Cats in rented property: pros and cons

Approximately half of all UK households have pets, demonstrating the British public’s love for animals. According to research from PDSA, cats are the second most popular pet in the UK, so you will likely encounter tenants wanting to have cats in rented property.

A landlord might struggle to get their head around whether to allow cats in rented property. We’ve put together an overview that will help landlords make an informed decision about renting to tenants with cats.

Legal framework surrounding cats in rented property

The UK government published a model tenancy agreement in January 2021 that prevents landlords from unreasonably refusing a tenant’s request to keep a pet/cat in rental property. Additionally, the 2024 Renters’ Rights Bill, expected to become law in spring 2025, aims to create a fairer rental sector for pets and mandates that landlords must not unreasonably withhold consent for pet requests. 

Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords must not directly or indirectly discriminate against people with a disability. Section 20(3) states that the responsible party must make reasonable adjustments when a provision, criterion, or practice substantially disadvantages a disabled person compared to a non-disabled person.

This is further enhanced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Guidance for social housing providers. Therefore, the tenancy agreement has to be changed if it prohibits pets in this instance. Landlords must allow a tenant to keep – for example – a guide or assistance dog. “Failure to do so may risk breaching Article 14 of the Human Rights Act (Prohibition of Discrimination).”

Advantages of allowing cats in rented property

Allowing pets in rental properties can be a wise choice for landlords as there are plenty of advantages and benefits. It can make a landlord’s property stand out in a competitive rental market.

• Attracts a broader tenant base. Cats are a common household pet, so allowing cats in rented property will naturally expand the amount of tenants you can attract. 
• Encourages longer tenancies. Many landlords don’t allow cats in rented property. A landlord can build a loyal relationship if a tenant feels comfortable in their home with their cat.
• Increases tenant satisfaction. Tenants who are allowed to keep pets will feel more at home and are more likely to be respectful and look after your property.
• Higher rent. The demand for rental properties that allow cats could be high in the local area, and there could be a shortage. Tenants might be willing to pay a little bit more to ensure they can keep their cat.
• Avoids rule bending. Tenants may attempt to keep a cat without permission if cats are not allowed in rental properties. This may lead to additional rule violations. Additionally, damages may be incurred without the landlord’s knowledge.

Disadvantages of allowing cats in rented property

When thinking about renting to tenants with cats, landlords should also consider the negative aspects to make an informed decision.

• Greater risk of property damage. Unfortunately, cats often scratch walls, spill drinks, or have accidents on the carpet.
• Increased maintenance costs. Landlords might need to fix some of the damage caused by the cats. 
• Allergies. Neighbours could be allergic to pets. Landlords will also need to do a deep clean if the next tenants are allergic after previously renting to tenants with cats. 
• Complaints from neighbours. The cat might end up fouling in a neighbour’s garden, digging holes or bringing other animals into the garden.
• Odours. If tenants do not look after their cats as much as they should, certain odours can linger inside the property.
• Legal Disputes. Disputes may arise between landlords and tenants regarding responsibility for damages caused by cats, potentially leading to legal action and additional costs.

In the wake of these negatives, it is worth looking into real-world data. A survey carried out by YouGov for Cats Protection found that 75% of cat-friendly private landlords report no problems at all from renting to tenants with cats.

Financial aspects of allowing cats in rented property

It is reasonable for a landlord to (slightly) increase the deposit when tenants have cats. This is reasonable because it provides funds for covering damage caused by having the cat in the property.

But be careful! The deposit cannot be larger than five weeks’ rent for homes where the annual rent is below £50,000 and six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more. These limits are stated in the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Tenancy agreement for cats in rented property

Scenarios such as allowing cats in rented property emphasise the necessity for a comprehensive and meticulously draughted tenancy agreement. A high-quality tenancy agreement can prevent disputes about who is responsible for what. 

If a landlord is renting to tenants with cats, they should include a pet clause in the tenancy agreement. This clause should outline the tenant’s responsibilities for keeping their cat in the rented property. 

The clause should explicitly outline the tenant’s obligations for maintaining the property’s cleanliness and condition, including regular cleaning routines to manage pet hair and dander, proper litter disposal, and upkeep of any outdoor spaces accessible to the cat.

It is essential to define responsibility for any damages caused by the pet, such as scratches on floors or walls, stains on carpets, or damage to furniture. The clause should specify whether the tenant is liable for repairs or replacement costs or if these fall under the landlord’s responsibilities. Routine maintenance tasks should also be addressed, like flea control and professional cleaning.

It is also worth including the number of pets allowed and what type of pet to ensure the tenant doesn’t get confused or carried away with the allowance. This allows the landlord to remain in control of the situation. The landlord may also wish to ask questions about the cat. This could include asking how long it will stay in the property alone during the day and information about the cat breed.

When landlords choose to rent their property to tenants with cats, it is crucial to establish clear expectations and responsibilities for pet ownership within the tenancy agreement. A well-drafted pet clause can prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes down the line.

If you’re still unsure what to include, Cats Protection have made an example tenancy agreement pet clause for renting to tenants with cats.

Tenant screening for renting to tenants with cats

Tenant screening is an essential step to take. An extensive tenant screening process can make such a difference to a landlord. It can make life so much easier, especially if there are cats in the rented property.

A tenant screening process with the cat ownership in mind can help give a landlord an idea about how the owners will look after the cat, how well-trained the cat is and how calm the cat is. Part of the tenant screening process includes speaking with previous landlords (if applicable) who can provide information about how the tenant acted after allowing cats in rented property.

This will allow the landlord to paint a picture of what to expect during the tenancy. It might even be possible to eliminate some of the negatives listed above.

Even if you have put all the protective measures in place when renting to tenants with cats, protecting your property and investment with landlord insurance is still advantageous as there are many other perils you will be insured against. While responsible pet owners and thorough tenant screening can minimise risks, unexpected events can still occur. Landlord insurance acts as a safety net, providing peace of mind and financial security for property owners who choose to rent to tenants with or without cats.

To compare landlord insurance quotes, contact us at 01788 818 670 today to find out more, or get a quote online.