There is good news for devoted pet owners struggling to find rented accommodation with their best friends. A specialist insurance policy is available through Endsleigh Insurance Brokers and Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to encourage more landlords to accept pets in their properties, making it easier for pet owners to rent with their pets.
The Specialist Landlords Insurance policy – in partnership with Lets with Pets is to be launched in May 2013 and will be available to individual landlords through Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets scheme: www.letswithpets.org.uk. The policy aims to give landlords the peace of mind that pet damage will be covered as standard.
Clare Kivlehan, Dogs Trust Lets with Pets Manager, says:
“As more people are turning to renting, we feel that pet owners shouldn’t have to fall short of finding the perfect property. Our research has shown that over three quarters of pet owners experience difficulties finding privately rented accommodation that allows pets[1]. It is unfair that some responsible owners are forced into giving up their pets because of accommodation issues.”
The insurance policy created by Endsleigh and Lets with Pets has been established due to overwhelming demand from Landlords who are eager to branch out and rent to pet owners, but want the reassurance of specialist buildings and contents insurance. Tellingly, a recent survey[2] found that 88% of landlords said they would rent to pet owners if there was an insurance product available covering pet damage.
The Lets with Pets scheme, run by Dogs Trust, aims to make private renting with pets easier for pet owners, landlords, and letting agencies by providing practical advice and a range of free resources.
Sean Sage, Endsleigh’s Let Property Sector Manager, commented:
“With over 30 year’s experience developing property insurance solutions for the landlords sector, Endsleigh is committed to providing specialist insurance protection to meet all the requirements of buy to let landlords. Often the perceived problem of pet damage is the major obstacle for landlords when it comes to renting to pet owners. We are delighted to be working with Dogs Trust and Lets with Pets to provide comprehensive insurance cover for landlords to put their mind at rest which will ultimately help pet-owning tenants.”
The new insurance policy will be available to individual landlords and cover will include accidental pet damage as standard, 120 days unoccupancy, theft by tenants, £2m property owners’ liability, malicious damage by tenants and landlords contents.
For more information on the Lets with Pets and Endsleigh Pet Insurance Policy, go to: www.endsleigh.co.uk/letswithpets or contact letswithpets@endsleigh.co.uk
For further information and advice about the Lets with Pets scheme, please visit www.letswithpets.org.uk