Unauthorised Pet!

fozzeh

We had a weekend out over to sunny Leeds at the weekend (and when I say sunny, I mean torrential rain) and we decided to drive past the property we own which is let.

Anyway, there's a cat in house (which isn't authorised - LA checked agreement). Seemed very well at home (nicely sat in the bedroom window peering out over the field). Last tennant (who moaned at everything) asked permission to let dogs stay for a weekend which I didn't mind as they asked. This looked like a pet

Letting agents are doing an inspection (last one was February) but what would normal procedure be? Tenancy is due for renewal in August.

TIA

Annie1960

Pet clauses usually state that the tenant has to have carpets professional cleaned when they leave (to get rid of pet hairs) and some also retain £100 of the deposit for 3 months after departure in case of infestation of fleas or similar appears when the tenant has left.

Pixie5740

What if there's no evidence of a cat during the inspection? The tenant might just have been looking after the cat whilst a friend was on holiday or in hospital.

Would you say that you knew there was a cat because you decided to do a drive-by of the property? As a tenant I would find that creepy. Bad enough that people come into your home to inspect it but having the LL doing drive-bys too....

As long as the property is returned to you in the same condition, minus fair wear and tear, that it was at the start of the tenancy there won't really be a problem. When the tenant moves out just check the condition of the property against the duel-signed inventory.

Herbalus

When they leave they must return the property to you in the same condition as when they moved in. That means they have to clean all the hairs, get rid of the smell, and repair any damage caused by the cat(!). Failure to do this means you have a case for taking money from their deposit to do the work, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I can't see how having a cat causes you or the property any detriment, apart from a sense of "they're not allowed a pet and they've got one so what can I do about it?", which is a more authoritarian approach as opposed to thinking whether it actually causes you any harm.

If you really don't like the cat though, you are free to serve them notice to leave at the appropriate time. You can in fact serve them notice for any reason you choose, be that a cat, not liking the tenant's hairstyle, or the colour of their shoes.

thesaint

Maybe you could let us know what the problem is, we can advise you?

marliepanda

Super creepy.

Are they good tenants? Do they pay on time? Has the LA noted any holes in the walls, spray paint, broken doors when they have been inspecting?

If not, get a grip. If when they leave, or you ask them to leave there is damage, pet or otherwise, that is what the deposit is there for.

I had 2 cats in my flat 'unauthorised' They didnt make any damage, I cleaned the flat myself at the end and no one was any the wiser.... as far as I know!

fozzeh

Pixie5740 wrote: »

What if there's no evidence of a cat during the inspection? The tenant might just have been looking after the cat whilst a friend was on holiday or in hospital.

Would you say that you knew there was a cat because you decided to do a drive-by of the property? As a tenant I would find that creepy. Bad enough that people come into your home to inspect it but having the LL doing drive-bys too....

As long as the property is returned to you in the same condition, minus fair wear and tear, that it was at the start of the tenancy there won't really be a problem. When the tenant moves out just check the condition of the property against the duel-signed inventory.

Still would need to ask permission surely if even for the weekend?

As to 'finding it creepy'; we were having a nice trip out, went to the park and I walked past the house. We still own it and it holds a lot of fond memories for me. I'd happily live back there again if we weren't set up elsewhere. More sentiment than anything. Just happened to be a car in the window lol.

Herbalus wrote: »

When they leave they must return the property to you in the same condition as when they moved in. That means they have to clean all the hairs, get rid of the smell, and repair any damage caused by the cat(!). Failure to do this means you have a case for taking money from their deposit to do the work, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I can't see how having a cat causes you or the property any detriment, apart from a sense of "they're not allowed a pet and they've got one so what can I do about it?", which is a more authoritarian approach as opposed to thinking whether it actually causes you any harm.

If you really don't like the cat though, you are free to serve them notice to leave at the appropriate time. You can in fact serve them notice for any reason you choose, be that a cat, not liking the tenant's hairstyle, or the colour of their shoes.

Allergies and asthma from pets if we did ever decide to move back. If we'd have known, we'd have said no (unless it was for a weekend, hence mentioning last tenant) to a permanent pet

thesaint wrote: »

Maybe you could let us know what the problem is, we can advise you?

See above.

All in all, it's more of the assuming they can have pets in when they want without checking.

marliepanda

fozzeh wrote: »

All in all, it's more of the assuming they can have pets in when they want without checking.

Its their home.

If you dislike it so much, send them an s21.

Thats it.

fozzeh

marliepanda wrote: »

Super creepy.

Are they good tenants? Do they pay on time? Has the LA noted any holes in the walls, spray paint, broken doors when they have been inspecting?

If not, get a grip. If when they leave, or you ask them to leave there is damage, pet or otherwise, that is what the deposit is there for.

I had 2 cats in my flat 'unauthorised' They didnt make any damage, I cleaned the flat myself at the end and no one was any the wiser.... as far as I know!

I don't think the creepy bit needs defining any more. We were in the area! I don't think going past your own house is creepy when you're near :P

Standing - have had a few niggles but nothing major. Pay - fine. Inspections - broken back gate...

marliepanda wrote: »

Its their home.

If you dislike it so much, send them an s21.

Thats it.

Unless their name is on the mortgage, it's still mine. I'm just letting them borrow it I'd focus more on the "This guy is looking for advice and we could point him in the right direction" rather than the fact you may not see the query at your station.

kinger101

It might not be their cat. Cats often visit multiple homes. If they're not timid, they'll go anywhere they can get free food or a bit of attention.

marliepanda

fozzeh wrote: »

I don't think the creepy bit needs defining any more. We were in the area! I don't think going past your own house is creepy when you're near :P

Standing - have had a few niggles but nothing major. Pay - fine. Inspections - broken back gate...



Unless their name is on the mortgage, it's still mine. I'm just letting them borrow it

Nope, its your bricks and mortar. Its their home.

Either send them a section 21, or get over it. What more advice do you want?

You can ask the LA to ask them to get rid of it? Bit of a crappy thing to do.