pets in rented accomodation
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 19:11
by mountainbiker_ukMy friend is looking to rent a new flat / house but has two medium sized dogs that go with her. She takes them with her everyday so they would not be left in alone all day.
What she is wanting to know is should she tell the landlord before hand and offer to pay a larger deposit or should she not say anything and just hope no one says anything.
What is the best way to go. ?
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Landlord regulations?
Is it true that new regulations were introduced last yr stating that you are not allowed pets (dogs) in rented accomodation (in this case a flat) because there are other ppl living in the same house?
My landlord said i could get a small dog and then a few days later he said after looking into it, he's discovered this new regulation and he could get a £20,000 fine if he allowed me to.
is this true? i have a funny feeling it's a porky ! Thanks
it be quite honest i do not know about the new regulations, but if it is in your lease that you can't have dogs then you can't, i used to have a dog in a flat and as long as she was not barking or causing a nuisance then it was fine your best bet is to talk to the citizens advice bureau, they will be able to tell you the new regulations, or see a solicitor they may be able to give you the advice you need, best of luck honey.Landlord regualtions?
Is it true that new regulations were introduced last yr stating that you are not allowed pets (dogs) in rented accomodation (in this case a flat) because there are other ppl living in the same house?
My landlord said i could get a small dog and then a few days later he said after looking into it, he's discovered this new regulation and he could get a £20,000 fine if he allowed me to.
is this true? i have a funny feeling it's a porky ! Thanks
You're right - he's telling you Porkies!
Or maybe to be a bit more charitable, he's misinterpreting the law. Whether or not children and/or pets are allowed to stay is entirely the choice of the landlord. In the case of pets, there is little discussion, as the landlords decision is absolutely binding. The "no children" rule is a little more interesting from a legal perspective, as he could be accused of being "ageist" (you cannont descriminate on grounds of age).
I would say that your landlord is trying to exclude your pet from the property without making HIMSELF out to be an ogre. He could just say "no pets" and you would have to accept that.
The following website is on Canterbury County Councils website, but the law and tenets therein are valid country-wide: http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=1613Really want a kitten or two. Anyone Help? Nottingham, Leics area UK?
Hello, I would really love a kitten but dont have a clue where to start.
I cant go to the RSPCA as they need proof we are allowed pets as we live in rented accomodation. I'm not that sure we are able to get this but we are waiting to see.
Anyone have any suggestions? Anybody giving/selling any?
Thanks
The link below has a list of all cat rescue centres in the Nottingham area.
http://www.catchat.org/adoption/notts.html
Visit local vet clinics, as people often post notices in the waiting rooms when they have kittens that need homes.
Good luck.Do you keep a weapon in your bedroom to use incase of a night time intrusion?
I'm just wondering because I'v kept a baseball bat under my bed for about 2 months now, since I saw someone or something in the garden at 3AM.
It occured to me today that it probably isn't the best choice of weapon to use in my home because of the narrow passages leading from some of the rooms I might not be able to get a good swing.
Also....A baseball bat to the face would more than likely cause permanent damage or death, in Britain, the burglar has more rights than the tennant/home owner in most cases.
I would get a guard dog, but I live in rented accomodation and I'm not allowed any pets.
DAVID F- Yes, A little paranoid maybe, but I live in a pretty bad area, lots of addicts around who would steal the fillings from your teeth if you let them, and being the only male in the house I see it as my duty to protect my mum and young sister if necessary.
"move to another part of town" he says, yes like its that easy you thick c*nt, maybe in a few years if I do well at school, but until then its not an option.
