We all know that there are countless benefits of pet-ownership, and the positive effect on both physical and mental health that it can have has really been spotlighted over the past year. Last month, Housing Minister Chris Pincher announced that the longstanding ‘blanket ban’ on owning pets in rental accommodation is to be dismantled via an update to the model tenancy agreement.
Fizzy Living is one of London’s leading BTR landlords, owning and operating seven (soon to be eight) locations spanning the capital – Poplar, Canning Town, Stepney Green, Lewisham, Walthamstow, Hayes and Epsom. We’re also one of the top ‘pet-friendly’ landlords, acknowledging the hugely important role that pet ownership plays in day-to-day life.
According to Gov.uk, just 7% of landlords in the private rental sector have previously advertised ‘pet-friendly’ properties so it has long been the case that pet owners have struggled to find suitable accommodation. Here at Fizzy Living, it is something that we are passionate about and, since our launch in 2012, we have actively created an environment where pets are as welcome as their owners.
For example, we have pet stations in almost all of our locations where owners can find things like pet treats, toys and paw wipes, and pre-coronavirus, we hosted regular pet-centric activities such as Doga (dog yoga). We’ve seen enquiries from pet owners increase dramatically since the pandemic began, and around 30% of our residents have pets, so we know that this shift will be very welcome in the rental market.
Our slogan is ‘reinventing renting’, and we are always on the lookout for ways to make the rental experience as smooth as possible, which is also why we were so pleased to partner with flatfair to offer its ‘No Deposit’ solution. With the balance tipping more towards renters than ever before, with more people set to be renting than owning a property by 2025, we’re very proud to have led the way and to have always offered a version of renting that is fit for the 21st Century.