In recent years, the Welsh rental market has seen a growing demand for pet-friendly properties. According to recent surveys, Wales has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the UK, with approximately 57% of households owning pets.
- 35% of Welsh households own dogs, totalling over 500,000 dogs
- 28% own cats, with approximately 380,000 cats in Welsh homes
- 2% own rabbits or other small mammals
- 1.5% keep birds as pets
Despite these statistics, only about 7% of Welsh landlords explicitly advertise their properties as pet-friendly, creating a significant market gap.
Addressing Common Landlord Concerns
Property Damage
The feedback we often receive from the owners we talk to is that many landlords worry about potential damage from pets, sometimes from their own previous experience. However, studies show:
- Insurance claims for pet damage occur in less than 5% of pet-friendly rentals
- The average cost of pet-related damage (£275) is actually lower than damage caused by children! (£450)
- Most pet damage is limited to easily replaceable items like carpets and curtains
Allergies and Future Tenants
Some landlords worry about allergic reactions from future tenants and the inability to rent to these tenants. However:
- Professional deep cleaning between tenancies effectively removes pet allergens
- The cost of deep cleaning can be built into the rent and a robust pet clause inserted into the contract
- The larger market of pet owners (57%) outweighs the potential loss of tenants with severe allergies (estimated at 8%)
The Statistical Case for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Recent market research in Wales shows some staggering statistics on pet -friendly rentals:
- Pet-friendly properties rent 60% faster than those with no-pet policies
- Void periods are reduced by an average of 50% for pet-friendly properties
- Pet owners stay in rentals an average of 46 months compared to 18 months for non-pet owners
- 90% of pet-owning tenants are willing to pay a pet rent premium of 3-7%
- Properties allowing pets have a 13% higher viewing rate
The discussion around pets in rental properties continues to evolve in Wales and across the UK. While there is currently no specific legislation requiring landlords to accept pets, there is growing advocacy for more pet-friendly rental policies. Whilst Landlords in Wales currently maintain the right to refuse pets in their properties and the decision to allow pets remains at their discretion and permission must be sought, the Welsh Government’s White Paper on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act specifically addresses the issue of pets in rental properties. The landscape may well be about to change!
Key points from the White Paper include:
- The proposal that landlords should not be able to unreasonably withhold consent for pets in rental properties
- A requirement for landlords to provide written justification if refusing a pet request
- The suggestion that property advertisements should state clearly whether pets are accepted
- Recognition that blanket ‘no pets’ policies may be discriminatory
- Acknowledgment that pet ownership can support tenant wellbeing and mental health
Under the White Paper’s recommendations, landlords would need to consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis and any refusal would need to be based on reasonable grounds, such as: Property size and suitability, Building lease restrictions, Relevant insurance limitations, Specific health and safety concerns.
Despite the lack of legislative requirements, several factors are driving change in the rental market. These include:
- Increasing public awareness of the benefits of pet ownership for mental health and wellbeing
- Growing pressure from tenant advocacy groups for more pet-friendly housing options
- Rising recognition of pets as family members rather than just animals
- Market competition pushing more landlords to consider pet-friendly policies voluntarily
How to manage the risks
There are numerous ways that the risks from allowing pets in rental properties can be mitigated. A stringent referencing process and asking questions about what happens to the pets during the day can give peace of mind. In addition to this, a higher deposit can be taken, a pet insurance policy can be insisted upon, and a professional cleaning and pet clause can be inserted into the contract which makes the responsibilities and conditions of keeping a pet clear.
Conclusion
The data clearly shows that allowing pets in Welsh rental properties is not just a tenant-friendly decision but a sound business strategy. While there are no immediate legislative changes requiring pets to be allowed, forward-thinking landlords can benefit from standing out in a market where pet-friendly properties are still relatively rare. With proper precautions and policies in place, we believe that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. As Wales continues to show high rates of pet ownership, landlords who adapt to this market- need, position themselves for increased profitability and tenant satisfaction.
Still not convinced?
We’ve been encouraging Preseli’s landlord owners to consider pets for many years, and all of our pet-friendly properties are advertised with an increased ‘pet rent’ to allow for extra wear and tear which has proved hugely successful. Every contract has a clearly worded pet clause which highlights the obligations for contract holders. Our experience has shown that opening the market up to pet owners really can make a huge difference to the choice you have when renting out your property. This means smoother running, longer-term tenancies, residents who really feel valued, higher rents and lower void periods. It’s one of the many reasons we have been established as one of the Top 500 Lettings Agents in the Country in an independent review of all Estate Agents.
Stay ahead of the curve and contact us to discuss how we can decrease your void periods and match you with your perfect pet- owning resident!
