My Tenant Wants A Dog (Even Though We Have A “No Pet” Agreement)

It happened!

I received the dreaded request from my tenant.

Hi Landlord. Do you mind if I get a small dog? I promise I’ll take care of it, and it won’t cause any problems. I love this house too much to ruin it.

Thanks for asking, but… we have already mutually agreed to a ‘no pet’ policy via a legally binding contract, so why is this happening, dearest tenant?

My initial thoughts after receiving the request…

Landlord's no pet policy

  • My tenant is trying to sabotage our peaceful and harmonious relationship by attempting to overthrow our “no pet” policy. I really thought we had a lifelong understanding here.
  • The property/landlord was marketed as being NOT pet-friendly! My advert description contained an entire section on how all animals are magical and mystical creatures, but they’re unwelcome in the particular property being offered (and permission is required if the rules are to be bent, just to avoid any “unfair clause” allegations).
  • Now I’m going to look like the bad guy for tossing my tenant’s request in the bin like a used diaphragm, all because I’m sticking to the deal.
  • Now I’m going to have to be on full alert like an abandoned and malnourished gazelle, because I wouldn’t put it past my tenant to sneak Snowball in through the back doors even if I refuse his request.
  • What got up my nose is the fact that my tenant got a little shirty with ME and seemed bewildered for not being overly enthusiastic about the idea, even though – I’m going to say it again – I’m sticking to the deal we BOTH agreed to! Un-dicking-believable! *slaps forehead*
  • I doubt it will happen, but my tenant could leverage his position [of being a long-term and faithful tenant with a super nice and fair landlord] and call my bluff, believing that I wouldn’t dispose of him if he proceeded with bringing Snowball into the house.

    Admittedly, it’s a bet he could possibly win.

    Screw him and my weakness :/

On a side note, it’s amusing that whenever a tenant tries to negotiate a pass for a dog in the middle of a no-pet tenancy (which commonly happens), it’s always *small* and *too cute*, almost like they’re implying that I consciously chose to enforce a “no pet policy” because I was completely oblivious to the fact that small and cute dogs exist.

What’s my legal position if my tenant gets an authorised dog/pet?

Well, I believe my tenant is in breach of the terms of the tenancy agreement, because it strictly prohibits pets without my written permission. So there is possible grounds for eviction. Alternatively (but to a similar effect), I could, of course, refuse to continue the tenancy at the end of the fixed term by serving a Section 21 notice and claim mandatory repossession. That would probably be the quickest and cleanest solution in my current circumstance since the end date isn’t all that far away.

That would teach my tenant. And Snowball!

Just to clarify, I’m not saying that repossession/eviction is the best, reasonable or most practical solution, so chill, I’m just sharing what I believe the legal recall could be, just in case you’re in the dog-shitting predicament and curious to what your rights are.

Why I’m not a pet-friendly landlord…

No! Wait!

That’s an irrelevant question, because the point is we made a pact at the beginning of the tenancy.

If I say I hate Brussels sprouts, don’t invite me around for dinner and sneak a couple of ‘sprouts into your hot-pot concoction hoping I don’t notice. Believe you me, I’ll notice, and it’s your plumbing that will suffer.

(Update: I’m literally in hysterics. Apparently my facetious comment above has been misconstrued, because someone came gunning for me (comment #142), thinking that I was threatening to intentionally sabotage my tenants plumbing if she fed me Brussel sprouts (or if she got a pet without my permission).

I literally can’t believe I have to explain this, but here we are. It was a joke!)

Should you accept/allow your tenant to have a dog?

Everyone should walk their own path.

I honestly don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, because there’s legitimate pros and cons for both sides of the argument. However, if you’re anything like me – a lazy twit that does everything and anything to avoid headaches – you’d be better off nipping the idea of being pet-friendly in the butt from the get-go.

My rational for refusing pets is the same as why I don’t provide furnished property – I want to limit the amount of variables that can go tits-up. That’s all it is.

If you are pet-friendly landlord or on the fence…

If you’re game, or in the midst of contemplation, here are a few nuggets to wrap your noggin around:

  • If you’re providing a furnished property, you may want to bear in mind that dogs love chewing, cats love scratching, and both love humping and spunking over inanimate objects.
  • Pet-friendly landlords are often in limited supply, so there’s opportunity to offset the risk by charging above the standard market rate. Like I said, most pet-owners are bat-shit crazy about their pets, so they’ll stump up the extra required.

    But be fair with it!

  • Demand a bigger tenancy deposit than normal, at least 1.5 x rent, or as much as you’re legally entitled to (i.e. landlords in England can only charge a maximum of 5 weeks worth of rent). You’ll probably need it at the end of the tenancy.
  • Throwing together a solid property inventory is always advisable, but it’s non-negotiable if your tenant comes shackled with a fuzz-ball or two.
  • Have a [fair] pet policy that tenants should adhere to.
  • You should be doing this regardless, but on the off chance that you’re a bit of a wally, you may need this gentle reminder to retrieve references from the tenant’s previous landlords (if they have one, that is).
  • In similar vein to the point above… don’t forget your regular property inspections.

