Love me, love my dog – the importance of considering pets in residential property
We’re a nation of animal lovers, with 40 million pets and nearly half (45%) the UK population owning one.
The pandemic’s further increased our zeal for cherished companions, as 3.2 million households acquired a pet during lockdown to combat social isolation. Seventy-four per cent of new pet owners said having a domestic animal helped their mental health while coping with Coronavirus curbs.
Simon Rose, owner of Rose & Partners, says providing pet-friendly homes is undoubtedly the future. “Today, a dog or cat is like another person in the house, so think of that four-legged family member to increase your network of possible buyers or tenants.”
As well as considering pooches when you market your property, also chew over what’s required to keep the pet – and owner – happy. Simon suggests touches such as a mud room where Rover can be treated to a post-walk brush-up, ample room for a cosy dog bed and outdoor space for a quick scamper. “Deals have fallen through, because you can’t open the door and let the creature out for a tinkle,” he adds.
An animal lover – with two stress-busting dogs that greet him like a long-lost relative they haven’t seen in years – Simon appreciates the irony that recently he was bitten by a dog when he stopped chucking a tennis ball for it at a vendor’s house. And even though he likes cats, he’s allergic to them, which meant breaking out in blotches when one settled down in his scooter helmet at a viewing.
Rose & Partners’ Tom Tangney has his fair share of pet tales to impart, too, including rescuing a fish tank with two goldfish left behind in a property. He adopted and turned them into the office pets. “Not all agents are heartless bastards,” he remarks!
He also had a spooky experience when a seller insisted on digging up the bones of the deceased pets buried in her garden, to convey them to an interim rental property – and then finally to her new home. “Arching her eyebrows, she said she always kept her pets close to her.” It gave Tom paws for thought, wondering whether he’d have to declare any skeletal occupants to a landlord or buyer.
Tom’s currently selling a Kensington flat with a cute Pomeranian. “It’s inoffensive and probably won’t alarm viewers, but I always ask if they’re okay with pets. I’m mindful that some people are freaked out by animals.” Tom recommends that ideally, a seller takes the pet for a walk during a viewing. Failing that, he puts it in a pet carrier or on a lead.
Simon points out to vendors that not everyone is potty about furry friends. “It’s best to allow the buyer to concentrate on the property – and not the vendor’s beloved pet.”
Zoe Rose, head of lettings at Rose & Partners, recalls a charming Labradoodle (and perhaps budding lettings agent?) picking up his ball and taking her on a splendid tour of a mews house. “I have to admit, in this instance I was almost more interested in the dog than the property,” she says wryly.
She also had a feline experience with a potential tenant adamant she must live on a garden square so she could walk her cat on a lead – a pet concept Zoe hadn’t come across before.
They say every dog has its day, which be true for the lettings industry. After discovering only 7% of private landlords advertise pet-friendly properties – even though there’s substantial demand from pet owners – the government’s issued a new model of tenancy agreement aiming to end blanket bans on pets in rental agreements. Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell is pushing for changes to allow pets in more rental accommodation. He’s keen to place limits on landlords adding clauses to tenancy agreements barring people who can prove they’re responsible owners.
Zoe believes that pets are on the agenda now there are more long-term renters. “The tenant voice is getting stronger and stronger, and the government’s turning up the heat so tenants feel like valued occupants.” It will be interesting to see how this plays out, notes Zoe, who’s observing landlords carrying out pet interviews – meeting dogs in person to ensure they’re not aggressive. Another suggestion is pet passports, where pet references are required before they’re allowed to settle down in a rentals home.
“Pets can get a bad rap,” adds Zoe, “even when most pet-loving tenants are very responsible. I’ve seen students trash accommodation far more than the average pet.”
Perhaps it’s time for more landlords to reflect on accepting pets. Zoe says she gets a great number of enquiries for homes that will lodge pets. “You will close down the appeal of your rental property if you say a tenant can’t bring a pet.” And landlords open to the idea of pet lets will have the pick of the litter when it comes to finding tenants.
Dog days – what’s on offer for London’s pampered pets
Mungo & Maud – chic Belgravia pet boutique offering classic dog beds with quilt toppers, preppy dog leads and oak dog bowls mungoandmaud.com
Pet Pavilion Marketplace – pick up a grey pet hoodie, dog sling bag or colourful Prive blanket at Chelsea Farmers Market petpavilion.co.uk
Purplebone Dog Grooming – sleekly-styled Notting Hill bow-wows can depart with oatmeal shampoo and venison deer shank marrow bones purplebone.com
Yuppy Puppies Dog Boutique – pet grooming and treats like purple crystal leads, lavender poop bags, and banana and honey doggie ice cream yuppypuppiespetboutique.co.uk
The Mutz Nutz & Wild Wash Spa – beaded rainbow collars, doggy day care and a tasting service to satisfy finicky furry appetites themutznutz.com
Love My Human – merino jumpers for dogs and Dog Matters talks for pet parents in a grooming townhouse on the King’s Road lovemyhuman.co.uk
Waggin’ Tails Chelsea Veterinary Clinic – hand grooming (no drying cabinets or cages) in the salon; Heritage Tweed toy ducks and Little Buddy heartbeat sheep as pet retail therapy waggintailsonline.com
Urban Mutts Dog Club & Hotel – dog jogging consultations, Mutt Skool top-up training and cosy sleep staycation huts at Westfield urbanmuttshotels.com
by Cheryl Markosky