Getting a Pet Whilst Currently Renting

Moosk

Hi,

I have been renting a house for 2 1/2 years. The house is great - but having always had animals, I am really missing having a pet in the house and would like to get a cat.

My tenancy agreement says I am not allowed to keep animals in the house without written agreement by the agent or the landlord. So not an out right no pets policy (but is just the agents basic copy and paste contract they use for all their properties I would think). However I am a little wary of rocking the boat!

If I asked and agreed, would this likely start a new tenancy agreement (with associated costs, extra deposits etc? I just went on to the automatic rolling monthly tenancy when my first 12 months finished, if that makes a difference.

I'm also a little scared that if I introduce this thought they may also see it as a good excuse to raise the rent (not had any increase since I moved in) and end up being priced out of my home (I worry a lot!!)

I know no one can give me a definitive answer here, so really just gauging peoples experiences I suppose. Is it likely they would just say yes or no and that's that, or is it likely to bring up a lot of additional cost, paperwork and headaches?

VintageBelle

A lot of agencies or landlords just ask for a higher deposit as pets can cause some damage so they like to ensure they are covered, therefore as long as the house is as it was when you first rented it there shouldn't be any problems.

I'm potentially facing the same issues as may have to move but already have two cats who enjoy the outdoors so I would want a cat flap as they'd go crazy if they were then confined to a house.
They can't penalise you for asking a simple question. You could offer the idea of a higher deposit upfront by finding out how much the increase in cost usually is first (so you don't offer too little or too much).

AnotherJoe

They might say yes, no, or evict you because they think you'll get one anyway.
They also might or might not raise the rent.
And if they do, that might or might not price you out of your home.

No one here can possibly know the chances of any of the above events.

Pixie5740

Moosk wrote: »

Hi,

I have been renting a house for 2 1/2 years. The house is great - but having always had animals, I am really missing having a pet in the house and would like to get a cat.

My tenancy agreement says I am not allowed to keep animals in the house without written agreement by the agent or the landlord. So not an out right no pets policy (but is just the agents basic copy and paste contract they use for all their properties I would think). However I am a little wary of rocking the boat!

If I asked and agreed, would this likely start a new tenancy agreement (with associated costs, extra deposits etc? I just went on to the automatic rolling monthly tenancy when my first 12 months finished, if that makes a difference.

I'm also a little scared that if I introduce this thought they may also see it as a good excuse to raise the rent (not had any increase since I moved in) and end up being priced out of my home (I worry a lot!!)

I know no one can give me a definitive answer here, so really just gauging peoples experiences I suppose. Is it likely they would just say yes or no and that's that, or is it likely to bring up a lot of additional cost, paperwork and headaches?

Getting a pet won't necessarily trigger a new fixed term contract. However, the landlord can impose whatever conditions he likes really.

Your rent hasn't increased in 2.5 years. Is it in line with rental properties currently on the market or is it below the market rate? I ask because as some point the landlord will have to increase the rent and if you can't afford the increase then you will have to move and that will be a lot more difficult with a cat in tow.

Sanne

Can you remember if anything was in the ad when you rented your place? Our contract says the same as yours but the agent was clear when we moved in five years ago: no pets or children!

bopsybunny

Are you furnished or unfurnished? If you own all of your own furniture, landlord will probably be more accepting. If your landlord owns the furniture they may be wary of damage and I expect they may ask for a further deposit. I used to have a cat in a rented house, furnished, but landlord was happy as it kept mice away!

Smi1er

My tenants approached me about getting a dog. It was a verbal conversation, I refused and gave the reasons why I refused.

All LL's are different. Just drop them a message/call/email but try and avoid going through the agent as I can see them asking for fees etc

Mutton_Geoff

Pixie5740 wrote: »

However, the landlord can impose whatever conditions he likes really.

No they can't. They can impose rules but cannot refuse reasonable requests.


My last tenants asked for a dog. The house was in the country so I agreed subject to them paying extra for cleaning. The house was on an acre of land, by the time they left, they had 4 dogs, 3 cats, geese, chickens and a Shetland pony.


When they left, the cleaning/replacement bill was over £5,000. They happily paid but is it an expense you really want?

Cakeguts

Landlord who have had good experiences of pet owners will probably say yes to a pet. However landlords where the tenant has left the property with cat pee everywhere will probably be less keen. It is generally down to the pet owner to pay for any damage caused by the pet but some people will try to get away with a quick clean of the carpets and conveniently forget that the underlay and floor were soaked by "a little accident."

bouicca21

You may be fine with the current LL but what happens if you have to move to another rental?

TamsinC

My daughter has been in rentals and has a cat - it is difficult finding LLs that will rent to her but not impossible - she pays an extra deposit and is liable for any damage. It's not impossible.