    If Lassy is chewing up your carpets, you’ll probably want to know about it sooner rather than later.

  • I strongly believe that a dog is only as well-behaved as its owner. So if the dog’s a pissing-idiot, then its owner probably is, too. That’s why it’s cool to meet both owner and pet before making any decisions. Judge for yourself.
  • Whatever the animal in question, do your own research on the breed, including their genetic personality and behavioural characteristics.
  • If you have a leasehold BTL, check the T&C’s of the lease, because some state that animals are prohibited from residing at the property.
  • Consider the size of your property and the practicality of the space available. If you’re letting a shoebox flat, it would be cruel to even consider allowing a dog to reside in there. So, arguably, there is a ethical element to consider.
  • It’s no secret, I’m a gigantic advocate of 6 month tenancy agreements for new tenancies (and then permanently allowing it remain a periodic tenancy) – I think all landlords/tenants should initially strike up a 6 month deal to “see how it goes”, especially if fluffy creatures are involved.

    That way, if tits go up and skirting boards get chewed to smithereens, landlords can at least end the tenancy on mandatory grounds pretty quickly without too much fuss.

  • Don’t allow yourself to feel pressured into accepting pets if you’re not comfortable with it.

    Be warned, sob stories from tenants are commonly plentiful in order to sneak pets into the vicinity i.e. my mother is terminally ill, she can’t care after her dog anymore.

    Yeah, really? I want to see a doctors note.

    Rely on common sense and your gut instinct. If those lack, it’s probably safer just to refuse pets without thinking too hard about it.

  • Take into consideration the lifestyle of the tenants; if they’re going to be at work all day (and/or night), bear in mind the dog/pet will most likely be left at home during that time. You do the maths!

Now, I await with excitement, to hear about your tenant and pet related experiences and disasters. Ideally, I’d like to hear a story that involves an unauthorised Great Dane and excrement the size of dinosaurs. That would be pretty awesome.

Love & peace xoxo

P.s A man walks into a zoo, the only animal is a dog.

It was a shitzu.

61 Shares

166 Join the Conversation...

Showing 116 - 166 comments (out of 166)
Guest Avatar
J.C 8th March, 2020 @ 15:52

Hehe we are like The Landlord's little army ;-)
The truth is though that the law *in this country* is contructed in a way that tenant can behave like a spoilt kid and still leave unscathed and landlord needs to be the responsible adult plus pick up all the bill.
But it looks rosy from outside doesn't it, Dave? should try it some time and you'll get what calculating risk is in this cosy business and will stop contradict yourself.

116
Guest Avatar
Vaidotas 17th April, 2020 @ 15:59

For landlords to refuse pets without a reasonable excuse and proof has been illegal since 2016, as well as its not illegal anymore to break that part of the contract, if a tenant wants to keep a dog, they can as long as they don't damage the property or as long as no one else in the property is allergic, if a tenant is smart enough, they can take their angry landlord to court, sue them, claim money and then once contract ends naturally because it would be illegal to break it without justifiable reason (and no, just because the place was advertised as no pets allowed, does not count as justifiable because let's not forget, saying you can have no pets to a tenant is illegal since 2016) so aside from making yourself look like an animal hating jackass, a smart tenant could sue you

117
Guest Avatar
Vaidotas 17th April, 2020 @ 16:10

I did forget to add that any landlord that has taken their tenants to court for breaking that rule has lost the case, and the tenant was allowed to stay in the property with the pet until the contract has ran out, and with even more pro pet groups growing, landlords are losing even more stance, and as a landlord you should really - read - the law and not assume what the law is, e.g. A tenant could take you to court and sue you for damages and harassment if you try to force them to get rid of the pet or threaten them with eviction, and get a nice claim of several thousand pounds, because there are numerous reasons a tenant could use anywhere ranging between an illegal contract (one that states you can't have pets) to repression of self worth and their own personality same way as hair colour, decorations of the room and etc, as they all fall under the same legal protection, so there are many ways for a tenant to sue the landlord for thousands if they were to get assy with them about them getting a pet, look up any legal cases that have been going on around these subjects through the legal index or talk to a notable lawyer and not one you get behind a corner of an asda store

118
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 17th April, 2020 @ 16:15

@Vaidotas
That's such poor and impractical advice.

It's almost impossible to prove that a landlord refused an applicant because they have a pet.

Secondly, a tenant can't just move a pet into the premises without permission from the landlord if they didn't originally have one at the start of the tenancy. The tenant needs to ask permission first, and then the landlord has the opportunity to refuse if they have valid grounds.

But even if the landlord does not have valid grounds, the landlord can just serve a S21 notice if they are that unhappy about it.

Your blasé comments should not be taken too seriously if anyone is "smart enough", in my opinion.

