Letting with pets: A guide for the Edinburgh Pet Owner

For a city so incredibly pet friendly it often feels like letting a home with a pet is a challenge.

Edinburgh, known for its enchanting streets and warm community, presents unique challenges when letting properties with pets. Despite the city boasting numerous pet-friendly features, from shops and parks to public transportation, finding a rental that accommodates pets can be surprisingly difficult. It’s essential for pet owners to carefully navigate Edinburgh's rental market

Pet-Friendly Features in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's reputation as a pet-friendly city is well-earned. Pets are welcome in many public spaces, which greatly enhances the quality of life for both pets and their owners:

• Public Transport: Dogs are allowed on buses and trams, provided they are well-behaved and on a leash. Small pets can also travel in carriers, making it easier to get around the city without a car. Don't be surprised to hop on a train and find a friendly pet in the seat next to you or at your feet!

• Parks and Green Spaces: The city is home to numerous parks, such as Holyrood Park and The Meadows, where dogs can run off-leash in designated areas. These spaces offer fantastic opportunities for exercise and socialization.

• Pet-Friendly Establishments: Many restaurants, cafes, shops, and even some grocery stores welcome pets. This open attitude allows pet owners to take their companions along on daily errands and outings.
  

Good Things to Know

Beyond finding a place to rent with pets, it’s also important to understand the local laws not only for adhering to community standards but also for protecting the rights and safety of both pets and owners.

• Leash and Fouling Laws: In public spaces, pets must be under control at all times, and owners are required to clean up after their pets. Fines can be levied for non-compliance.

  • Real talk--despite these regulations, it is common to see dogs off-leash in busy areas, walking calmly beside their owners. While this might seem unusual to visitors from the United States, it's a typical sight in Edinburgh. As an owner of reactive dogs, I was happy I took the time before moving here to reaccustom the dogs to walking in busy urban environments and passing calmly. We have put that training to use almost daily.

    • Around Edinburgh there are private dog runs. These facilities provide safe environments for dogs to run off-leash, ideal for training sessions or when your dog needs space away from other pets. For those looking for secure, private spaces, you can rent dog runs at locations like Run Free Dog Fields in Kirkliston or the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s dog park.

• Housing Regulations: The Scottish Government has issued guidelines encouraging landlords to be more flexible towards pet owners, though these guidelines are not mandatory. It’s advisable to discuss pet policies directly with landlords or management agencies and secure any agreements in writing.

  • For a brief UK culture shock moment, I learned that verbal agreements are quite common in Scotland. When I first moved to Edinburgh, one of my dogs was mistakenly quarantined, leading to an unexpected stay at Acquithie Kennels in Aberdeenshire. Sue was incredibly supportive and helped me navigate the situation after just a five minute phone call explaining what had happened to my pup. I agreed to start their services verbally, without seeing any written contract, including authorizing quite a bit of care and transportation. This was my first encounter with the local practice of verbal contracts, which, while common and often based on mutual trust and in this case was one of the best decisions I made, can lead to misunderstandings. To avoid potential complications, especially in housing arrangements with pets, getting agreements in writing is always the safer option.

Throat Punch Coffee Shop's dogs Buck (white) sitting on Bear (black) with a clients dog looking on as they faff about.

Challenges of Renting with Pets in Edinburgh

While Edinburgh offers a welcoming atmosphere for pet lovers in many public spaces, the situation can be quite different when it comes to finding accommodations that accept pets. This difference presents a significant challenge, as many landlords are still hesitant to open their doors to animal companions.

• Limited Pet-Friendly Rentals: The Edinburgh rental market can be tough for pet owners. Many landlords remain wary of allowing pets due to potential damage or added noise, which significantly narrows your options. This scarcity of pet-friendly options can prolong your housing search, requiring more persistence and flexibility.
  

• Higher Deposits: Landlords who do accept pets often require higher security deposits to cover potential damages. It's crucial to anticipate and budget for these additional costs, which can be substantially more than standard deposits.
  

• Strict Rules: Even when you find a pet-friendly rental, there may be stringent rules about the number, size, and breed of pets you can keep. These restrictions can make it challenging to find a place that accepts your pet, especially if you have a large dog or more than one pet. Always review the tenancy agreement in detail to ensure it meets the needs of both you and your pet.

Additional Recommendations for Pet Owners

To navigate these challenges effectively, there are several strategies that pet owners can employ to increase their chances of securing a pet-friendly rental. Being proactive and well-prepared can make all the difference in a competitive rental market like Edinburgh's.

1. Start Your Search Early & Efficiently: Given the limited availability of pet-friendly rentals, start your housing search as early as possible to maximize your chances of finding a suitable place. Try not to get bogged down in properties that don't list pet preference. While it might be tempting, asking landlords to consider pets when they haven’t listed the property as such rarely expands your options, as preference often goes to non-pet applications. However, if you find an ideal apartment or flat and think there might be a chance it was overlooked in listing details, consider enhancing your application to make it more appealing.

   1. A quick insight on property managers--from my personal experience, if you are a pet owner looking to rent, properties listed by Southside Property Management are generally not pet-friendly. Similarly, D.J. Alexander typically lists properties as pet-friendly if they are; if not explicitly stated, it’s usually safe to assume pets aren't allowed.

2. Gather Pet References: To ease landlords' concerns, provide references from previous landlords or neighbors attesting to your pet's good behavior and your responsibility as a pet owner.

3. Offer to Meet: Sometimes, letting landlords meet your pet can help alleviate their concerns about behavior and temperament. If applying remote, attaching a photo or video of the pet (doing obedience tricks is what we sent) to help introduce the pet to your potential landlord.

4. Consider Pet Insurance: Offering to take out pet liability insurance can reassure landlords that they will be covered in case of any damages caused by your pet.

5. Negotiate the Terms: If you find a property you like but the pet policy is not ideal, try negotiating the terms with the landlord. Sometimes, they may be willing to make exceptions if you demonstrate responsibility and commitment.

6. Legal Knowledge: Understand your rights as a pet owner in Scotland. While landlords can refuse to rent to pet owners, they must justify this decision in the rental agreement. The "Model Tenancy Agreement" by the Scottish Government generally allows pets unless the landlord provides a reasonable ground for refusal. Knowing this can empower you to challenge unfounded refusals or seek accommodations where pets are explicitly welcomed.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of letting with pets in Edinburgh involves several hurdles, from just finding apartments/flats that are pet-friendly to negotiating rental agreements. By preparing thoroughly, starting your search early, and understanding both your rights and responsibilities, you can enhance your chances of finding a welcoming home for you and your pet in this beautiful city.

Jaspar the chocolate ragdoll can sometimes be spotted around Edinburgh. Here he is at Throat Punch Coffee visiting the shop dogs.

Please note, nothing in this article is legal advice but simply recommendations based on my personal experiences. Always consult a professional for legal guidance.