"With deposits currently capped at five weeks’ rent and the government’s recent decision not to mandate tenant reimbursement for pet damage insurance, landlords are left exposed to additional risk"
- Eddie Hooker - Total Property
Total Landlord has launched a pet damage protection extension for its insurance customers, offering financial cover ahead of the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB). The policy is aimed at protecting landlords against damage caused by tenants’ pets, including both single incidents and gradual wear and tear.
Pet ownership among renters has been increasing, yet many landlords remain cautious. A Total Property survey found that 10% of tenants list restrictions on pet ownership among their top challenges.
Government-authorised tenancy deposit protection provider mydeposits reported that settlements involving pet damage average £1,520.24, which is 141% higher than cases without pet involvement, at £629.92. In 35% of these disputes, repair costs exceeded the deposit amount. As the RRB is expected to lead to more tenants keeping pets, these figures underline the need for protection beyond standard deposits.
The new cover offers up to £2,500 per policy period for damage to buildings or landlord's contents caused by pets. Unlike some products that only cover accidental damage, this policy also addresses gradual wear and tear, such as repeated scratching at carpets. It is available now as an optional paid-for extension for new and existing customers, with plans for a standalone product. Landlords must take and protect a traditional security deposit with a government-authorised scheme such as mydeposits and have a professional inventory or condition report in place to qualify for the cover.
Key features of the policy include:
£2,500 cover per policy period for damage to insured buildings or contents
Protection for both wear and tear and one-off incidents
Cover for up to three pets per property
Policy held by the landlord to avoid tenant-controlled insurance risks
Coverage for all domestic indoor pets, with details required only at claim stage
Annual cost of £134.40 including IPT per tenanted property
The RRB will give tenants more scope to request pets. However, an amendment removed the ability for landlords to require tenants to purchase pet damage insurance or cover its cost. Many existing policies are held by tenants, creating risks if cover is inadequate, premiums lapse, or claims are paid to tenants rather than landlords. There is also the challenge of undisclosed pet ownership, which may only be revealed when a tenancy ends.
By keeping the policy under the landlord’s control, Total Landlord says these risks are reduced.
“Our new pet damage protection policy is a direct response to landlord concerns in the evolving rental market,” said Eddie Hooker, CEO at Total Landlord (pictured). “With deposits currently capped at five weeks’ rent and the government’s recent decision not to mandate tenant reimbursement for pet damage insurance, landlords are left exposed to additional risk. We understand the challenges that come with allowing pets in rental properties, and our policy offers landlords the financial security they need to confidently accommodate responsible pet ownership.”