119
Guest Avatar
Vaidotas 17th April, 2020 @ 16:22

@Landlord

1. The tenant doesn't have to have a pet when they move in, even if they move in and sign a contract saying no pets they can get a pet on a later date and ask as a - courtesy - now at that point as a landlord you have no right to say no to them, and even if you do, they can still legal go over you and get a pet, because again, illegal to say no

2. The only time a landlord can tell a tenant to leave whilst contract is active, is if the tenant has a proof that the pet has damaged the property or one of the other tenants is allergic to it.

3. Since 2016, you cannot evict a tenant if you cannot provide a valid reason of eviction, e.g. Not paying rent e.g. Breaking the - legal--parts of the contract

A landlord cannot under any circumstances evict a tenant for having a pet, again, look at any case of landlord vs tenants after 2016, the no pets claus is illegal that's why it's ignored by court

And I'm speaking from experience suing my previous landlord for £500 and then still keeping my deposit and moving out to a nicer place after

A smart tenant with the right lawyer can bankrupt an ass hole landlord

120
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 17th April, 2020 @ 16:27

@Vaidotas
I have no idea what you're talking about.

1) Firstly, you're contradicting your own point. You said that a landlord can't refuse a pet without "reasonable excuse". So obviously a landlord needs the opportunity to present their reasonable excuse i.e. the landlord should be notified.

2) A section 21 notice is "no fault" repossession. No grounds for eviction are required. You only need grounds for eviction when serving a section 8 notice.

This is a prime example of how a little knowledge is dangerous.

121
Guest Avatar
Vaidotas 17th April, 2020 @ 16:36

1. I also corrected that area by pointing out what classes as reasonable excuses for a landlord to ask a tenant to leave as the examples were made not by me by Robert Jenrick after ordering the gov to rewrite the tenancy model and remove all restrictions on pets, with minor exemptions like the ones i named

E. G. Damaging property, one other tenant being allergic

Not happy about it? Take it up with the government

2. Section 21, according gov website -

You will have at least 2 months notice but you don't need to leave when this ends, your landlord has to follow certain rules for the notice to even be valid, your landlord must go to court to evict you lawfully, and you can challange an invalid notice in court.

The full eviction process takes 7 to 8 months.

If your landlord tries to evict you themselves without a court, it's considered an illegal eviction.

That's on gov website, you can read it yourself, again, I've dealt with a landlord like you in court. It's not hard as long as you know what you're talking about.

122
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 17th April, 2020 @ 16:55

*slaps forehead*

I know what a Section 21/8 is, and I'm aware of what the process is. But you're completely missing the point because you're trying to hash together pieces of legislation you don't really understand, and that's why you had to Google Section 21 and copy/paste what the Gov website says.

You said a landlord can't evict a tenant for having a pet.

I said a landlord can repossess their property through a "no fault" process if the landlord is displeased enough (which you were clearly oblivious to), and actually, that's easier than serving a S8 and going through the eviction protocol.

Now you're telling me how much notice we need to give tenants for a section 21 notice, and what happens if the tenant refuses to vacate the premises. That's a completely separate issue.

The point is: it's not in the tenant's best interest to get a pet if the landlord isn't pet-friendly, because the landlord can just serve notice and not renew the tenancy.

Most tenants will NOT want that. A section 21 is the easiest way for landlords to remove tenants. So that's why your ramblings are impractical and poor - they don't consider any repercussions.

123
Guest Avatar
FedUp 9th May, 2020 @ 12:12

Wow... The straight up douche-baggery here is astounding. Selfish and ignorant, every word in this blog post is a shining example of everything wrong in this world. Sounds like you are in the wrong business and in it for no other reason than looking for a quick buck by taking advantage of people needing a home, using their income to supply you with the luxuries in life they will never afford, yet are paying for you to enjoy, while you do NO work to earn that rent. I bet you wear a bluetooth earpiece in everyday environments and your building(s) are just *peachy* to live in.../s

124
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 9th May, 2020 @ 12:42

@fedUp
Yeah, definitely straight up douche-baggery, for having learned from previous experiences.

It can be incredibly difficult for landlords to recoup costs for damages these days. You're clearly not a landlord or able to objectively look at the situation.

"I bet you wear a bluetooth earpiece in everyday environments", yup. I'm actually speaking into mine now to auto-type my response to you.

"Ignorant", oh the irony.

125
Guest Avatar
NotSoNewbieLandlord 9th May, 2020 @ 17:21

@FedUp are you ok hun? You seem stressed.

126
Guest Avatar
Devkaleon 20th May, 2020 @ 18:53

Oh yeah how dare this asshole ask instead of just sneaking in a dog? How dare this dick change his mind after a few years of being an awesome tenant, mind you, and check up on what you think. Your previous experiences don't mean shit, unless they are with the same person. if they did anyone should stop doing anything after a shit experience. Truth is you refuse to trust a grown man to take care of a dog after he has proven he is trustworthy. Of course he would be disappointed. Agreement or not. He just asked, and you are acting as if he has put a snake in your bag. He should leave so maybe you get to appreciate the luck of having a decent tenant, cause many people don't need a dog to mess up your flat.

