Pets

Soleil_lune

Suzanne1971 wrote: »

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

Oh dear. I am with the majority here. It sounds like you're deliberately planning on withholding some of the money. Just assuming you should, because they have (apparently) got dogs there. How do you know they even HAVE dogs, seeing as there was virtually no evidence? And even if they DO have them, how do you know that there will be damage? Did you see any when you were there? As someone said, at least wait til they leave before trying to rob them of their deposit for nothing!

My ex LL tried to take half of our £600 deposit for virtually nothing, even though we got on well (or THOUGHT we did.) And the property agent who we ALSO got on with well, did nothing to defend us. The cheeky cow was just trying to get some extra dosh. We appealed with the DPS and won! FGS, we left curtains and nets and put new toilet seats on, put 2 new carpets in, and re-decorated the walls. (she gave permission.) TBH, the place was a sh-t-tip when we moved in, and we improved it vastly.

She cited 'rubbish removal 'had to get a gardener as the tenant 'left the garden a mess,' and 'cleaning.' All rubbish, as we left the place in a BETTER state than we found it.

Upshot is: we challenged it and asked for the PROOF that this money had been spent. She didn't have it.

Also, she did NOTHING to the property when we were there, even though lots of repairs were needed and the property needed seriously updating. I was glad when we got offered social housing.

I heard the other week from an old neighbour, that the new tenant the LL got has been very difficult, and is constantly paying her rent late, and that the house is going to pot now. Karma much?

CreditCrunchie

Unfortunately our previous landlords have always tried it on with the deposit and each time we've had to threaten legal action to get it back. I'm sure there are some decent human beings who let out their houses but the majority simply view tenants as walking wallets.

While we are up front about our pets (even have references for them!) I'm not surprised some tenants just keep shtum and then move them in afterwards. Dogs and cats barely ever cause damage beyond fur issues, however it's nearly impossible to find a tenancy that welcomes pets.

I'm not excusing your tenant's lack of honesty, and if they have damaged the property then you will be entitled to make reasonable deductions from the deposit. But instantly seizing on them having (possibly) pets as a way to pocket some of their deposit really does nothing for your image as a landlord!