I said no dogs, now they want one offering more rent, but I can’t increase it for a year!
8:48 AM, 29th May 2015, 11 years ago
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Tenants moved in a few weeks ago, I stipulated no dogs, they now want to get a puppy saying it will help there autistic child.
They’ve offered a large extra deposit and a £30 PCM increase in rent. But I’m not not allowed to increase the rent during the first year of the tenancy.
Is there any way around this.
Peter
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LHA dilemma - stick or twist?
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 1121
5:36 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Easiest is as per other advice to end tenancy and commence new one-but be careful of deposit protection issues. Clause in tenancy agreement stating permission given for dog, but that the tenant at the end of tenancy has to have carpets professionally cleaned at their expense. In default of that they agree that the monies for same will be deducted from deposit.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 561
7:56 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
I may say, “Ask me again in 6 months time when you have proved if you are a good tenant.”
(They can’t leave until the end of the fixed term, and not many landlords take dogs.)
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 44
8:06 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
I recall a Landlord exhibition where the Dog’s Trust had a stand. Apparently 46% of tenants have a dog. A large chunk to ignore if correct.
Some tenants damage a property, some have a dog Go with the flow.
.
Member Since March 2014 - Comments: 5
8:17 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. I had fully refurbished the property prior to the tenants moving in and with new carpets, so wasn’t too keen on a dog undoing all my hard work and expense.
The tenancy agreement states the term, one year, and the amount of rent so I wouldn’t have thought that could be amended. A new tenancy may be the way to go.
However, the tenants needed a guarantor as their income wasn’t sufficient. It’s surprising they can afford a large deposit and pay extra rent. The agent is concerned that increasing the rent may invalidate the contract signed by the guarantor.
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 8
9:07 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi Peter,
Getting the carpets professionally cleaned will still leave a smell.
I have a number BTL’s and I am still learning. Tenants ask for an inch and take a mile. Sounds like your tenants are using the emotional card as in “need to get the dog for their autistic child”. Try not to get emotionally involved.
I apologise if I sound harsh. I would ask the question if they required a gurantor how will they afford the up keep for the dog.
Go for your gut instinct. Also make your own inquiries with a professional carpet cleaning firm to ascertain whether animal odour can be removed once cleaned
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 50
11:14 PM, 29th May 2015, About 11 years ago
don’t do it. you wouldn’t let to a tenant that smelt and craped in your garden (and probably in your house). so why rent to a dog. tell them they can have a rabbit and that stays in the garden.
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 8
1:07 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “brian clement” at “29/05/2015 – 23:14“:
Brian. Totally agree! You must have had a bad experience too! Or just dont let to pet owners!
Member Since September 2014 - Comments: 6
6:40 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Mydeposit have brought out an advice leaflet for letting to tenants with pets (I’ve also seen a good one from canine defense league, but can’t find it!).
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3249 - Articles: 81
7:54 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Ha ha John, Not allowed by whom?
Gees, my tenants get dogs & then tell me they can ‘t afford the rent ‘cause vets bills.
If they offered to increase the rent, I’d be doing somersaults in celebration.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1266 - Articles: 1
9:26 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
What’s wrong with a dog? You can vary the agreement or arrange a new one. You will have to include the guarantor again. If the carpets are really bad when they move out, replace them using the deposit (put this in the agreement).
If the dog is an assistance dog you cannot refuse it. So maybe suggest that rather than a puppy which is not yet house-trained, they get one a little older.