127
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 20th May, 2020 @ 19:12

I agree, how dare my tenant!!

128
Guest Avatar
Vaidotas 20th May, 2020 @ 19:28

Seeing as this discussion is still going on

1. Advice to any tenant, just don't do any deals with landlords that don't let you have pets, boycott them if you have to

2. About the reprecautions the landlord speaks about, in reality the only issue of you having to go through court after your landlord spends 6 months trying to evict you(because legally not allowed to kick you out on the spot and you can dispute as much as you want) use that time to find another landlord that lets you have pets, also read your contract, most landlords have out of date contract and you may be able to sue the landlord for numerous reasons.

But point is, the only downside, or upside, depending how you look at it, you won't have to deal with assholes landlords like this, because there are plenty of landlords that allow you to have pets

Boycott assholes, rent or buy from people that are more understanding.

Ps:landlord in these threads would class as an asshole

129
Guest Avatar
NotSoNewbieLandlord 20th May, 2020 @ 19:45

Well I certainly hope tenants with pets boycott me!

130
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 20th May, 2020 @ 20:11

"Advice to any tenant, just don’t do any deals with landlords that don’t let you have pets, boycott them if you have to"

How is that even boycotting?

You're essentially telling tenants with pets not to deal with landlords that don't accept tenants, which is EXACTLY what landlords want. Yet, tenants like yourself are getting pissy about it.

And yes, every landlord that isn't pet-friendly - and makes it clear from the offset - is an asshole.

131
Guest Avatar
Benji 20th May, 2020 @ 20:20

@Vaidotas,

Thing is mate, I'm a pet friendly landlord and I doubt you'd even get a reply let alone a viewing for one of my properties.

Ever noticed how shit tenants tend to get shit landlords?

132
Guest Avatar
Catherine 21st May, 2020 @ 20:06

Christ I get an email every time one of you wankers comments on this you know. It's even more boring than that bloody Nigerian prince who still hasn't paid me.

Get over it Vaidotas, wish you'd boycott this thread.

133
Guest Avatar
Mike 22nd May, 2020 @ 18:55

OP I'm going to keep this really brief.....Your an absolute over privileged asshole and "No pet" policies should be in all honesty illegal if there is no reason stated initially. We're in a day and age where getting onto the housing market is hard (I'm in the middle of saving right now) and quite frankly you should have just as much right to own a pet as a house owner if there is no reasonable reason why stated at the beginning of the tenancy agreement then it should not be enforceable.

134
Guest Avatar
James 14th August, 2020 @ 07:40

Firstly, your blog post completely fails to mention assistance dogs and that you have no right or reason to refuse them. In fact, the tenant doesn’t even need to notify you if they get an assistance dog. Because they are classed as mobility aids. So, enjoy that fact.

Secondly, you’re acting like the simple act of *asking* is a betrayal?! Are you actually out of your mind? How has he betrayed you by asking a question? The whole point of “asking a question” is asking for *your consent*. It’s a recognition of your authority and respectful of whichever decision you take on the matter.

Your mindset is absolutely ridiculous.

135
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 14th August, 2020 @ 08:06

@James
What's absolutely ridiculous is that it's obvious you didn't even read the blog post, yet you've gone off on one on your high-horse.

I clearly state that landlords can't blanket ban pets/dogs without reasonable grounds for refusing (which I didn't have). So why would I even circle out assistance dogs?

136
Guest Avatar
Emma 23rd August, 2020 @ 08:08

I stumbled across your blog and I am disgusted with your choice of words in this. Regardless of the fact you want pets in your property or not, the way you talk about your tenant is horrible, and I am glad you are not my landlord because of how disrespectfully you speak of your tenant for asking for permission to have a pet - you don't ask you dont get, you're entitled to say no, but you don't need to be a rude name
calling prick. Well done for being a tosser.

137
Guest Avatar
Joe Beach 9th September, 2020 @ 22:30

I got a few paragraphs in and had to stop reading. Round about the part where your stupid fucking arse said, “I couldn’t take dog hair on my alligator rug” then followed up by “I hate animal cruelty etc” yet you have a fucking rig from an animal?

You thick cunt.

I’m a landlord, I’m 25, I also have a dog. I allow my place to have pets, simply because people shouldn’t be denied that due to the fact you’ll have to clean carpets or paint when change of tenants. But btw you should be doing that between tenants anyway, money grabbing fucks. There’s so many positives to having tenants with pets. Get to the the tenants, you’ll soon tell if they could
Look after a pet properly or not. 85% can. Don’t make the food suffer cause you want more cash. Letting property is a business, no mate how big/small. So therefor landlords should have expense... it’s not a fucking isa account building uo every month.

