Pet Travel

This blog is all about offering a few top tips on how to talk to UK estate agents for both sales and lettings. As a former estate agent, property search agent and now Founder of Pets Lets, I have over 25 years’ experience in the UK property market.

Whether you are renting with a pet or not, this advice will help you be taken more seriously by estate agents. It will also improve your chances of ‘beating off the competition’ when it comes to securing a rental property or buying your home.

Click here to read more.

You don’t want to waste your time looking at a property, unless you can move in with your pets. Should be simple. Yet, many estate agents are not sure, want to get you through the door, make an offer and then you’ll find out. How does that make sense? When you look through the UK property portals, some state ‘pets allowed’. However, when you call the estate agents, they say no.

The other issue is some landlords are very specific about allowing pets in their rental properties. Some specify only a house cat or a small dog. Something you cannot tell from looking at a property portal. From our experience at Pets Lets, there is no rhyme or reason, it is a personal choice by the landlord. We even had a landlord say yes to a client with a Great Dane as their 1-bedroom flat was by a park.

This may well change with the proposed 2023 The Renters Reform Bill. Click here to read more.

London is the fourth most expensive city in the world. New York tops the list and Geneva is the most expensive European city. According to recent figures by City Hall, Londoners are spending 40% of their salaries on rent.

Londoners can expect to pay £133 more than the current average of £2,567 calculated by Rightmove. With interest rates also rising, both renting and buying in the Capital is becoming increasingly unrealistic.

Last year, 40% of renters leaving home, chose not to move to London. With a large number of people still working from home, it makes sense to live somewhere more affordable, where you can have a separate office space in your own home.

Very few build to rent developments, that offer extra amenities including work spaces and gyms, are less than £2000 per month. Many of them are further out. Which begs the questions, why not leave London. Click here to read more.

At Pets Lets we have over 25 years experience working in the UK rental market. Even though private landlords don’t have the best ‘reputation’ with tenants, they are a necessity in modern day society as well as the UK economy.

Private landlords are essential to ensure the supply of rental homes can keep up with rising demand. The number of council homes in the UK has fallen by 11% since 2010. The majority of private landlords in the UK are responsible. A large percentage are homeowners who have simply moved out and are renting out their homes, not just professional buy to let investors.

With rising mortgage rates, landlords have to cover their costs. Many understand the cost-of-living crisis and don’t want to pass on rent increases to long term tenants. Others are being forced to sell as the rental yields/ monthly costs have risen and some are experiencing negative equity with the value of their properties in relation to borrowing.

Either way it is a no-win situation for both private landlords and tenants. Click to read more.

In the fast-paced world of real estate, where clients seek guidance and assistance in finding their dream homes, estate agencies are finding innovative ways to create a warm and welcoming environment. One such trend that has gained popularity is the presence of office dogs.

The UK rental market is competitive. You see a property and someone is either waiting to get in or walking out. Is like a ‘conveyor belt’. How do you find a ‘competitive edge’ over others. Pets Lets is an experienced Relocation Agency. One of the key rental tips is to find out more about the landlord profile. Read on to find out more.

The UK rental market has been building to a crisis for some time. Renting in London is very competitive but so are many other UK cities, such as Edinburgh, Bristol, Brighton and Manchester. It is not all about the Capital.

The rental system is to blame which has been affected by ill thought through letting legislation by the Government. The topic is highly emotive with both tenants and landlords.

Jasmine’s Law: Andrew Rosindell MP seeks to limit ‘no pets’ policies for renters It is brilliant news that Andrew Rosindell MP has taken the time to push a bill through to end pet discrimination with rental properties. In London we need more dog friendly accommodation, particularly landlords who will consider more than 1 dog. Some landlords will only accept cats. Only 15% of London landlords offer pet friendly housing.

Only 10% of London Landlords allow pets. Nearly 50% of the UK Population have pets. Tenants with pets stay longer, are responsible, which means less void periods for Landlords. By opening your doors to pets, you are attracting a huge 'pool of tenants' which is only growing.

When Renting with a Dog or Cat, make sure you have a pets clause put in your contract. Do not accept a verbal agreement, make sure everything is in writing.

• Before you allow pets into your property, unless you own a freehold property, please make sure that pets are allowed.
• If you own a leasehold property it is important to check the terms of your lease do not have any ‘no-pet’ clauses and that as a private Landlord, you are allowed to let to tenants with pets at your own discretion.

• The UK has now more cats & dogs than children!
• The UK has a dog population alone of 9m! 45% of the population has a pet. Forecast to be 50% within 5 years
• In the next 10 years approximately 25% of people aged between 20-40 years old will buy a house, which means more pet owners will need a London pet-friendly rental
• If you don’t consider pets, you will lose out to local competition

The Londog is a blog as well as a dog-friendly London information hub. The focus is on helping you discover dog-friendly things to do and places in London, along with handy guides, travel tips including, dog-events and the best parks in London.

PAAW House is an online club for pets and their owners, our passion and purpose is to build a powerful community of like-minded people, end pet discrimination and ensure that Pets Are Always Welcome.

The Dogvine is a multiple award-winning lifestyle blog for London dogs where dog owners can explore dog-friendly places and things to do in and around London as well as stay up to date with the latest London dog events - think of it as the Timeout for dogs!