New tenant did not mention the dog?

New tenant did not mention the dog?

15:22 PM, 23rd June 2021, About 3 years ago 17

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I have a small one-bedroom upstairs flat (maisonette) which has a garden. I gave a six-month tenancy to a couple back in March. I normally specify clearly on the advert no pets as the flat isn’t suitable for pets, but didn’t this time around as I recalled reading that you cannot ban pets or children. A pet may also disturb the people downstairs.

I just found out the tenants have a dog!

Looking back, they did take a lot of interest in the garden when viewing the property, and it was probably due to the dog.

I am not sure what can be done now?

Any advice gratefully appreciated.

Jim


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Comments

Dylan Morris

11:50 AM, 26th June 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 26/06/2021 - 11:44
The tenancy agreement like any contract can only be amended with the consent of both parties.

Puzzler

13:50 PM, 26th June 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jim at 24/06/2021 - 11:09
You can't put clauses in after they have moved in without their agreement and you can only increase the rent annually or on renewal of the term.

What is the problem with a fence? Or a dog? as long as they take care of both dog and your property, what is the downside? They will be happy and grateful. The downstairs occupants will know there is a dog from the outset so unlikely to complain if there is nothing to complain about. Will they be tenants or owners?

Neilt

16:11 PM, 26th June 2021, About 3 years ago

I used to have a policy of no children, married couples, or animals. I've matured as a Landlord now and realise that my tenants deserve the same entitlement to life as I do. If they're decent and good-paying tenants let them keep their dog until such time as you get bad feedback, if you ever do.

Jim

15:03 PM, 28th June 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Puzzler at 26/06/2021 - 13:50
I think they are decent tenants just maybe naive ones. The fence issue is looks like it goes against what is permitted in the plans. More of a problem with the dog will be with the new downstairs neighbours who have yet to move in. Its the noise that may cause a problem.

I will seek to increase the rent and maybe put additional clauses in the TA upon renewal.

Dylan Morris

15:56 PM, 28th June 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jim at 28/06/2021 - 15:03The future neighbours downstairs might have a dog as well which absolutely loves the dog upstairs. There could be lots of little doggies and everybody is happy. You never know, life is full of surprises.

Puzzler

10:40 AM, 30th June 2021, About 3 years ago

The government’s ‘model tenancy agreement’ has been adjusted, taking out the ability for landlords to issue a blanket ban on tenants with pets. However, many Letting agents aren’t using this particular agreement. More recently, a new Bill to ban ‘no pet’ clauses in all tenancy agreements passed its first reading in October and is awaiting a date for its second reading.

Puzzler

10:45 AM, 30th June 2021, About 3 years ago

Why will the new downstairs neighbours be a problem, you may be anticipating a problem which doesn't exist and is not your responsibility anyway. You didn't say if they are owners or tenants (I assume it isn't your property).

You can issue a new tenancy on renewal but see my post about the new law. Is there not already a clause about cleaning on departure? If not, why not? You could find it difficult to enforce no pets as you have tacitly agreed as of now.

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