Unauthorised pets in rental property?

You are right, tenants are supposed to seek permission for a pet. Although landlords cannot refuse permission unreasonably. However, as the tenants have never sought permission, they are in breach of contract (so long as your pet clause is valid).
Had the tenants been staying, and if the pets were pets which the landlord could reasonably have refused permission for, this could possibly have been a basis for possession (ground 12 -breach of contract) if they refused to remove them from the property. However, this does not apply if they are leaving anyway.
As far as deductions from the deposit are concerned, this will depend on the condition of the property and whether it has deteriorated since the tenants moved in. This will, as always, need a detailed inventory at the start of the tenancy, and a detailed check-out when the tenants vacate.
As the tenants were in breach of contract, it is possible that the adjudicator might be more generous when assessing the award (but don’t count on it).

Hi David,
Well hopefully the Cats have not damaged the property and your tenants leave your property in good condition after only 6 months Renting it.
Fair wear and Tear.

However without a full independent video inventory from an Independent video Inventory company proving damage would be very difficult.
The real problem with Cats and Dogs is urine and smells which won’t show in a video !
The Tenants may really not notice the smells as they live in that environment 24/7 !
So be prepared
Check all the carpets and curtains carefully.
Consider replacement of any old tired carpets and remove the underlay as well if needed !
Deep clean by professional company with receipts to fight your case if you decide to go down that road.
Good Luck

Another consideration is the possibility of fleas. As a letting agent I am well aware that they do not always become evident straight away. You are within your rights to have the carpets professionally cleaned and the whole house treated for fleas, deducted from the deposit.

Hi David
Going by what you’ve said, they have clearly breached the terms of their tenancy. Thus, you should consider their early exit as your saving grace. The fact that one of the tenants claims to have been a letting agent is a red herring that you should ignore. Her conduct has already proven that it is either a lie, or that she was a lousy agent who wasn’t good at her job, hence she is now a “former” one. With regards to a claim, that’ll depend solely on whether the cats have caused any damage that can be evidenced to your property. If they have not, you should take it as one of those things in the life of a landlord and move on from it. However, if there is evidenced damage(s), they you should claim for compensation from their deposit bond. Good luck, although only the robustness of your inventory documents and photo evidence can help you create that luck in this situation.

THERE WILL BE A SMELL OF CAT IF YOU HAVE SOFT FURNISHING AND CARPET
I HAD SIMILAR SITUATION NOT TOLD OF CAT UNTIL AFTER MOVE I DID NOT PROVIDE BEDS SOFT FURNITURE OR CRPET
OAK FLORING WHICH HAD CAT SCRATCHES AND URINE STAINS THE FLOOR HAD TO BE RESANDED AND OILED

Nothing has changed since the pre-RRA era.

You can claim damages from the deposit. You can seek additional damages via MCOL. Same as before,

They’re leaving.

Would the son and daughter pass a Right to Rent check?