PETS: Can a solution be found that will keep landlords and tenants happy?

Key figures from the world of landlords and pets have sat down to begin thrashing out a solution to the current ‘pets in lets’ conundrum vexing the sector.

Organised by tech platform The Lettings Hub, the inaugural meeting kicked off by highlighting the key challenge that needs to be met, namely that while 82% of tenants want to rent with their pet, 35% of landlords actively ban pets from their properties.

To find a solution, the working group is now preparing several more sessions which will look at the different options on the table, although the most likely will be some sort of insurance, most probably taken out by the tenant.

This first meeting was attended by representatives from campaigning group AdvoCATS, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, several letting agencies from across the UK, trade association Propertymark, insurance underwriters, the Property Redress Scheme and tech firm Inventory Hive.

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “We have been warning for some time that the unintended consequences of the Tenant Fees Act have reduced the appetite for many landlords to take on the greater risk of damage.”

Heidi Shackell (pictured) CEO of The Lettings Hub said “Pets are an emotive subject for both landlords and tenants, at The Lettings Hub we are committed to delivering solutions and products which support and protect all parties.

“Collaborating with experts across the lettings and pets’ sectors allows us to truly understand how these changes are set to impact our customers and allow us to develop a holistic resolution.”

Sean Hooker (pictured) Head of Redress at The PRS, adds: “Tenants rightly don’t want to feel discriminated against for wanting to have a pet, however landlords should feel they are protected.

“The challenge is how to deliver this in a satisfactory and cost-effective way and gathering the experts into one room is a fantastic start!”

Landlords wishing to take part should email Jessica.langley@lettingshub.co.uk