Unauthorised Pet!

Pixie5740

abinanthanb wrote: »

If someone knows that they may possibly have a pet, why would they ignore the clause when they sign it?

Erm...because they need somewhere to live. Shelter being a need rather than a want. I tried being honest and was rejected by all the landlords for having a pet so my choice was lie or be homeless.

A landlord has a couple of choices on what to do in this situation. If the tenant is daft enough to ignore the clause and then neglects to remove all traces of the pet during an inspection then the landlord could try and evict the tenant using a section 8 on ground 12 but there is no guarantee a court will grant an eviction notice as it is discretionary. Alternatively the landlord could choose to evict using a section 21 notice. Then again the landlord might decide that they're not really bothered and just carry on, business as usual.

If the tenant is able to hide all traces of the pet then how would the landlord ever know that one of the clauses had been breached? If the landlord suspected it but couldn't prove it and wanted the tenant out, then again they could go down the section 21 route.

Pixie5740

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

Well no, what such tenants actually chose is to lumber themselves with a hard-to-house pet.
Then they complain their only choice is to lie or be homeless.
A smart tenant wouldn't have inflicted this Hobson's choice on themselves in the first place.

But as I say, I'm not one of them

I'm not complaining about my choice. I am quite happy to lie if it means keeping my furry little friend. I tried be honest, got nowhere so I lied.

And before anyone asks I sleep very soundly at night.

Pixie5740

When did I say it was the landlords' fault? I chose to lie of my own accord. I could have re-homed my pet but I chose not to. Guilt is a selfish emotion so I don't wate my time with it.

Pixie5740

The OP claimed the property was still their home which it's not.

Whether the OP just so happened to be walking down the street and glance in the window or whether they were parked across the street in the dark looking in with night vision goggles, there isn't a way of saying it to the tenant that wouldn't sound a bit creepy.

supersaver2

Pixie5740 wrote: »

The OP claimed the property was still their home which it's not.

Whether the OP just so happened to be walking down the street and glance in the window or whether they were parked across the street in the dark looking in with night vision goggles, there isn't a way of saying it to the tenant that wouldn't sound a bit creepy.

What does it matter if the tenant think it sounds 'creepy'? Walking down a public road and looking at houses isn't illegal! If they do have a cat against what was agreed they are hardly in a position to take the moral high ground!

Pixie5740

Fair enough if the LL is checking the property or whatever but there isn't a way of saying that you've peeked through someone's window that won't make you sound like a bit of a creeper.

Slinky

I think tenants who don't think a landlord keeps an eye on their property are being naïve. We rented our current home out whilst we lived in another part of the country for job reasons. My father who lived nearby kept an occasional eye on it, and my neighbours most certainly did. That's how I found out when one lot of tenants did a flit. The watching would not have been obvious to the tenants, and it wasn't asked for by me, but it was happening and I was grateful they were concerned on my behalf.

daphnemoon

As a tenant I have always been honest about my pets, paid higher deposits and done extra carpet cleaning when I left.

I do find it creepy that after a day out the OP obviously parked up, got out, got his 5 year old out of the car and then walked past or opposite the house. Spying on a property to which you have assigned a letting agent to conduct affairs with the tenant is in anyone's book out if line.

As for the excuse that the OP wishes to look at a place he previously lived in does he stop at every previous home and look into windows?

The issue should be mentioned to the letting agent for then to investigate although I would expect a telling off for potentially getting rather close to inhibiting the tenants right to Living in quiet enjoyment. Although not breaching this as no entrance was made into the property the tenant would become worried of other inroads may have been taken!

I know I would be very worried and would watch out for cars driving opposite my home and be very anxious as to what to expect next! The letting agent should be left to conduct inspections and the LL should stay away.

Just my opinions and I'm not saying the tenant is right to take in a pet I think it's out if line if they have done so without asking! Both parties at fault I think.

daphnemoon

It should happen if the agents are good and have the rights of the tenant and LL in writing.

If it's doesn't happen, move agents as they should warn you of how to behave.

It's in the agreement with the LL that all contact and inspections will be carried out by the agent not the LL. If you breech this rule you are in beech of contract and you should be warned bout behaviour which comes close - ie spying on tenants.

ognum

Slinky wrote: »

I think tenants who don't think a landlord keeps an eye on their property are being naïve. We rented our current home out whilst we lived in another part of the country for job reasons. My father who lived nearby kept an occasional eye on it, and my neighbours most certainly did. That's how I found out when one lot of tenants did a flit. The watching would not have been obvious to the tenants, and it wasn't asked for by me, but it was happening and I was grateful they were concerned on my behalf.

You know I think this is right. I have a few let properties and while I don't go out of my way to look at them if I am driving past I certainly have a look at the state of the garden or the general feel of them.

Tenants come and go over the years but my relationship with the neighbours continues and they will contact me if there are issues, I may or may not feel they are important but I certainly listen.

I admit too having an elicit cat when I was renting so can fully understand that someone may do this to me! I also went to the rent tribunal to get my rent reduced etc so I do understand how tenants feel.

LL will keep an eye on their assets, you can stop them or blame them.