Pets in Rented Flats

The question

How to approach this opinion essay question

An opinion (agree or disagree) essay needs a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.

1. Paraphrase the statement and state your opinion in the introduction.
2. Give two main reasons, one per body paragraph, each with an example.
3. Consider the opposite view briefly, then explain why you still hold yours.
4. Conclude by restating your position in different words.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the blanket refusal of pets in rented flats and state that you agree such bans are unfair, especially for responsible tenants.
2. Body 1: responsible tenants with well-behaved animals bring stability and companionship, and pets are a meaningful part of many households.
3. Body 2: acknowledge the landlord's concerns about damage, noise, allergies and insurance, since these are real and should be addressed.
4. Body 3: explain that deposits, pet insurance and written agreements can deal with those concerns, so a blanket ban is an unnecessary response.
5. Conclusion: restate your agreement and suggest that landlords should consider each request on its merits.

Idea bank

• A tenant who has lived in the same flat for five years with a cat, and who has never caused a complaint from neighbours.
• A dog that is trained and walked regularly, which makes it less likely to bark in a shared building.
• A pet deposit or insurance policy that covers carpet or paintwork, which protects the landlord's property.
• Counter-argument: allergies in other flats in the same building may make a pet unsuitable in some blocks.
• A family with children who feel more settled when they can keep a pet, which supports the tenancy in the long term.

Useful vocabulary

• a blanket ban: A blanket ban on pets treats every tenant as a risk, whatever their record.
• to mitigate the risk of: A pet deposit can mitigate the risk of damage to the flat.
• to cover damage: Insurance can cover damage caused by animals.
• a responsible tenant: A responsible tenant with a well-trained dog is a low-risk applicant.
• to be attached to: Many people are deeply attached to their pets.
• to request written permission: Tenants should request written permission before bringing in an animal.
• to comply with: The tenant must comply with the agreed rules on noise and cleaning.
• to lease a property: Some landlords refuse to lease a property to anyone with a pet.
• to offset: A higher deposit can offset the landlord's extra costs.
• to put down roots: Long-term tenants often put down roots and look after their homes carefully.

Common mistakes

• Arguing against pets in general rather than against a blanket ban, which changes the question.
• Forgetting the condition in the question that the tenants are responsible and the animals well behaved.
• Using an unclear opening such as 'it is sort of right', so that the examiner cannot tell whether you agree.
• Describing landlords as unreasonable without acknowledging the practical concerns they have.

Examiner tip: Make your position clear in the first sentence of your introduction, then use the counter-argument paragraph to show you understand the landlord's concerns before rejecting a blanket ban.