Shared Ownership Property - Indoor Cat

cpheonix

Hi I was wondering if anyone has bought into a shared ownership property that has a cat?

I know most Housing Association's don't allow this but I also heard people keep them anyway. Can anyone confirm if they have cat regardless and all is fine, or if there has been any troubles? And if the HA does find out, could there be serious repercussions?

On another note, I live on the 3rd floor - would cats be silly enough to jump off the balcony?

Thanks

aileth

SO flats will no doubt be different to SO houses.

We have no restriction on our SO house.

chocdonuty

Most housing associations are fine with pets as long as they don't cause a problems for other residents,
as for balconys, cats aren't stupid but are easily distracted by birds/insects ect so cat proofing is a must!, zooplus do nets that are quite cheap or you could rig your own up if you have the skills to do so

cpheonix

OK thanks - the only issue is that it states in the HA contract that no pets are allowed. I was hoping someone else ignored this rule to tell me its OK!

But basically I don't think it would be possible to put up a net, purely because then the balcony would draw attention to the fact I have a cat (oh, and I don't really have the skills either!)

I really don't want to lose my cat as I raised her since she was a kitten but when I bought the SO property the sales guy (yeah, I know) said it'll be OK. Now I am getting worried after reading the contract again. Also neighbours could complain to HA.

gettingready

What about approaching the HA for permission?

Does it says no pets full stop or permission required ?

Ignoring a rule if there is one can cause you problems but then what are you going to do about a cat you already have?


scratching head

xnatillyx

I wouldn't risk breaking any rules that are stated in a legal contract.
I know it is a silly rule but they could take action if you kept a cat secretly and then found out later on.

Plus if you decide to stay in the property and they say you can't have your cat you will have to make a tough decision. And if she needs to be rehomed best get it sorted sooner rather than later.

Best bet if you don't want to risk it is to phone up the HA and be straight with them. Explain you take full responsibility for any damage that the cat might cause. (That us unlikely to happen but covers your back anyway)
I can't see why they wouldn't say yes to a cat.

Good luck

Person_one

It was a bit short-sighted to buy a property that your pets aren't allowed to live in. Considering them is part of the process when finding somewhere to live.

Can you get out of the purchase? What stage are you at?

cpheonix

Erm, I'm in the property at the moment - just completed. My cat is being looked after at a friend's place for the time being.

As previously mentioned, when we went to put our reservation fee down for this new build, the sales guy could immediately tell we had a pet when he saw our faces as we got to the line in the T&C's "No pets allowed". He reassured us saying its merely a standard thing in HA flats as it mainly applies to dogs because of the noise.

There's nothing to state in the contract what would happen either if we did have one. Another thing that it also states is no hanging clothes out to dry on the balcony but everyone does it.

I know I should be honest with the HA but I really don't want to ask in case they flat out say no and then would be aware in future (so if I decide to sneak her in I wouldn't be able to plead ignorance!).

paddypaws101

I really don't think that this rule is enforceable with regards to a cat. After all, you do part own the flat and presumably have the intention of buying a larger share as the years go on, it is not as if it is a rental and you will hand it back after a year.
These clauses are really put in to protect against noisy/dangerous dogs. or pet hoarding situations....and even then, I think it would be hard to enforce.

aileth

I would approach your HA and ask for permission. In our HA, in the T&Cs it says no fences, not even about asking consent. A lot of people have approached them, asked for consent and got it. You'd be much better getting it actually confirmed, even if it's a standard thing people 'break', otherwise you could give them a lot of ammunition if there were any other issues and they wanted you out.

And just because everyone else breaks certain rules doesn't mean it's okay to do so! If it's a standard thing that HA flats apply and really is only supposed to be to deal with dogs, then the HA should have no issue in giving you permission.

Hillbilly1

This part of the lease is 100% inforcible


There are many tales of new purchasers turning up no completion day to leasehold properties with cat baskets/dogs etc to be told by neighbours its a no pets building.


The sales agents have no legal backing to tell you anything. We have pets and Q1 to the solicitor is "whats in the lease about pets"?


As for approaching the HA - you will probably be told its in the lease for you and everyone so "no pets" stands.


As for the balcony- if you have the stomach google high rise syndrome in cats. They are not stupid by any means, but over 2nd floor height cannot measure the distance to the ground. Therefore will jump. Injuries are not nice and can cause death.


Please do not let your cat on a balcony. For every person that says "mines done that for years" I have seen the other side where they present either dead, or with horrific injuries.