Do fish count as pets in rental agreement?

zzzLazyDaisy

What exactly does the tenancy agreement say? If it says that you must ask permission to keep pets which will not be unreasonably refused, it is enforceable, but no reasonable landlord would refuse to allow you to keep fish.

On the other hand, if it is simply a blanket exclusion on keeping pets full stop, in all probability it is unenforceable under european law

http://www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com/property/1301-enforcing-tenancy-agreements.html

In short, I wouldn't worry about keeping fish!

marliepanda

kleapatra wrote: »

Won't help the OP but I have got an indoor cat and he's managed to get fleas several times! We have no idea how as no other animals come anywhere near or in the house. We spoke to the vet and she said they can live for years behind wallpaper, in carpets etc and even hop in from the outside- who knew!

But in that manner anyone could get fleas in their home, and even on themselves!

But honestly a good landlord would be mad to refuse someone on the basis of say a fish, or a hamster.

I am obviously biased as I have pets but I have caused way more 'damage and wear and tear' than my pets, as they have caused none. Obviously all pets won't be the same, and landlords have to take that into consideration I understand. But with an extra deposit perhaps, and the understanding that damage is taken care of (caused by pet or tenant) then I don't see it as being a huge issue.

botchjob

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

pinksk8

I think the clause is mainly in place because of the mess or damage cats/dogs could potentially make. So think you would be okay with fish! x

jjlandlord

In case of flats, any 'no pet' clause in the tenancy agreement might be there because the landlord's leasehold itself contains such clause.
In such case, it is not really up to the landlord to decide to allow pets or not, and the leasehold's clause is certainly a reasonable reason to refuse.

Fish in a reasonably-sized tank might not be an issue, though.

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

3) You just never know what the building insurance policy or something like that states about large bodies of water in unexpected places. God forbid the tank gets cracked or tipped over and electrics are fried, the landlord could be on a sticky wicket.

IMO, tenancy agreement should then state this, as landlord's insurance contract does not bind the tenant, and some people might have tanks without necessarily fish in it.

fishfins

Thanks everyone for all your replies, I feel a lot better about it now!

marliepanda wrote: »

I lived in a no pets property and had 2 fishtanks, smaller than yours but still two. I didn't even think about it tbh, and when they came to do inspections they commented on my nice fishtanks! lol

This is the scenario I was sort of hoping for in my mind! My main tank does look like a piece of furniture and some people do comment on it positively, but then you've got the other side like my brother's girlfriend, who can't stand fish!

The main consensus seems to be that it won't be a problem, so I think I might ask anyway just to be safe, and because as Eton Rifle says I suppose it is the right thing to do. I think I was just worried they would say no straight away without considering what it would actually mean.

Thanks again for all of your help!

marliepanda wrote: »

Whitespot all up the walls!

Better than dropsy in the kitchen :eek:

propertyman

While a fish is unlikely to cause a landlord to terminate your tenancy

Two huge tanks and the potential water damage will. :eek:

Annabee

Often when they say 'no pets' they just mean cats and dogs. (Incidentally you often see adverts for pet insurance etc, and when you look into it, they just mean cats and dogs)>

We have rented houses listed as 'no pets' and had rabbits (outside) asked the agents who just said this was fine. I didn't even bother mentioning our goldfish though.

PasturesNew

I've seen a tank go over before when somebody knocked against it (about 6 beers made them knock).... heck that water goes everywhere!

seven-day-weekend

I would just mention that you have two fishtanks. I'm sure it would not be a problem and that way you will be covered.

'No pets' usually means no dogs or cats (or possibly house rabbits). I don't think anything in a cage or tank will be a problem.