Misled by lettings agent

froupie

Thank you all!

19lottie82

Madmel wrote: »

I don't think you are correct here. As I understand it, the OP's letting agents' form is meaningless when the management of the entire block of flats states "No Pets". She could have the LA's permission for absolutely anything, but the fact that the management company of the building does not allow pets at all renders the LA's or LL's *approval* meaningless.

...........

froupie wrote: »

Yes, the lease says no pets without permission of the landlord, which I was told I had.

hazyjo

froupie wrote: »

>It's the sort of thing you could run a local paper story on (picture of you
>looking sad holding your cat, saying 'evicted', etc).

Ha that made me giggle!

If I was trying to hold my cat long enough for a photo, I'd be standing there covered in scratches, birds' nest hair, with torn clothes lol.

It hasn't got unpleasant yet because you're taking it lying down. It doesn't have to get nasty, but if they think they can palm you off without having to pay anything, they will. It is in their interest to be nice, not defensive, and are probably being sympathetic, etc.

Is there anything else up with them you could rent - maybe at a lower than advertised rate (suggest they reduce their fee to the LL rather than them accepting a lower rate), or waiving the fees, checks, etc you've paid out already for your current flat?

Jx

froupie

I think we've come to a suitable agreement, will hear back later.. will let you all know how it turns out.

froupie

Just thought I would post the satisfactory end to this thread..

My original letting agents have released me from the 6 month tenancy, with no need for a months notice or on condition of them finding another tenant. And they have agreed to refund me my original reference fee with them, on the understanding that I do not take any action to seek reimbursement of costs from them (removals, inconvenience etc) as they admitted that the mistake of letting me move in with my cat was on their part.

I felt this was fair and they have been very reasonable, I move into a new (and cheaper luckily) flat tomorrow and my new landlord is very cat-friendly - I haven't had to fork out an extra month's rent in notice and am happy I will be leaving amiably.

Thanks for all advice, very helpful

DaftyDuck

Purrfect ending!

tbs624

Thanks for taking the time to update the thread froupie- forummers do like to hear how things turn out for posters.

froupie

tbs624 wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to update the thread froupie- forummers do like to hear how things turn out for posters.

No probs, hopefully it might be of some help to someone with a pet looking to rent a flat - its definitely taught me a lesson - make sure to insist on getting the landlords' permission in writing, don't just take the LA word for it.

The LA turned out to be quite reasonable in the end, all that was needed was a gentle suggestion to them that I would seek some legal advice on my position which I think told them I wouldn't be such a pushover

Werdnal

19lottie82 wrote: »

But if the lease says “no pets without the landlords permission” can you not just ask her to give her permission to the management company?

Then you can stay and she doesn’t need to find a new tenant, and won’t get any grief from the MC. If you contact her directly and tell her you plan to stay long term, she might agree.

I think you are confused.

The landlord here has a leasehold property. The freeholder/management company own and run the whole building. The landlord's lease states "no pets". The tenant should have been advised this before they took the property.

The landlord is unlikley to get permission from the management company to change his lease to allow the tenant to remain there with the cat, as even if they will consider it, they will charge a hefty fee for changing the terms of the lease agreement, and then probably have the review the lease for all other leaseholders aswell!