138
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 10th September, 2020 @ 07:29

I got a few paragraphs in and had to stop reading. Round about the part where your stupid fucking arse said, “I couldn’t take dog hair on my alligator rug” then followed up by “I hate animal cruelty etc” yet you have a fucking rig from an animal?

You thick cunt.

*slaps forehead*

Embarrassing.

139
Guest Avatar
Fen 19th October, 2020 @ 23:23

I wish fewer landlords were like you. Our housing system isn't a fair game. Some people will rent for their whole lives through no fault of their own.

If it was up to business owners, tenants wouldn't even move in, because that would save more money.

That's what reading this article feels like as a responsible renter. The UK desperately needs more housing stock.

140
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 20th October, 2020 @ 09:15

@Fen
Fewer landlords like me? You mean, so you want less landlords that adhere to the terms and conditions?

Our housing system isn't a fair game. Some people will rent for their whole lives through no fault of their own.

141
Guest Avatar
Justin Passing 11th November, 2020 @ 13:05

OP you sound like an unhinged dickhead. The tenant is asking before doing anything. Re being vindictive/threatening to mess with their plumbing: you shouldn't be in a position of responsibility over other people if you're going to hover threats over them if they don't play ball. You sound, excuse the phrase, mental, and dangerous, and you shouldn't be renting if that's your attitude.

142
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 11th November, 2020 @ 13:07

@Justin Passing
Huh? Where did I threaten to sabotage plumbing? I would never do that. You may need to read what I wrote properly...

143
Guest Avatar
JustAnotherTenant 15th November, 2020 @ 10:05

Wow, just came across this post, saw the original comments from 2017, and was just enjoying the back and forth with my virtual popcorn, then I saw that you where still replying into Nov 2020!

I'm a tenant but I like to think pretty respectful. I always pay my rent on time, I do whatever I can to keep the property in good order. I lived in my last place for 3 years, and got back 90% of the deposit, and the only bits that where taken out where for painting some walls, which I agreed with my landlord because I didn't want to do it.

I've been living in this new property for 5 months or so now, and I like to think me and the landlord get on pretty well, he is very friendly. I don't have any pets, right now and I remember seeing in the tenancy agreement that it was no pets.

I'm not bothered about the laws or what my landlord can and can't do, I respect him and the house too much just to get a pet and not ask (even though that's what everyone seems to say), but I do want to ask for one. I think one the main takeaways from your post is that you where annoyed they asked for a pet even when the agreement said no. SO my question is, how can I ask my landlord if he would consider a pet, without ruining the relationship. I don't want the renewal to roll around and he kicks me out!

I feel like its worth noting the house already has a cat flap from (I'm guessing) the previous owners, and only 3 rooms in the entire house have carpet the rest are all laminate ( I think thats the right term) flooring, as well as that, the neighbors have cats that routinely crap in the garden that I always clean up (When I see it).

So do you think it is worth even asking him? Am I risking too much by putting him in an awkward position? I want to stress that he can say no without reasonable grounds, like it is his house, if he wants to say no he can. But I am also willing to re-carpet and fix whatever damage may be done from the pet!

144
Guest Avatar
GonnaMoveSoon 18th December, 2020 @ 15:04

You are an incredibly dense and entitled asshole. You surely deserve the worst from your tenants and I wouldn't be surprised if all your disappointment comes from tenants deciding to take a piss in the middle of your house along with their dog on the day before they move. You act as if your tenants are not human (which is actually your case). Just wait for a housing market crash, I hope you go bankrupt.
Btw, shitty landlords seem to get shitty tenants. You're no exception to this rule.
He decided to ask instead of sneaking a dog in and making you wait half a year to get rid of him. And your stupid senseless mind wouldn't notice that's also the term of the contracts you make, so no point in making them short if that's the time you'd need to get them out. Really, you deserve no respect as a landlord from a hypothetical someone who was desperate enough to rent something for you.

145
Guest Avatar
ireadyourpost 20th December, 2020 @ 00:13

This post is an interesting case study on what kind of bad landlord you can get and why you absolutely need to meet the landlord before signing anything and be very careful who you do business with.
You are very skilled at projecting your own shitty personality to your "black-hearted", "backstabbing" tenant lol. At the same time you sat there to think about the ethical elements of keeping a pet (and any reason you can pull up, you know you don't give a shit about them) in a small space but not about the ethics of denying people companionship by an animal let alone the situation they may be in when they decide to take a big responsibility. Caring for a dog is not easy and people may have hard times in their life when they decide to get one.
And also you feel backstabbed by a pet request and I suspect you would be surprised if a tenant felt the same if you wanted to raise the rent opportunistically or charge a lot of extra money for small things. This is not how maintain a good relationship with someone who uses your property every day and could make you spend quite a lot of money out of pocket to be able to rent it again at the prices you want.
You wouldn't admit it but you are exactly what you accuse your tenant of and probably worse. I'm willing to bet you do minimal to no maintenance on your rented property, charge unfair prices for anything, ignore your obligations as landlord but expect tenants to fulfill theirs fully. You are probably the kind of senseless asshole who enters the house unannounced and feels backstabbed when you end up with police up your ass.
Good news is you are likely to be a magnet for renters who don't give a shit about your property.

