Everyone saying no

GP2012

I am looking to rent a property and have 3 dogs - every agent I am asking is saying no - they are large dogs and as soon as I tell them the breed they turn their noses up! I am shocked how difficult it is!
Not sure what to do now - really need somewhere ASAP

thelem

Are you looking at property with plenty of outside space that would be suitable for the dogs?

If you don't get an answer here try a dog owner's forum - there must be plenty of people in a similar situation.

GP2012

Yes large garden is a must! Thanks

Fire_Fox

Have you tried the small ads for private lets, even placing your own advert? Do you need to say what breed of dogs they are/ have you considered only admitting to two? Are you able to offer a substantial damage deposit or six months rent up front or a guarantor or other undertakings like insuring landlord's possessions (not sure if you can do this for pets)? You need to make yourself attractive and a low risk to a landlord.

GP2012

Fire fox - thanks not many private ad's in the paper are suitable at the moment and the 1 that was said no - I have offered extra deposit . Could I get away with only claiming I have two? Would be worried the neighbours would say something - everyone has been asking the breed and size! Grrrr

CWSmith

My daughter had a similar problem when trying to rent. She has a German Shepherd and Border Collie.

In the end, she didn't tell agents or landlords about the dogs, but when she viewed properties, she took the dogs with her. They are such friendly and well-trained dogs that in most (not all!) cases, once the agent/landlord had met the dogs, there was no problem agreeing the let.

If your dogs are nice enough to win over an agent ......... it's worth a try!

Good luck anyway

Wobblydeb

Hi there - we had similar problems with 2 large dogs which some people find a frightening breed, and a cat for good measure. Don't give up, keep asking politely and you WILL find somewhere. We found 3 different places in the end, all more than happy to let to us. Private (and admittedly slightly scruffier) places seemed more amenable, as were non-furnished, which was what we wanted anyway. The one we took, the timing was perfect for the landlord, so perhaps if you say you'll fit into their timetable (if that's possible) that will help?

Are you fussy on location? There seemed more possibility out in the countryside when we were looking, which was frustrating as we wanted to be in town.

You could also try telling the people you meet dog walking that you are looking. We also own a flat we rent out, and have been asked by dog-walking mates if they could rent it, because they know we've had our own dogs there.

Edited to add: I've just spotted that you are going down the bankruptcy route. Might you experience difficulties passing the normal agency tenant reference checks? If that might happen it would suggest definitely try and find somewhere through local dog-related groups or a private rental.

Fire_Fox

GP2012 wrote: »

Fire fox - thanks not many private ad's in the paper are suitable at the moment and the 1 that was said no - I have offered extra deposit . Could I get away with only claiming I have two? Would be worried the neighbours would say something - everyone has been asking the breed and size! Grrrr

It is a little naughty, but it's not like pretending you have no dogs at all which I would not support. Would many landlords find out and serve notice to quit on a good tenant out?

I don't believe you could get evicted in the fixed term for one extra dog anyway, but you could certainly ask for a long let - twelve months with no break clause say. Just say you want security for you and your dogs. Many landlords like long term tenants, no voids, no hassle between lets, no agency finders fees.

Then adopt a third dog in the first month. Chances are they won't put a clause in the AST about more pets. :shhh:

Better_Days

Wobblydeb wrote: »

Are you fussy on location? There seemed more possibility out in the countryside when we were looking, which was frustrating as we wanted to be in town.

Read this thread with interest because if our sale goes through we will be looking to rent with 2 dogs and 2 cats. Some of the agents I have spoken to have said that LL are more likely to allow pets in the more rural locations rather than in the town.

I have been thinking about what we could offer to a LL to make us a more agreeable prospect, even with pets in tow. So far have come up with an increased deposit, 6 months rent in advance (although many will not be able to do this, we will be lucky as we will have the funds from the house sale), professional carpet cleaning at end of tenancy, not sure whether or not to mention animals are regularly treated for fleas etc - and I will spray round after we leave just in case.

I think it was Fire Fox who suggested that perhaps our EA could also confirm to any potential LL that our house is well looked after and hasn't been ruined by the animals. Also I am home 99% of the time due to illness, so they are not left alone when they might be destructive.

But it is a hard one as having pets does restrict your choice. Do hope you can find somewhere suitable OP.

Fire_Fox

Fleas are a big one, loads of people have had infestations this year - many of whom are using Frontline regularly.

Wobblydeb

Better_Days wrote: »

I have been thinking about what we could offer to a LL to make us a more agreeable prospect, even with pets in tow. So far have come up with an increased deposit, 6 months rent in advance (although many will not be able to do this, we will be lucky as we will have the funds from the house sale), professional carpet cleaning at end of tenancy, not sure whether or not to mention animals are regularly treated for fleas etc - and I will spray round after we leave just in case.

I did not mention anything about fleas etc. just in case it started LLs thinking about potential problems as a result of renting to pet owners. I tended to play it by ear, and the guy we rented from didn't ask much, so we simply offered extra deposit and re-assured him that we crate the dogs when we go out (which is true).

I genuinely think it was being polite and professional, and fitting into his timescales that secured the let. He didn't initially want to consider us, but changed his mind - I think because we wanted to be in pretty much exactly when the property was going to be ready to occupy. Oh and I didn't try to negotiate on the monthly rental - which is really unlike me!