. It’s clear that pet homeowners are being excluded from an enormous variety of rental properties.

Even probably the most pet-friendly areas are hesitant to permit pets. Dundee at present has the very best share of pet-friendly listings within the UK. Nonetheless, regardless of being probably the most pet-friendly location for renters, it stays low at 14% of the out there listings — a bit underneath one in seven properties.

The avoidance of tenants with pets is probably going because of fears of injury to the property, as 85% of landlords have incurred injury to their property by pets.

Jonathan Rolande, founding father of HouseBuyFast, mentioned: “The primary purpose landlords want to not hire to pet homeowners is as a result of injury may be a problem, pets can claw at carpet and scratch onerous flooring. There may also be points with fleas lengthy after the tenant has left. Some renters refuse houses which have lately housed a pet.

“Insurance coverage is a superb method to shield houses from pet injury. I like to recommend ensuring tenants are accountable homeowners and that the pet is appropriate for the area, for instance not having a big canine in a studio flat.

“My recommendation for tenants is don’t be afraid to easily ask your landlord. Typically a dialog at an early stage between landlord and tenant may help clear up any points and ensure each events are clear on the place they stand.”