Pet Policy

The following pet policy outlines the conditions under which tenants may keep pets in the property in order to protect the condition of the property and the welfare of any pets.

HW Property Rentals Ltd (the landlord) reserves the right to make reasonable change to this Pet Policy as they see fit from time to time. (This Pet Policy will also be revised in line with the Renters’ Rights Bill and any associated regulations and guidance.)

By keeping a pet at the property, the tenant accepts the terms and conditions in this Pet Policy.

Consent to keep a pet

Tenant must obtain prior written consent from the landlord before keeping a pet at the property. Tenants should do this in writing, providing details of the pet, including contact details of their veterinary practice, and a photo, together with explaining how they intend to look after the pet while they’re working – as relevant.
New tenants may also have to provide a reference for their pets from a former landlord if requested.
Tenants who wish to obtain an additional pet after moving into the property must apply for permission in writing to the landlord, in advance, following the same process.
The landlord reserves the right to refuse a request for an additional or new pet. If a tenant obtains an additional or new pet without prior permission, this may be treated as a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Tenants may not keep any animal listed in the schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 at the property, nor any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Looking after pets during the tenancy

Pet welfare is very important. Tenants are responsible for their pets in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. If the landlord believes that a pet kept in the property has been neglected or abandoned, they will report it to an appropriate animal welfare organisation. This will also be treated as a breach of the tenancy agreement, which can lead to eviction.
Tenants must not leave their pets in the property when they are away unless clear and appropriate arrangements have been made for their care.
Dogs should not be left alone in the property for more that 4 hours at a time. Tenants must ensure that their dogs will not cause damage to the property if they are left unsupervised.
All pets kept at the property must be vaccinated and kept flea and worm free as appropriate. Tenants are responsible for keeping all areas of the property clean and free from parasites, such as fleas.
Tenants must ensure their pets do not cause a nuisance to neighbours. This includes excessive noise such as barking and whining. Dogs must be kept under control and kept on a lead in any communal areas and walkways. If a pet does cause a nuisance to neighbours, the landlord will consider this to be a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Tenants may not breed animals or offer for sale any animal in the property.

Looking after the property during the tenancy

Pets must not be allowed to foul inside the property, except for caged pets (e.g. hamsters) and pets (such as cats) which are trained to use a litter tray. Pet faeces must be removed immediately from the garden or outside areas and disposed of safely and hygienically.
If a pet causes damage to the property during the tenancy, the tenant agrees to inform the landlord as soon as possible. The tenant agrees to put right any damage at their expense within a reasonable time of the landlord asking the tenant to do it.

At the end of the tenancy

At the end of the tenancy, tenants with pets agree to take particular care to ensure pet hairs and pet odours are removed from the carpets by thorough carpet cleaning. They also agree to carry out a deep clean of the property to a professional standard.

This policy is subject to review and will be updated regularly to ensure continued compliance with relevant legislation and best practices.