146
Guest Avatar
Dudders 29th January, 2021 @ 02:19

Landlord - you have my sympathy, not that it's any consolation for having to put up with all this hatred - it was always going to come though, coz it's 'animals', and people do get excitable on the subject. Just from post 146, we learn that because you felt let down when somebody agreed he wouldn't have a pet and then asked to have a pet, you apparently:
1. do minimal maintenance;
2. charge unfair prices;
3. ignore your obligations;
4. enter the tenant's house unannounced.

Hysterical!

I suggest you scrap the comments facility altogether - most people's opinions on the internet are total garbage, probably including this one. None of the above comments has extended my knowledge one bit, so it's all a waste of time really.

And another thing: thank you for running this site. It's always a good read and, unlike some, I can see when it's tongue-in-cheek and get the info I'm after.

147
Guest Avatar
Fen 29th January, 2021 @ 09:59

Reply -

Thank you for taking the time to reply to the comment.

Obviously I did not mean "Fewer landlords who adhere to the terms and conditions."

I mean fewer landlords who view tenants as an inconvenience and a hurdle to be overcome.

You may not see it that way, but it's how this article feels as a renter with very limited options.

Again, housing reform is desperately needed in the UK for all our sakes.

148
Guest Avatar
Tcy 30th January, 2021 @ 22:31

I am a dog Walker. When I moved into my flat i left my chi with my widowed mother (chi visits most days). Recently my long term client is goin thru a break up. And has to unload a dogs as she can’t take all. I really want to take my favourite. I love this misunderstood lawnmower sounding dog. But feared my landlord of 3 years and no problems would evict me. Iv lost a lot during covid. My father I kiss
So much. I don’t want to lose this dog Iv developed a great bond with

149
Guest Avatar
Alan 17th February, 2021 @ 05:01

Wow! Well, only thing for it, toss him out coz he wanted to build/add to his life! Honestly, you landlords, any insurances can be covered by a mutual agreement of more rent surely? why don't you just offer up your homes as holiday homes and save yourself all the hassle? Because you clearly get all hot and flustered when people want a family or security or simply don't want to feel lonely when they gave nobody, and treat your house like their home! You don't live there! Your tenant does! So why create rules as if your living in the property with them?

150
Guest Avatar
Daniel 1st March, 2021 @ 19:02

I agree with Alan,the tenants before my current had no pets and pretty good jobs,not sure why they rented that was a nightmare calling me every week, once literally because kids had been messing by his car and wanted gates, he didn't get gates.
As for my current tenants they have paid me approximately £78,000 in rent since he moved in around £40,000 of which finished up the mortgage including costs to me over the near 10 years I have made around £28,000 profit.

So along with his £650 deposit, plus the fact we agreed i wouldn't replace carpets etc, if damaged by the dog during his tenancy, also if his dog (a German shepard) does dig in the garden chew the door frame etc im pretty sure its been worthwhile.

And a new law has now been passed making unlawful to blanket ban on pets and a valid written explanation should be provided within 30 days, not that this is relevant to me as I have 2 boxers and I couldn't live without them, and my tenant has been brilliant.

151
Guest Avatar
Joan 16th March, 2021 @ 16:11

The Consumer Rights Act (2015) states that: "a no pet clause should allow for the tenant to ask for permission to keep a pet. The landlord is not allowed to unreasonably refuse the request. ... If you, as a tenant, were to take this to court, then it is likely that you would win the right to keep a pet."

Under the new Model Tenancy Agreement, announced by Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets. ... Currently, just 7% of private landlords advertise pet friendly properties, meaning many people struggle to find suitable homes.28 Jan 2021

152
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 16th March, 2021 @ 16:13

@Joan

"landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets", that only applies IF the landlord chooses to use the new Model Tenancy Agreement.

Using the tenancy agreement is optional.

153
Guest Avatar
TheTenant 15th May, 2021 @ 18:20

What an interesting and bizarrely long thread, years ffs! Still, I'll add my two pennies because I'm bored.
I've rented all my life, never paid a penny late, look after my home and I had a dog for a 5 year period. Let me tell you a story - Once, the pooch chewed the shit out of the kitchen door on bonfire night. Chewed right though it! Joy. I told my landlord who, like me, wasn't over the moon about it. As the dog is mine, we arranged for me to replace the door.

The end.

Hardly the end of the world so what is it with you fucking landlords and your OTT, over dramatic, no pet obsession? People all up and the down the country can't and will never be able to afford to buy a house due to this batshit market we are in and have to turn to renting. There we are met with greedy landlords charging relative small fortunes for ok houses* and raking in the dollar. Despite that, 93% odd of you are 'No pets', straight off the bat on your adverts. I Dunno how you sleep at night.

