Pet Clause in Tenancy Agreement

cavegirl1

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but just wanted a bit of advice. I rent privately, I have been at the same property for 2 years and have a good relationship with the landlord. Just recently I asked him permission to keep a cat at the property, he agreed but then sent me a conditions document to sign. I don't have a problem with paying for the house to be professionally cleaned or paying for any damage. But I've got a problem with the condition which stipulates I have to pay for the de-infestation of the house when we leave. I've explained to him that the cat is a house-cat and therefore it is extremely unlikely that it would get fleas. I asked him if he would be prepared to add the words "if necessary" to this clause but he said it's non-negotiable and would need doing regardless if there was any evidence of fleas or not. I believe that this is excessive and that he's being unreasonable. However I also understand that if I don't agree to his conditions then he could easily serve notice on me.... Any advice on how to deal with this matter would be greatly appreciated! He's given me until 3rd March to sign it!

dc197

Show us the exact wording of the de-infestation clause please.
It may be worded so that all you need to do is buy a £3 can of de-flea spray and a 50p face mask, then blast the whole house as the last thing you do upon leaving.

glentoran99

agree it or rent somewhere else, that's your two options

danslenoir

When you signed the lease you were aware of the no pets clause.

I think your landlord has already been very reasonable in even considering letting you keep a pet as many would not. If I were you and I really wanted a pet that badly, I'd just suck it up and agree to his terms.

cavegirl1

Not sure how to attach a jpeg of the document but the exact wording of that particular clause is:

"To reimburse the landlord for the de-infestation of the house to eradicate fleas"

He's already stated by email that this would need to be done professionally

pinkpiglit

Agree with both posts above.

It's his property and you have the option of agreeing or not. However if you do agree it could be as dc197 says and all you have to do is buy some flea spray and go over the place yourself when you leave. On the other hand if it says it has to be carried out by a professional then you could be in for a hefty bill.

Edit - didn't see the above posts when I hit reply. Looks like you could end up with a large bill.

cavegirl1

Should probably also mention that the house is laminated throughout (with the exception of the stairs) and all of the furniture and soft furnishings are mine!

dc197

Have you already got the cat? If not then therre's a third option to what glentoran99 says: don't get a cat.

What does your existing contract say about pets? If it says nothing, can you keep the cat anyway? Or does it say no pets and you're requesting to amend that rule?

eilidhcatriona

As a renter and owner (or servant!) of two indoor cats, I agree that flea de-infestation is generally unnecessary - but it can happen, my cats have had fleas. I've never been asked by a landlord to pay for de-infestation on leaving a property, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay if it was required - I accept the additional costs of renting that cats might bring. Saying that, I think the others are right - you're going to have to agree it. Perhaps you could ask that he change it to require you to arrange the de-infestation and pay directly, then at least that way you can get a few quotes and pick the best value one.

cavegirl1

It's my Grandma's cat and she is unable to look after it anymore due to ill health, so I've offered to look after her.

Existing contract says no pets so I've asked permission for it to be amended.

I know I've probably not got much choice but to agree to his terms. But it just seemed a bit excessive to me and when you're trying to save up for your own house having to pay £100 for a professional to come and get rid of some invisible fleas when we leave isn't exactly something I'm thrilled about!

dc197

I think it is reasonable to ask to be able to pay the exterminator directly and/or to select the exterminator.

Why not put £10 per month into a jam jar. You won't even feel it and then when you move out you'll have some "free" money to pay for the fleas. Any left over, you can buy kitty or grandma a gift.