The developer behind a stylish new site in the Northern Quarter is well ahead of the curve when it comes to catering for the city’s animal-loving renters. Northern Group welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes to its brand-new property long before the government’s recently announced tenancy rules, which are being lined up for introduction in 2023. The new development helps meet the demand for pet-friendly, city living in one of Manchester’s most sought-after districts.
The Quarters, situated on Spear Street and Oldham Street in the heart of Manchester’s creative quarter and hipster hotspot, has been popular with renters, with phase one positively received. This ‘pawfect’ pet-friendly development comprises 100 one-bedroom, two-bedroom two-bathroom spacious apartments, 100 cycle parking spaces and four fabulous communal roof terraces located over five and eight-storey blocks. The second phase is now available for rent and will include three-bedroom and three-bathroom apartments. A showroom is now available.
The apartments were designed to bring life back to Oldham Street after the former Dobbins Department Store was fire damaged in 2013.
As well as offering the very warmest of welcomes to the city’s four-legged friends – The Quarters will have a dedicated rooftop for dog meetups, with bins and dog bowls and each new tenant moving in with a four-legged friend will get a free introductory offer to Doggyland Park in New Islington. A free introductory dog walk will be offered to residents, allowing them to test out the local pet companion services that the area has to offer. The Quarters also provide a daytime concierge, smart bookable workspaces and meeting rooms. Broadband completes the package to make this a reliable home for hybrid working.
All these amenities fall within the monthly rent, which starts at £1,075 for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment.
Recently, the government published plans to give private tenants the ‘legal right’ to have a pet. It’s hoped that the Renters Reform Bill will stop blanket “no pet” clauses being imposed by landlords, but it’s not expected to be introduced until the end of spring 2023.
Under the government’s proposed new rules, it will be easier for responsible tenants with well-behaved pets to secure rented accommodation. The new standard agreement has consent for pets as the default position and landlords will no longer be able to blanket ban pets without good reason. If a landlord does have an objection, they will have to put their reasons in writing within 28 days of a tenant making a written pet request. Tenants will also have a legal duty to repair or cover the cost of repairs to any property damage caused by their pet.
In the meantime, only 7% of private UK landlords advertise pet-friendly properties, despite 52% of adults being pet owners. A recent report from one leading animal welfare charity highlights the difficulties facing tenants when it comes to pet ownership.
Demand for pet-friendly rental accommodation is high – even more so since the pandemic, during which over 3.2 million UK households bought a pet. Today, 43% of tenants own a pet and a further 33% hope to in the future. This sees 76% of tenants being impacted by landlord pet policies, making restrictions on pets very problematic for around 3.6 million households.
Emily and Tom, who have recently moved into The Quarters – along with their short-haired moggie called Holmes said: “Pets are part of the family and so having a home that welcomes them is important, especially in today’s world. With it becoming increasingly difficult to get onto the property ladder more people are renting for much longer, but most apartments still don’t welcome animals. The company of a cat, dog, rabbit, snake, or whatever you have, can have great mental health benefits – this especially rang true during the pandemic when people were home alone. When searching for a new apartment, it being pet-friendly was one of our key requirements, and The Quarters have been great at discussing our needs. They are always friendly, and we have been impressed with their service so far”
Paul Dobbs, chief operating officer at Northern Group and agent for the apartments, said: “We set out to lead the way with the launch of The Quarters and what the development means in terms of Manchester city centre living. The developer, Kempton Homes, has designed the property with tenant’s needs in mind, and we’re delighted to launch this one as pet friendly as that’s what they really want.
“We’re a city of animal-lovers. Earlier this year Manchester was named as one of the UK’s most dog-friendly cities. Caring for a pet provides so many health and mood-boosting benefits and the Northern Quarter, which is where this development is located, is absolutely brilliant if you’ve got a dog. From the cafes, bars and restaurants to the shops, so many are super dog-friendly and it’s really easy to get out and about with them.
“There’s a real need to provide more pet-friendly rental accommodation as demand for rentals that let you own a pet is huge – three in four tenants are reportedly looking for exactly this, and we can safely rubber stamp this data as already 50% of new tenants coming to The Quarters own a pet”.
Apartments at The Quarters are ideal for single inhabitants, couples, or shared living. Its one-bedroom portfolio gives tenants the loveliest of city-living spaces with a large L-shape open plan kitchen-living area, sizeable bedroom, bathroom, and convenient utility area. Juliette balconies let in lots of natural light and fresh air when the full height doors are open.
The two-bedroom apartments also have two bathrooms – one of which is en suite – a large L-shaped open-plan kitchen, dining and living area and utility room, as well as lots of storage space. The second phase of the development will deliver three-bedroom apartments, boasting three bathrooms.
