Problem with LL/LA & pets

Natural_Born_Klingon

Hi, all - hoping for a little help here. My daughter and her fiance moved from a rented flat to a rented house last month. The house is managed by a letting agency and they haven't met or spoken with the either of the landlords (a brother and sister). The house was rented as pet friendly (can you see the problem coming up?), and they've got a dog now.

There's an inspection on Wednesday and out of courtesy, my daughter rang the LA to say tell them about the dog as they didn't want someone nervous of dogs to be worried.

The LA went quiet, and said that she had to check something and would ring back. About 30 minutes later, she rang back and said that whilst the sister was OK with it, they'd rung the brother ON HOLIDAY(!!) and he was against it.

They've now received a letter saying that whilst the poperty was marketed as pet friendly, and the LAs systems show it as such, the LLs have changed their stance and they must leave. They are "graciously" allowing them early exit from their contract.

Ok, so the question is - how "legal" is this? They signed a contract with the LA for a six months lease on a pet friendly house, but due to something beyond their control they are how faced with - effectively - eviction.

To furthe compound the problem, they have no money for another deposit and 1st months rent.

They are going to see the CAB on Monday (managed to get them to see sense with that, at least) but I was just wondering if anyone "here" has had anything similar happen?

nomnomnom

Do they not have a contract? Ours stated in it about pets, so I would have thought it was pretty standard in a rental contract. If it doesn't specifically state in the contract that pets are allowed (or not allowed) then I guess it's a grey area where possibly there's no come back

Good luck to your daughter though.

Natural_Born_Klingon

Yup, they have a contract which says nothing either way about pets. On the plus side, the LA have admitted in writing that it's their mistake.

My daughter & other half are resigned to moving on, but its the money that's the problem; I don't know (m)any people who have a grand floating around going spare ... !

As for the LA ringing the LL whilst he's in Ireland on holiday ... honestly ... I think I'd be POd and liable to say no as well!

silvercar

If they are on a fixed term tenancy that says nothing about pets, then the landlord can't evict them. He could serve a section 21 notice giving advance warning that he wants them out at the end of the fixed term.

Natural_Born_Klingon

That's my understanding of it as well - hope the CAB tell them the same thing

JanCee

A 6 month AST is legally binding and the LA/LL cannot change their minds mid contract. Providing there is nothing in the contract specifically excluding pets, the tenants are entitled to stay for the full 6 months.

Edit - a bit slow, silvercar has already posted similar.

Natural_Born_Klingon

Never apologize for giving good advice, that's what I say! :T

Wee_Willy_Harris

Has the deposit been protected and your daughter notified?

Natural_Born_Klingon

To be honest with you, I don't know; I'll find out tomorrow.

Wee_Willy_Harris

If they haven't, then any Section 21 notice served would be invalid so, if this is the case, don't mention it to the LA just yet.

Natural_Born_Klingon

:T Nice one!