Debate with Landlady – Right to have a pet
My partner and I moved into a privately rented flat 2 months ago. We really get on with our landlady and are good tenants. The property is always spotless, bills are always paid on time and we really do look after our home. 
When we moved, we were asked by the letting agent if we had a pet. (At the time) the answer was a no. They confirmed that their ‘standard’ clause was ‘no pets’, however there is a clause that states we could have a pet with the landlord’s written consent (and this can be broken at any time).
I called the letting agent as my partner and I have decided that we would really like a kitten. We have both had experience in owning a pet and my other half is at home everyday (he works a couple mins away from our flat).
I e-mailed our landlady to ask if it would be possible to have a kitten. Initially, she said no due to the above standard clause. I then pointed out that in black and white on the tenancy agreement, (directly underneath the ‘no pets’ clause, ironically), it states that if the landlord gave written consent, we could keep an animal.
She then responded by saying she will speak to the Management company as this is a separate contract and will come back to me 🙁
So I’m a bit annoyed, and very upset. This is HER contract and we signed the agreement which stated that we could have an animal with written consent.
Landlords/Tenants, I would really appreciate your advice as to where we stand!
Extra bit of info – She is coming over early next week to do an inspection, which we are not worried about in the slightest and we have agreed that we will advise her if the answer is a ‘no’, we will be moving as this would have affected our initial decision.
Regards
Lala Roto
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Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 217
5:25 PM, 8th October 2014, About 12 years ago
All, I wonder whether anyone has looked at the OFT guidance for unfair terms in tenancy agreements. Google it then look at the pet references. You might find some interesting perspectives….. I guess the OFT guide covers leasehold as well? Personally I think there is a clear link with type of pet, risk of more damage to property, and rent level.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3249 - Articles: 81
6:41 PM, 8th October 2014, About 12 years ago
I take pets & they mostly always wreck my properties, & I still take ’em. I know silly fool me.
However in the lady above defence & Mark’s great big dog, majority of my tenants would wreck it without the dog, just gets wrecked worse ha ha.
This one left the cat when she went: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_HKaqYlHi4
And this one left the dog bones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C-xRCAygY8
Member Since October 2014 - Comments: 9
6:51 PM, 8th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Mick, that’s terrible!! People like that really make me so angry!!
I agree with your point that some tenants, minus the pet would also ruin accommodation.
Really hope the landlady can make the final decision, keeping everything crossed 🙁
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 44
8:12 PM, 8th October 2014, About 12 years ago
No pets without a garden? Unfair to goldfish I say!
I saw a Dog’s Trust stand at a Landlord show that stated that 43 or 46% of tenants had a dog. I decided to allow them rather than say goodbye to half the market. Only happened to me once so far, a week after a tenant moved in but there was no damage.
We have a large dog so I appreciate the damage when they are young & a neighbour’s cat seems to live in our house. Provided floor coverings are sensible then not an issue.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12210 - Articles: 1411
10:08 AM, 9th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Lala
When is it that you’re meeting the landlady?
You will let us know how you get on won’t you?
.
Member Since October 2014 - Comments: 9
10:11 AM, 9th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Mark,
It’s Monday at 7pm – Looking forward to the inspection, as I’m very proud of how we keep the flat, it’s spotless and we treat it as if it was ‘our own’ – I have no doubt she will be happy with that.
Just nervous about the ‘pet’ issue! Deep down, I think it will be a ‘no’ though, so preparing myself for that!
Of course I will update you all! 🙂
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 135
4:13 PM, 9th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Lala,
Seems to me every one is giving you a hard time, probably because they miss read your post.
Your contract says pets may be kept with the landlords permission, and you have done the right thing by asking the landlord.
The landlord now seems not to happy so says it’s down to the management so passing the buck, fobbing you off instead of saying NO. If the landlord says yes it then has nothing to do with the management.
If a cat is so important to you negotiate with the landlord and offer to pay another 2-4 weeks damage deposit, if they will not allow it say you may leave at the end of your tenancy.
If your such good tenants (that we all want), is the landlord prepared to loose you and suffer a void period.
I have always said pets considered, a ploy used by landlords when advertising because if I only get one applicant with a SMALL dog or cat, I would let to them than rather have a void. I don’t like pets although some tenants have ask me later and I said ok
Tenants with a pet stay longer as it is harder for them to move. I know the carpets will need replacing (for those that have a dog) so I hold a larger deposit.
.
I hope your flat is on the ground floor if so find out why the landlord is resistant if you offer a larger damage deposit.
Are you planning to stay in the flat long term, With a pet you may find it harder to move
Member Since October 2014 - Comments: 9
4:14 PM, 9th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Recardo Knights, thank you!!
That WAS what I was getting at, and why I was getting frustrated!
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 252
1:44 AM, 10th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “08/10/2014 – 12:56“:
Hello Mark, I’m very pleased that you have brought chickens to attention of the world. I now look forward to having my rent paid in eggs. 🙂
Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 342 - Articles: 1
9:54 AM, 11th October 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mick Roberts” at “08/10/2014 – 18:41“:
Mick – that brought back memories for me…. another reason why I am leaving the young unemployed LHA market. The amount of money these refurbs cost, and the unpaid rent, no notice, voids etc from such bad tenants can very easily mean that no profit at all is made during their tenancy … so what is the point of housing them ?