I have mentioned in the past about how I rent my home. The housing ladder just isn’t for me right now, especially as a single mum blogging my way through life as a full time job. I enjoy renting my home as it gives me the freedom to move if anything goes wrong and of course it made the split with my ex easier as we didn’t have any assets to sort out.
What I do struggle with though is, having had dogs or cats all my adult life, i find it hard to believe how many landlords turn down tenants who have pets. Surely the care that comes with raising children and pets means that you are going to give extra commitment to making sure that home is a permanent fixture.
Here are my top 3 reasons why families with pets make excellent tenants!
ONE
Stability! If you take care of something, children, family, pets etc you have the responsibility to provide for them. That means making sure they have a roof over their heads, food, water and a safe place to live. My responsibility is to pay the rent on time and ensure that I have no reason why myself and the kids plus dog would be turned out and living on the streets. Knowing that payment would be on time each month should be a sure fire winner for any landlord.
TWO
Cleanliness! You can charge an excess for damage or cleaning if the tenant moves out. Those with animals are willing to pay this fee as they know the work involved to looking after pets. I am extra vigilant about mess and cleaning the house to make sure there are no smells or hair. I would presume most people with pets like to keep on top a cleaning routine and make sure that there more chance the excess will be returned if they move on.
THREE
Security! The fact there is a dog on patrol in the house you own, landlords should take solace in the fact that more often than not this is a good security measure. People are less likely to break into houses where they know dogs will alert people and raise the alarm! If you do have a ‘no pet policy’ this can actually damage your landlord insurance as people will always try to sneak in animals without your knowledge should they re-home any at a later date! Being open and upfront about what you allow can increase your reputation as an understanding landlord that tenants would appreciate having.
