Pets

Suzanne1971

Would like a bit of advice, please.

I'm a reluctant landlord.

Have had the same tenants in the property for the last 3.5 years.

They're leaving at the end of the month, as have bought a house.

However, I've just discovered that they have not 1 but 2 dogs, despite having a 'no pets without written permission' clause.

Every time I've been round, the dogs haven't been there, but I was having some work done on the outside of the house, and met the company doing the work, at the property, and there the dogs were.

I did think I could smell dogs, when visiting with the estate agent, but couldn't see any evidence, ie bedding, food etc.

Do you think it's worth me saying anything,or deducting anything from their deposit?

House going on market in the next week..........

Thanks

NVRAM

Hows about you actuyally check the house when they leave and THEN decide about claiming anythign back thru the deposit?

For all you know the animals could have just been visiting, or if indeed they are the owners then mayeb (as I did) they have planned to have all carpeting professionally steam cleaned?

You seem rather intent on grabbing stuff from the deposit "just because"?

Suzanne1971

I was thinking they were maybe 'just visiting' when I could smell dog, but the neighbours confirmed that they're the tenants dogs.

I just want to check my position, as they have broken the tenancy agreement, by not asking permission, and moving them out of the house, when I've been.

And no, it's not about money, so don't appreciate your comment - why are some posters so quick to attack?

NVRAM

Just read that way suzanne *shrug* instantly questioning deducting things from the deposit.

We weren't meant to have pets and ended up with a cat, was a £150 additional deposit for pet damages. Maybe something to try for the future?

Well if they've broken the tenancy agreement then may as well start proceedings to get them out... oh wait

Maybe they keeps the dogs outdoors? Maybe it's a family member that visits daily? Maybe the neighbour is trying to cause hassle for them?

Just ask the tenant?

I honestly do not see a problem, other than the breach of the contract which means zip as they're leaving anyway.

Just because they've had pets doesnt mean you should start wondering what you can deduct from the deposit, and remember betterment isn't allowed, 3.5 years will be a fair chunk of wear and tear on most houses.
SO please don't look on their deposit as some LL's do, a "redecorating slush fund", not saying you do just mentioning it as I know some do.

What kind of deduction were you thinking for them having 2 dogs?
Oh and what kind are they some dogs are very clean, others moult a lot and would've definatley been noticeable. Other way of looking at it...

Have they been good tenants? Other than a proper clean what do you expect them to do on moving out? Have you addressed any/all queries and questions whilst they've been there in an acceptable timframe, e.g repairs and the like.

Or are you one of those landlords that expects the garden to be freshly mown and fresh looking new plants in for them moving out.... ignoring the fact were just coming out of winter

I've had nothing but good experiences in the past with LL/LA's and have always left places in a condition I'd be happy to move into it. Normally means ~3 days cleaning after moving everything/one out.

anselld

Even if you could prove they had dogs that is no reason to deduct deposit. You can only deduct for actual damages (which you can prove).

BitterAndTwisted

Agreed. You might get away with charging them for proveable damage, and very possibly for having any dog-smelling carpeting professionally cleaned. But you will only be able to prove any of this by referring to the dual-signed check-in inventory once they have surrendered the property.

NVRAM

anselld wrote: »

Even if you could prove they had dogs that is no reason to deduct deposit. You can only deduct for actual damages (which you can prove).

:money:

Yup

G_M

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

.. But you will only be able to prove any of this by referring to the dual-signed check-in inventory once they have surrendered the property.

so wait till they've moved out, inspect, then come back here with facts rather than guesses.

Audrey_Wright

Honestly that sounds like wanting to get extra money for free.
Now, I know there was clause and they have not asked for your permission first, but wouldn't you have let them in anyway, if only they asked?
With that said, are there any damages caused by the pets, are your tenants jerks that ruin your property ?
The way I see it, if your landlord - tenant relationship was good and if the property gets delivered back to you clean with no damages, you can just let it slide and not be the "landlord" everybody hates.

pleasedelete

You could balance the pets with the view that in 3.5 years you could have had 7 sets of tenants in. each with their own view on repair and decoration. You got 3.5 years- a dog or 2 is unlikely to have caused as much damage as 7 sets of tenants would.

agrinnall

And to add what pleasedelete said, you could have had 6 lots of tenants with a month void in between each, and lost 6 months rent.