DRAKE-
And the case of Tony Martin?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Martin_%28farmer%29
Good question. I noticed my wife has a bat beside the bedroom door. I hope I'll never find out if the "freeloaders" (the dogs) would be helpful or if they'd just lick the intruder to death. I always figured I'd throw the cat at them. EDIT: Sir, I did not mean to be flippant, now that I have read your edits I understand your concern. Of course it's ridiculous to tell you to move and if you live in an area of addicts, you do have a real cause for fear. I praise your desire to protect your mother and sister in the most effective manner and since you are in the U.K. you cannot have a gun. Despite the problem you mentioned, I would suggest a wooden bat. If it is too long for your hallways, saw off a portion. You want a weapon that would act as both an attack weapon and a defensive weapon. Remember the old Robin Hood movies--how they would fight with poles/pikes? That's what you should strive for--long enough that you can swing it in attack and still block the intruder from getting too close and short enough that you can freely use it in the space available. I'm sorry I didn't realize how serious you were, so experiment with how much range of motion is available to you with a cardboard tube and them get one or more WOODEN bats and saw them down if necessary. You cannot live your life in fear and if you believe British law protects the intruder, you must simply accept there are some risks you cannot avoid. Which is better--the possiblity you may be charged with a crime when you defend your family or a violent assualt on the women of your home? Sometimes in life there are no perfect solution, so you have to choose what best fits your circumstances. Good luck to you.Is it weird to have a hamster aged 28?
Honest opinions here please :)
Basically, I split up with my long term (7years) boyfriend a couple of years ago, and since I am on such a low wage at the moment, although I love my job, I have to live in rented accomodation, which I don't mind too much, except for the usual 'no pets' rule.
I am a very caring and nuturing person, and I have always had pets since I was tiny. My ex had to keep our dog, which devastated me. I even work in a caring profession, working with special needs children. I just have to have something to look after, and as I'm single it's not really the right time to have children at the moment.
So, I'm in a fourth floor flat, too cruel to keep a cat or dog etc as no garden, even if I was allowed. The only thing I could get away with is a small pet, like fish, hamster etc. But these are mainly seen as 'children's pets, and they wouldn't be my first choice obviously if I had a choice.
So, is it too weird at my age? It seems strange without a pet at the moment and nothing to love. Do you think it would seem strange to anyone new I got with? Would it put you off someone?
Thoughts please :)
hi, im laura aged 15. just one questin: How the hell can an ANIMAL be too childish or whateva?. its not as if you want to buy a room full of teddy bears. its just an animal, dont be silly, it only fills up one little space it might not even be that noticable. some advice though: if you want a small pet and your living in a flat, you might be better off with some fish, they are even easier to look after and there more of a decoration really, no one will care if you have fish or not. i say this because at night hampsters can be really noisey so you may get annoyed by it or the people below you may complain about it. what ever you decide i hope you enjoy your new pet. by the way i thought you meant you had a hampster that was 28 aswell lolWhat do you think is the cheapest way to find somewhere to live ruling out councils/housing assosioations?
Do you know anyone who rents livable bedsit/studios, flats or genuine houseshares cheaply, or who offers free or discounted accomodation for services such as house-sitting, pet sitting, etc.. In the West Midlands area. I am exploring all options for the next few years. My earnings do not quite stretch to most places I've seen.
Try advertising in ' The Lady' magazine as a live in companion. There are plenty of old dears who would appreciate company in return for letting a room cheaply.
Also the local churches would be a place worth asking, speak to the vicar.
A friend of mine has been doing this for years, the last time I spoke to him, an old biddy had left him a row of terrace houses in a prime location !.What would be the best pet for me?
I love cats but I can't have any because I live in rented accomodation and we arn't allowed cats and dogs. The agency told me 'caged' animals I'm not really sure what that means and I'm trying to see if I can get an indoor caged rabbit but I am calling them tomorrow. I want companionship with a pet that isn't higher matanance then a litter box clean out (each day) or a cage clean out (up to once a week) not a fish. But I want something my 1 year old can play with as well. Main reason I want a pet is because I love animals and I've had them before. I had a cat up until I moved. I want companionship. At worst case senario if they won't let me have rabbits I might consider gerbils but I'm looking for other ideas too.
Any ideas?
what about a tortoise? :)just want your opinion?
Im thinking of getting a shih tzu puppy in the next few months. We had one as a family pet for 15 years and he was a major part of my life but unfortunately died about 3 years ago and I sadly miss keeping a dog. I am 23 years old and renting accomodation for the last 6 years, currently I have a large 3 bed house with a decent sized back garden.
I only work 5 minutes away from home so can nip home on my lunch to attend to him. I work from 8 in the morning until approx 5.30 in the evenings, but am willing to walk the dog daily. I live with my partner who mainly has 2-3 days off during the week and I never work weekends so the dog wont spend alot of time alone.
