The Tenant Who Turned Their Flat into a Chicken Coop

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Ireland.

A landlord inspecting their property in County Cork was stunned to find that their tenant had filled the flat with chickens. Over 100 birds were roaming freely through the living room, kitchen and even the bedrooms. The floors were covered in straw and droppings, with makeshift feeding stations set up along the walls.

The discovery

The bizarre arrangement only came to light after neighbours complained about noise and foul odours. When the landlord entered the property, they found a scene more reminiscent of a barnyard than a city flat. Photographs published in local media showed chickens perched on furniture, scratching at floors and laying eggs in cupboards.

The aftermath

Authorities were quickly involved due to health and hygiene concerns. The tenant was ordered to remove the animals and the property required extensive deep cleaning and repairs. The landlord faced significant costs in restoring the flat to a habitable condition.

Lessons for landlords

• Animal clauses are essential. Tenancy agreements should clearly limit the types and number of animals allowed.
• Regular inspections. Small problems can escalate into large ones without early checks.
• Neighbour complaints. They can often reveal hidden issues inside a property.
• Insurance exclusions. Damage from animals may not be covered without specific provisions.

Your experience

Have you ever had tenants keeping unexpected pets or animals in your rental properties. Share your stories below and join the discussion with fellow landlords.

Series so far

• The Tenant Who Kept a Tiger in a Harlem Apartment
• The Day a Cow Knocked at a Fourth-Floor Flat
• When a Tenant Found a Python in the Toilet
• The Tenants Who Turned a Flat into a Miniature Zoo
• The Room Filled With 200 Bottles of Urine
• The Tenant Who Took the Roof With Them
• The Apartment That Became a Cat Colony
• The Tenant Who Grew Mushrooms in the Sitting Room
• The Tenant Who Stabled a Horse Indoors
• The Tenants Who Built a Swimming Pool Indoors
• The Tenant Who Raised a Lion Cub at Home
• The Tenant Who Built a Pub in Their Living Room

Background coverage: Irish Examiner report.