*some landlords are excellent and great value.

OP, I'm sure you're a decent bloke but you should like an utter bellend of a landlord. The sooner you the rest of the 'no pet for no good reason' brigade are forced to be a bit more socially responsible, the better.

154
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 15th May, 2021 @ 18:36

@TheTenant
I guess the "no pet for no good reason" issue is objective.

Let me ask you, if someone told you they're scared of dogs because they've been severely bitten multiple times, and now they have a genuine fear of them, would you call them a bell-end, or judge them negatively?

My feeling is you're a decent person, so you'd be empathetic.

I've allowed multiple tenants with dogs and the net result has been a financial hit, because the damage caused has always been more than the deposit, and extracting the excess is near impossible.

It's really easy to point and say all landlords are bad for being cautious of pets, but most tenants don't realise that there's a genuine reason for it. Don't you think you ALL landlords would accept pets if there was minimal risks? We're not doing it to be difficult, by and large, we do it because of experience.

It also doesn't help that landlords [in England] are limited to taking a 5 week deposit. Most tenants don't even realise that.

The system is against landlords when things go wrong in this situation, so that's why need to mitigate our losses.

In any case, I'm not strictly against pets. If that's what you took away from this blog post, you read what you wanted to read instead of what I actually said.

155
Guest Avatar
Fen 15th May, 2021 @ 18:47

It's been interesting watching this develop, Mr Landlord. I'm curious about where or what or who you rent to that has caused such damage and soured your views entirely on the matter.

It would be genuinely interesting to see a poll of landlords about why they decline pets - financial/business risk, lack of trust, hygiene, desire for control of property during the rental period ... Etc. And by contrast, why some landlords are able to build trusting relationships with their tenants and allow pets.

(I am still getting notifications 😅)

156
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 15th May, 2021 @ 19:08

'ello @Fen

As said, I'm not strictly against pets.

And the degree of the damage is irrelevant, I'm saying from my experience, the system is unfairly against landlords when the cost for repair exceeds the deposit amount. For example, I've had a dog chew up the carpet in every room. I had to replace the whole lot at the end of the tenancy. I managed to recover 25% of the cost, and that was through an excruciating and slow process via the deposit scheme. And the only reason I managed to recover that amount was because I had an inventory, otherwise I would have stood little chance.

I would have needed to go to court to reclaim the remaining 75%. Why should I have to go through all that?

Why wouldn't landlords be cautious of that potential risk?

I just don't understand why tenants make it such a black and white issue, and indiscriminately label all landlords negatively for being cautious of pets. As said, we don't do it without reason.

why some landlords are able to build trusting relationships with their tenants and allow pets.

This is a bit of a moot point, in my opinion. Why are some landlords and tenants able to build trusting relationships in general, while others can't?

157
Guest Avatar
J.C 15th May, 2021 @ 22:52

I am watching this thread...

It's all one game of musical chairs. You know, the one where organiser ruines the balanced ratio of people and chairs, then sits back and watches the players fight among themselves.

The law is ridiculously skewed towards tenants, so much that landlords have no other way of protecting themselves than being really choosy, often employing stereotypes and prejudice.
On the other hand, the market is skewed towards landlords (each time I was looking for tenants, I've got over 100 enquiries - seriously??). So landlords still have upper hand and are able to choose. They also don't have to lower prices or upgrade properties in order to get tenants - if they do it's for their own pride/sense of decency.

So the system is f****d and we players at the bottom only occasionally look up and bicker at those who can unf**k it. But day to day we just focus on biting each other.

158
Guest Avatar
Fen 16th May, 2021 @ 11:01

Thanks Landlord, but mainly I agree with J.C -

The real problem is our housing system, the rest of us are players trying to make it work.

If fewer people were landlords, would there be fewer renters? possibly not, mortgages are cheaper than rent yet harder to get. In the meantime you aren’t forced to invest in property, there are alternatives.

One day I’ll manage to unsubscribe!

159
Guest Avatar
Dan 24th July, 2021 @ 21:49

I enjoyed the article thoroughly but the comments that have ensued make me wish I had discovered this article in another decade’s time. The ups and downs. Tenant vs Landlord - the ultimate battle.

I arrived here because I currently have snuck a dog in and me and the better half have been rumbled. Well-behaved, flat unfurnished and literally everything is ours, yet 3 months after purchasing Ronald (yes if I humanise him you should feel more empathetic), the landlord supposedly heard a dog barking on a visit that they didn’t schedule and wants us gone.

Personally i feel exceptionally offended by this turn of events. We paid 6 months up front and ran in to a litany of problems from the off. 3 of 4 kitchen appliances needed replacing in the first 2 months. Call me sceptical but complaining, rightly, from the off didn’t help. Yet only 5 months in, it’s easier to ask you to leave rather then even work through the idea you have a pet that you shouldn’t have. From our perspective this is ridiculous. And this to me is where Landlord’s make their own problems.

