Landlord’s Insurance for Tenant Pet Damage

Are you concerned that tenants can now request pets and nearly insist you accept them under the Renters Reform Bill?

If you’re a landlord worried that tenants may have pets and you can no longer refuse, you’re not alone. The new law does allow for some exceptions, but they’re limited and often difficult to prove.

When Can You Refuse a Tenant’s Pet?

The law outlines certain exceptions where you can refuse pets, but these are quite specific. A reasonable request for refusing a pet would be if:

1. Another tenant in the property has a pet allergy.
2. The property is too small for a large pet or multiple pets.
3. The pet is illegal to own.
4. You are a leaseholder (not the freeholder).

Other than these reasons, if you can’t prove one of them, you may need to consider obtaining pet damage insurance.

What Is Pet Damage Insurance?

Pet damage insurance is a type of landlord insurance policy that protects property owners from damage caused by tenants’ domestic pets. This insurance covers both the building and its contents from unexpected damage caused by a pet.

What Does Pet Damage Insurance Cover?

The policy covers sudden, unintentional damage to the following:

1. Fixtures and fittings of your rental property.
2. Contents within the rental property.

The policy typically covers up to £5,000 per insurance period, with a limit of £1,000 for damage caused by chewing, scratching, fouling, or plucking.

What Is Not Covered?

The insurance policy will not cover:

• Existing damage or general wear and tear.
• Loss or damage occurring during a tenancy termination notice period if the insurance was purchased after the notice was given.
• Damage to undamaged items or items that are part of a set (such as matching furniture) — the maximum payout for these items is 50%.

Are There Any Restrictions?

Yes, there are a few conditions to be aware of:

1. Check-in and Check-out Inventory: You and your tenant must conduct an inventory check at the start and end of the tenancy to document the condition of the property and its contents.
2. Using the Tenant’s Deposit: Before making a claim, you must use the tenant’s deposit or a deposit guarantee agreement to cover any damage. However, if the deposit has already been used for rent arrears or non-pet-related damage, you can still claim, but you’ll need to provide evidence.
3. Disputes Over Responsibility: If a tenant disputes that they or their pet caused the damage, you must provide evidence of a deposit adjudication decision that supports your claim.
4. Damage During a Notice Period: If the insurance is purchased during a notice period (whether from the tenant or you), no claims will be accepted for damage caused during that notice period.

Your Obligations as a Landlord

To qualify for this insurance and ensure that your claim is valid, you must meet the following requirements:

• Tenancy Agreement: You must have a valid tenancy agreement in place with the tenant.
• No Previous Claims: There must be no previous pet damage claims during the period that your current tenants have been in the property.
• Quarterly Inspections: You or your agent must complete at least quarterly property inspections and maintain records for a minimum of 24 months after the tenancy ends.
• No Outstanding Legal Issues: You must not have any unsatisfied bankruptcy or outstanding County Court Judgments (CCJs).

There are additional criteria you’ll need to follow, but we can provide you with all the details.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and to get instant landlord damage cover tailored to your needs. Call us today on 01273 827090 or click here.