The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), the UK’s largest organisation for independent inventory clerks, is advising landlords and agents to make sure their investments are protected if they agree to allow tenants keep pets in their homes.

“It’s clear that the number of long-term lifestyle renters is rising and this means that more tenants will want to keep pets and therefore be on the lookout for a property which they can truly call home for a prolonged period,” said AIIC chair Danny Zane, who is also the managing director of My Property Inventories. “It therefore comes as no surprise if more landlords decide to let to tenants with pets as it will widen their pool of prospective renters in an increasingly competitive market.”

Even though this is a decision that can bring profits, the association is warning landlords to take out more comprehensive insurance, to increase the property’s damage deposit and to make sure that an independent and professionally compiled inventory is carried out.

“Furry friends can undoubtedly cause more damage to a property, not to mention additional odours and mess. Therefore, more comprehensive landlord insurance can provide the required cover and peace of mind should an incident occur at the property, while a higher deposit will help to ensure that tenants are committed to maintaining the property,” explained Zane.

However, landlords must be wary of charging higher deposits as from next spring it is likely that damage deposits will be capped at a maximum of six weeks’ rent.

“Independent inventories, which detail a property’s condition at the start and end of a rental contract, provide landlords and agents with peace of mind and protect tenants from unreasonable deductions at the end of a tenancy,” added Danny Zane.

The AIIC has been campaigning over the last year for the government to consider compulsory independent inventory reporting in privately rented properties.