Landlord’s genuinely do not generally treat their tenants as if it is their home. I am sure some do but as a serial renter, the average landlord is about being paid on time and you’re nothing but income to them. You aren’t humanised and they interact with you as though you are below them. So should you get a dog without their consent? Not if you want peace of mind.

I see both sides. However, much like being a responsible tenant in the general upkeep of the property, in the same way if you’re going to let your pet damage the property and not remedy the issues, you were probably going to be a shit tenant anyway. And as someone that has spent £160,000 in rent in 11 years, I certainly dislike being tarred with the same brush as people that don’t respect other people.

So yeah. I am that asshole that broke the tenancy agreement. But when I waited 16 days for my washing machine to be fixed and had to wash clothes in the bath because my dog smells well, yeah; it’s fucking swings and roundabouts.

160
Guest Avatar
KateyK 26th February, 2022 @ 19:11

Holy shit you're a whiny asshole. The guy just politely asked for a dog and now you're screaming about betrayal and going on a rant about him and claiming he stabbed you through the heart. He just politely ASKED.

Sorry to break it to you but the whole point of you being a landlord is that you get PAID to relinquish control of your property. You can't both accept money for your mortgage AND expect full control of your house, you are being paid to hand over part control to the tenant, if you don't like them asking you a simple question about pets THEN DONT BE A LANDLORD. I swear you sound just as bad as those B&B owners who get pissy when a gay couple stay over.

I'm so glad the government is passing pet legislation through to knock you people down a peg lol, and that's coming form a landlord myself. Our bad reputation is caused entirely by people like you.

161
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 26th February, 2022 @ 20:05

@KateyK

1) Politely asked, and then he got annoyed with me for sticking to the terms of the tenancy. That's what annoyed me. I didn't really mind him asking, to be honest.

2) "a landlord is that you get PAID to relinquish control of your property."

Right, so what's the point of a tenancy agreement then? Based on your position, tenants can do *anything* they like.

3) I don't have a mortgage on that property.

4) The irony of you calling me a "whiny asshole" is bewildering.

162
Guest Avatar
Dace Dastardly 14th June, 2022 @ 16:03

Well with section 21 abolished, how would this change..

163
Guest Avatar
Mike 26th January, 2023 @ 11:32

Wow! I’ve seen a lot of things on the internet but this infuriates me deep down. You lease an unfurnished property but you are afraid that the dog is going do what? Pee at the walls and chew the carpets? Just agree with the tenant that they’re allowed a dog as long as they provide proof of house insurance with accidental pet damage and there it is, problem solved. Have some respect for the humans you’re rightfully taking money from and take into account they might feel lonely. Companionship is a human need and some people find it hard in the current society mate, please don’t be so inconsiderate you’re not leasing to robots.

164
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 26th January, 2023 @ 11:41

Hi @Mike,

With all due respect, I've been a landlord for over a decade, and ultimately, experience has taught me that it's generally easier when tenants don't have pets. It's really easy to say "get all the insurances in place, no problem", but that's not reality. Do you really think, objectively speaking, insurance fixes all problems? The point is, none of that is even a concern if the tenant has no pet. Ironically, you literally just made the case for why it's easier for landlords to prefer tenants without pets.

If this opinion is one of the darkest pieces of content you have seen on the internet, I'm questioning whether you have actually been on the internet for more than 5 minutes. Talk about over-dramatising.

I genuinely sympathise with pet owners in this situation and I understand pets generate love and companionship, my only point is that creates more problems for landlords, often resulting in net losses.

165
Guest Avatar
Lee 19th October, 2023 @ 19:21

Interesting post, I am in the same predicament.
I allowed my last tenant a dog, she left the property last December in a terrible state. The dog had chewed and urinated all over the fairly new carpets. The cost to me just for the carpet was approximately £1700 plus journeys to the property ripping the carpet out and disposing of it then arranging for a new carpet. (this is not to mention the kitchen worktops and doors with scratch marks all over them which had additional costs).
This expense (which wiped out all of the profit that year following section 24) and days of my labour/headache would not have happened if I had just said no.
I advertised saying No pets after this, 10 months later the request has come through for a dog.
I'm not sure what to do after reading this blog...toying with the idea of asking them to do an annual professional carpet clean, them to take out accidental damage insurance (someone previously mentioned) and very slight rent increase, plus only small dogs.
Would have been better off with my investment in a savings account this last year...

166
Nobody

Nobody

Landlord

Landlord

Tenant

Tenant

Agent

Agent

Legal

Legal

Buyer

Buyer

Developer

Developer

Enthusiast

Enthusiast

Your personal information will *never* be sold or shared to a 3rd party. By submitting your details, you agree to our Privacy Policy.


I want more info on...

61 Shares
Tweet
Share