My main worries really are:
1) Is this enough to keep a fit, healthy and happy dog?
2) In rented accomodation, would the landlord agree (she seems very friendly and approachable) but I dont want to disrespect her house.
3) Is a shih tzu the right breed for this sort of life style?
Sarah B..thats some really good advice, u just reminded me to mention I am living by the coast so I have my pick of 3 - 4 beaches to walk on, something I do regularly as it is!I also have access to a local park not more than 5 mins drive away
Memphis_belle- I understand your point about getting an older dog, its a very good idea, however, I am in Waterford Ireland and our dog shelters are not as plentiful with ranges of breeds to choose from, I really have my heart set on a shih tzu as I had one in the past.I just love their charactor, stubbornness and affection.
You seem to have a well-balanced view of keeping a dog, and you have obviously had experince of looking after one before. I think a smaller dog like a shih tzu would be perfectly happy in a home like yours!
If your landlady is reasonable as you say, I don't think she'll have any objections; although sometimes property owners do have funny rules about pets - you won't know unless you ask, eh?
Plenty of attention and excercise are the main things a dog likes - they're social animals and need it. I think you'll do fine :-)
I have had pets in rented accomodation before but I spoke to the landlord before hand. I had asked what this particular landlord had to rent, I said what I wanted, i.e 2 bed and garden if possible etc.
It just so happend that he had one place which was spot on and the fact we had two dogs he was fine with. The place had a massive garden and I was able to build a large kennle area where when the need arose to use it.
We did not have to pay anymore. How ever we took photos of the place before we moved in. We thought this a good idea for when we did move on in time. When we did move we just gave the place a final polish and vac and left it tidy. The landlord gave our deposit back in cash no problem.
There are places that say no to anykind of pet full stop but I would say you are best to ask and be up front straight away other wise you may be breaking you tenancy contract and you dont really want that not that I would know about it.
We paid our rent each week, kept the place clean and tidy and all was ok.
Marcus
I agree with the previous reply and that is if you tell the landlord what it is you are wanting up front then and if he or she says no at first try offering a larger deposit to see if that might change there minds otherwise you may have to ask many landlords until you find one that will let you.
Some are ok about pets and others do not want them full stop. But at the end of the day be up front then then you know exactly where you stand.
If you show your hand first then it shows you have not just taken things for granted and that the landlord can see you are a good tenant.
Whats the worst a landlord can say is NO. But you do not want to be a month in to renting and then be given a months notice to go because you broke the rental agreement. So stay on the good side.
Wish you all the best.
bordercollie
Darrell
I definitely think that she should inform the landlord that she has dogs! Certain buildings strictly have a 'no animals' policy and if she disobeys this, she may get into some serious trouble!
Also, there's no way you can hide two dogs from the other tenants and the landlord... even if they are medium-sized! Dogs bark, make a noise and leave certain waste products lying around that will alert other people to their presence. As I said, best to avoid trouble and ask for permission first!
As far as I was aware, you're either allowed animals or you're not! This issue with larger deposits sounds a little unscrupulous to me... Apartments that are animal-friendly shouldn't negotiate on the deposit with you, but I agree with Cassidy. If you take a chance, you run the risk of getting evicted for having animals where they're not allowed... so, be careful!
Well I have to say thank you to everyone whom has took the time to reply.
Well I agree with the option of tell a possible new landlord that you have one or two dogs and that you ideally would like something ground floor with a bit of a garden.
At least like you are all saying that if he or she knows straight away they can say yes I have a place that may suit you or no sorry I don't allow dogs anymore due to some previous ones had chewed the furniture and left a lot of mess or something to that affect.
So urm yeah that has got to be the way to go. Honest up front.
Alexender
How the rental market has changed over the years. There was none of this leaving large deposits like todays world nor was there bring a months supply of wage slips and have a credit reference check.
So juding by the above and from what I have just wrote now I would certainly ask first. The landlord can always say yes or no then at least you know exactly where you are.
Oliver
100% find out if you can have pets of what ever shape and size at the property you are wishing to rent.
Like others have said the person renting can say yes or no or may be they will think about it and deside on that in a day or so.
All you can do at the end of the day is ask and no one can hold that against you.
Jamie