Why allowing pets makes commercial sense in Bath

Bath's rental market is tight and its housing stock is unusual. Much of what comes up in Oldfield Park, Larkhall, Widcombe or Combe Down is period property — terraces, conversions, flats in Georgian buildings with shared hallways and small courtyards. That shapes what kind of pet works where, but it shouldn't put you off entirely.

Plenty of the people who want to rent in Bath have a dog or a cat: families relocating from London, postgraduates, hospital staff on longer contracts, and older tenants downsizing from a house they've owned for years. Many of them have been rejected repeatedly simply because they answered honestly. A landlord who advertises "pets considered" usually sees more enquiries, quicker lets and tenants who stay longer. Someone who has spent months searching is someone who tends to look after what they find.

The catch is that "pets considered" has to mean something specific in writing. Vagueness is where the arguments start.

Get the pet clause right before anyone moves in

Consent should always be given in writing, and it should describe exactly what you've agreed to. That means the species, the number of animals, and ideally the breed and approximate age. A clause that simply says "one pet permitted" invites a tenant to swap a goldfish for a German Shepherd six months later.

Useful things to build into the agreement or a separate pet licence:

• A named pet, with a condition that consent is for that animal only and any replacement needs fresh written permission.
• A requirement that the animal is kept up to date with flea and worming treatment, with records available on request.
• An agreement that the tenant will not leave the pet alone in the property for extended periods, and will arrange care when away.
• A clear statement that consent can be withdrawn if the animal causes persistent nuisance to neighbours or damage to the property.
• A clause confirming the tenant is responsible for any damage caused by the pet, over and above fair wear and tear.

Never rely on a friendly verbal yes given at the viewing. If it isn't written down, it will be disputed later.

Insurance, deposits and what you can realistically claim

Tell your insurer and your mortgage lender before you agree to anything. Standard landlord policies vary enormously on pet damage, and some exclude it entirely. It's worth checking whether accidental damage caused by a tenant's animal is covered, and whether you need to add an endorsement. A five-minute phone call now saves a great deal of irritation later.

On deposits, remember the statutory cap. You cannot ask for an additional pet deposit on top of the permitted maximum, so if you want extra protection, the realistic options are a slightly higher rent, a guarantor, or a pet damage clause backed by good evidence.

That evidence starts at check-in. A dated photographic inventory, a signed schedule of condition, and clear meter readings give you something to work from. Damage is chewed skirting boards, scratched doors, stained carpets and flea infestations. Fair wear and tear is a carpet that has gradually flattened over three years. Where the line falls depends on the age and quality of what was there to begin with, so photograph everything.

Cleaning expectations that are firm but fair

Ask for the property back in the same condition it was let, allowing for fair wear and tear — not spotless perfection. Blanket clauses demanding a professional clean at the tenant's expense rarely hold up, and they sour a relationship at exactly the wrong moment.

Instead, be specific about what matters with pets:

• Carpets professionally cleaned only where there is genuine evidence of odour or staining.
• Flea treatment where an infestation is documented, not as a routine charge.
• All dog fouling removed from gardens and courtyards before the final inspection.
• Pet hair cleared from filters, vents and under furniture.

Hand this list over at the start of the tenancy, not at the end. Tenants who know what's expected usually meet it.

Practical points for Bath's period properties

Bath stone, sash windows and shared stairwells all have their own quirks. In a Georgian conversion, noise travels and a bored dog left alone in a first-floor flat will be heard by everyone. Cats in upstairs flats need a conversation about windows and balconies. Listed buildings mean no cat flaps in historic doors without consent, and internal doors are often original.

Gardens need thought too. A small walled courtyard in Widcombe is not the same as a lawn in Combe Down. Agree who maintains what, and be realistic about how much grass a large dog will destroy over a wet winter. On the plus side, proximity to Royal Victoria Park, Sydney Gardens and the riverside walks is a genuine selling point for dog owners — mention it in the listing.

Small habits that keep things running smoothly

Ask to meet the pet, or at least request a photo and a reference from a previous landlord or vet. If a tenant is a first-time pet owner, a six-month break clause gives you both an exit if it isn't working.

Keep inspections regular and properly noticed, and make it easy for tenants to report problems. A tenant who rings you the day the puppy chews a door frame is worth far more than one who hopes you won't notice. Be clear about numbers, be clear about the rules, and be willing to review the arrangement at renewal. Done properly, renting to pet owners is one of the most reliable ways to fill a Bath property and keep it filled.