Dog in rented property question

WickedWitch123

Hi there
I know this has been covered before generally but I have a specific question if thats ok.

Basically, I'd like to buy a dog for me and my girls. We're currently living in a rental and have been for about 18 months. I checked our tenancy agreement which says the standard "have to get permission, won't be unreasonably withheld" but Ive just spoken to the landlord who has said a very firm "NO". His reason is that he has never allowed pets in this property and he doesn't want to. He said I signed the agreement which clearly states "NO PETS" (which it doesn't) and that I never said when I moved in that I wanted a dog (we didn't want a dog at the time).

I said that I am happy for him to add a pets clause to the agreement or whatever he wants to do ie adding an extra amount to the deposit to cover repairs but he just said he didn't want the hassle of pets. Anyway, he's gone away to get some advice and check the tenancy agreement again but I don't fancy my chances.

Anyway, to the question. If he reluctantly agrees today, what's to stop him issuing a Section 21 tomorrow?? I don't want to lose the house over a dog that we haven't even got yet but at the same time I thought the recent change in the clause above gave tenants some "clout". Now that he knows i want pets and he definately doesn't, I think I may have shot myself in the foot. So much for trying to do the right thing.

Sorry its a bit long winded.
Thanks
WW

Katiehound

Don't know if anything on this very recent thread would help you?
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4151637

WickedWitch123

Thats really helpful thank you. He doesn't have a "reasonable reason" for refusing (as far as i can see from the OFT/EU but then he could just take the easy route and issue notice. Even if he comes back and still says no, I think he's the type that'll want me out now in case I do it behind his back.

I've had so much s**t going on over the last year, i just don't want any more. By trying to do the right thing I may have just lost us our home. That'll be the 3rd move in 4 years.:(

Fire_Fox

If he comes back and says no have your answer prepared: thank him for taking the time to check, say that you completely understand, assure him you have respect for his property and would never go against his wishes. TBH a dog when you are not in secure accommodation is not the best idea, many dogs have to be signed over to rescue because the owners cannot find somewhere that meets all their needs (near to school, accepts pets etc).

WickedWitch123

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If he comes back and says no have your answer prepared: thank him for taking the time to check, say that you completely understand, assure him you have respect for his property and would never go against his wishes. TBH a dog when you are not in secure accommodation is not the best idea, many dogs have to be signed over to rescue because the owners cannot find somewhere that meets all their needs (near to school, accepts pets etc).

Thanks Fire Fox, I think i will have to do a bit of grovelling. What does secure accomodation mean though? Even if he said yes and was fine with a dog, what if his circumstances changed and he needed the house back. Does that mean no-one who is renting can have pets? And what about if you're a home owner and you lose your job so can't pay you're mortgage - what's secure these days?? I do get what you mean, i'm just playing devils advocate.

skivenov

I'd say the landlord's made their decision about their house and this is one of thoser times when no means no.

I used to be a partner in a business that had a few lets, as far as pets went, we were always find with small contained pets. Anything else depended on whether we felt the property was suitable, for example, one house was tiles and floorboards throughout the downstairs, so we didn't have an issue with a tenant having a dog, but only on the stipulation it lived downstairs.

WickedWitch123

skivenov wrote: »

I'd say the landlord's made their decision about their house and this is one of thoser times when no means no.

I used to be a partner in a business that had a few lets, as far as pets went, we were always find with small contained pets. Anything else depended on whether we felt the property was suitable, for example, one house was tiles and floorboards throughout the downstairs, so we didn't have an issue with a tenant having a dog, but only on the stipulation it lived downstairs.

I agree (unfortunately). It just makes a mockery of that clause as it seems to mean nothing in reality.

Mupette

He's told you NO PETS

It's his house after all.

yes i have pets, but waited until i was in a secure tenancy that stated that i could have pets.

I understand the longing for a pet once you have made your mind up, i had to wait 14 years before i could get perry the pup, and i craved the thought of wanting one, I wouldn't keep pestering the LL as he has said no he means it.

Ask what a compromise would be, aka a small animal in a cage that isn't going to wee and poop on the carpets, I'm not saying you would allow the dog to, but accidents do happen, and dogs also smell, and to a non dog owner, the smell can be nasty to them, us dog owners don't notice it much.

as a halfway mark for your longing for a dog, how about going to the local dog rescue and ask about dog walking.

WickedWitch123

Mupette wrote: »

He's told you NO PETS

It's his house after all.

yes i have pets, but waited until i was in a secure tenancy that stated that i could have pets.

I understand the longing for a pet once you have made your mind up, i had to wait 14 years before i could get perry the pup, and i craved the thought of wanting one, I wouldn't keep pestering the LL as he has said no he means it.

Ask what a compromise would be, aka a small animal in a cage that isn't going to wee and poop on the carpets, I'm not saying you would allow the dog to, but accidents do happen, and dogs also smell, and to a non dog owner, the smell can be nasty to them, us dog owners don't notice it much.

as a halfway mark for your longing for a dog, how about going to the local dog rescue and ask about dog walking.

Yes, i know he has. I said that in my original post. What's so wrong with having a conversation on here about it. Yes, I know its his house, because i'm a tenant (not rocket science that one).Again, just having a conversation if thats ok.

WickedWitch123

Mupette wrote: »

He's told you NO PETS

I wouldn't keep pestering the LL as he has said no he means it.


Again, I haven't pestered. I've asked the question ONCE. I've put my 'case' forward and he's considering it.

Mupette

i shall butt out of your conversation for fear of saying something you know is right but you refuse to accept.