Getting on the property ladder is sadly out of reach for a lot of us, so we're big believers in making our rented houses feel like home. And surely there’s no better way to do that than with a dog (well, we think so anyway!)

According to Generation Rent, ‘in 2018, five million households in the UK rented from a private landlord’. The percentage is even higher for young people - 48% of those under 35s. Yep, it's a lot. So how do we go about finding a pet-friendly landlord?

Trying to pluck up the courage to ask your landlord for a dog when they take 3 months to fix your washing machine can feel daunting. But we are big believers that the benefits of owning a dog are worth the anxiety of asking!

Here are Settle’s handy hints on how to ask your landlord for a dog:

Don’t Ask, Don’t Get

Don’t assume that a dog isn’t allowed. Ask your landlord if it’s something they might be open to. Already have a dog? Be upfront and honest before moving in. Give them as much detail as possible, come shedding season the length of your dog’s coat could make all the difference. Non-shedding small dogs might quiet their concerns about carpets covered in dog hairs.

If they do say no, you know that place wasn’t for you and you can put your energy into finding a place that will accommodate you AND your dog. Having said that, a lot of the time, there is room for negotiation, which brings us to our next top tip…

Money Talks

Show your landlord that you are willing to pay extra and offer to include additional clauses in your rental contract. These will usually include things like agreeing to pay for any damage that your dog might cause. Depending on the landlord, this could be one-off charges or a monthly add-on to your rent. We know, we don't think it's fair to have to pay more when renting with a dog, but it's worth being aware of this option should you be in a position to do so.

References and Resumes

If your landlord still needs persuading why not give them a reference? Dog references are becoming more popular these days with people asking previous landlords to vouch for them and their four-legged friends. You could even provide a resume for your dog that will let your landlord know important information about your dog’s temperament, house training, vaccinations and flea treatment.  

All this information will help show that you are responsible pet owner. Maybe even include an adorable picture to sweeten the deal!

Good luck with your hunt for the perfect pet-friendly home to rent. Be sure to check out our unbelievably comfy and stylish range of dog beds once you've settled in!