Pets, leaseholders and 'unreasonably' withholding consent

propertyman

tbs624 wrote: »

Check out the full OFT wording rather than just quoting someone else summarising it on a random website. Here's the full OFT quote:
OP - seek out a LL who is happy to let to Ts who like to share their home with cats.

Yes exactly as explained in my post 44

missile

If I were LL and specified no pets in the lease. Tenant asked and was refused, asked again and was refused, then demanded an explanation why, I would mark them as a troublesome tenant to be evicted at the first opportunity.

Wyndham

Richard_Webster wrote: »

To me the clause means that there is an absolute prohibition on cats and dogs and other animals/birds etc need consent which cannot be unreasonably refused.

Yes, I read it that way too. OP, the reason you can't have a cat (or a dog) is because that's what your contract actually says. It then says you may be allowed other pets, but you need to ask, and at that point you get into explanations if the landlord says no.

propertyman

Not so sure....

The wording uses keeping dogs and cats "at" and then others "on".

The clause can be interpreted by treating that distinction as the reason for the break in the sentence structure.

You cannot keep dogs and cats at, or others on, without prior consent.

at which point the lawyers rub their hands at the fees arguing this.

saskay

I had a similar experience. In my case it was a dog.

My first email to the letting agent:
Hi xxxx,
With my rental agreement coming up for renewal – I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, specifically a Golden Retriever puppy.

Now, I’m fully aware that in my contract it was stated that “No pets” are allowed

[ps: not the exact wording]

. However, I wanted to check with the Landlord if he would reconsider this clause.

Here’s what I’m willing to do in order to keep his property safe and clean whilst I and my future pet live at this address.
1.The dog will be ensured it is free of vermin (worms, fleas etc...), neutered (at the appropriate age) and insured.
2.It will attend obedience classes and other dog training activities (incidentally during the weekends some dog training classes take place right behind the property’s backyard in the xxxxx Park.)
3.It will be groomed regularly (either professionally or at home)
4.It will be properly socialised.
5.Before I move out of the property I will have the carpets cleaned professionally.
6.I’m happy to provide an additional £500 as deposit which will make my total deposit £1000 and be refundable when the property is returned in a good & satisfactory condition.

I offered the max possible legal deposit, ie., 2 months rent

I’m happy to have the above undertakings added to the rental contract and hear any other concerns the landlord may have.

If you could check with the landlord and let me know what he says then it would be great.

reply from the letting agent:
Hi xxxxx,
The landlord has come back to me and advised that he is not happy about having pets in his property and therefore has not given you permission to get a dog.


Now, I'm moving out.

ps: I've been at the property for about 1 year. Paid my rent always on time had good feedback from the letting agent who visits the property every 3 months to check the condition of the property.