I have two pet rats and looking to rent, what should I tell them?

Person_one

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

Ah, thanks. Yes, mine were male. Perhaps why they weren't wanted by their former owners!

Males are big, lazy, stinky softies, females are smaller, more agile and active and don't smell but are a bit less cuddly. Both great in their own way!

I do miss having rats, but they just don't live long enough, sadly.

melanzana

This a "do not talk about Brexit" deflection.

Surely.

Person_one

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

Brexit would be a cool name for a rat though....

I bet there's a few pets being named Brexit this week!

I would be very happy to never hear that 'word' again in my life.

Jhoney_2

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

Brexit would be a cool name for a rat though....

I bet there's a few pets being named Brexit this week!

'Nigel'...'Boris'....'I smell a'...?

BarryBlue

HappyMJ wrote: »

A person occupying your property will cause more wear and tear than a rat in a cage. Do you only rent your property to single people who are employed and are therefore not at home wearing out the carpet?

OP, due to the attitude of some landlords and the flat out refusal to consider any pets I wouldn't mention any caged animals at all. I would even go further and not mention any pet at all. Many letting agencies charge an extra £75 per pet fee for the matter to be considered. That money does not go to the landlord it's kept by the letting agent for what reason exactly? None...so even if I had a cat or a dog I wouldn't even mention it. If the landlord does find out it is very unlikely to lead to instant eviction if the rent is being paid on time every month.

You are missing an important point, the leases don't permit anyone to keep animals in the properties. This is common in flats. If I lived there myself I would not be able to keep them.

As it happens I am happy to rent to single professionals, and because of their nature and location that's what tends to happen. The properties we own are geared to that market. I've never heard of an agency charging a pet fee, but maybe that's because it doesn't apply to me.

HappyMJ

BarryBlue wrote: »

You are missing an important point, the leases don't permit anyone to keep animals in the properties. This is common in flats. If I lived there myself I would not be able to keep them.

As it happens I am happy to rent to single professionals, and because of their nature and location that's what tends to happen. The properties we own are geared to that market. I've never heard of an agency charging a pet fee, but maybe that's because it doesn't apply to me.

I know the point you're making but....

Acquiring a roof over my head is far more important than declaring the truth to potential landlords and letting agents.

So I live in a flat with pets whether the lease says I can or not does not concern me. When the letting agent visit they said they were cute and moved on. I tried declaring them to one agent in the past and never heard from the agent again even though I was ringing every couple of days for weeks so I'm sorry but I will never declare that I have pets to any potential LL/LA. It's hard enough finding a landlord willing to let to a couple living on a fixed income that is not derived from employment or benefits. I don't need any more hurdles.

BarryBlue

HappyMJ wrote: »

I know the point you're making but....

Acquiring a roof over my head is far more important than declaring the truth to potential landlords and letting agents.

So I live in a flat with pets whether the lease says I can or not does not concern me. When the letting agent visit they said they were cute and moved on. I tried declaring them to one agent in the past and never heard from the agent again even though I was ringing every couple of days for weeks so I'm sorry but I will never declare that I have pets to any potential LL/LA. It's hard enough finding a landlord willing to let to a couple living on a fixed income that is not derived from employment or benefits. I don't need any more hurdles.

Then you would not be a tenant I would want. If pets were found in an inspection I would give the tenant 28 days to get rid, then serve notice. There is no shortage of suitable tenants round here who will follow the rules.;)

tim_n

rented a property to a woman with a dog. Found out later she'd also got a cat.

She lived there for 5 years. Property was left in the same condition as let. Not always bad news.

Pixie5740

BarryBlue wrote: »

Then you would not be a tenant I would want. If pets were found in an inspection I would give the tenant 28 days to get rid, then serve notice. There is no shortage of suitable tenants round here who will follow the rules.;)

You'd need to catch HappyMJ first.

marritt

ripplyuk wrote: »

I had pet rats years ago and they are wonderful pets and very clean. However, some people still hear the word 'Rat' and think of vermin, disease, fleas etc. Rather than mention the dreaded word straight off, I think I'd start by asking if 'small caged pets' are allowed. If they seem OK with that, then don't go into more detail unless they ask.

If they do, I'd describe them as 'Fancy Rats'. Mention how you got them from pets at home, or somewhere similar (even if you didn't) just so they get the idea that these are normal, common pets.

If you're still refused everywhere regardless, then you have to decide whether to risk not telling the landlord and hide the rats when necessary. This wouldn't be hard to do, but not everyone feels comfortable about it.

Good Luck OP.

This is brilliant! Thank you! On the application form there is the question 'Any pets?' it was simply a Yes or No, there wasn't an 'if yes please explain' so, I ticked yes and wrote on the bottom of the sheet that these are simply small caged animals. If they have any questions I#m sure they will contact me and I can explain that they are 'fancy rats' which they are little divas, they are females too which are less smelly!
Your post has helped a lot thank you