Getting a Pet Whilst Currently Renting

fishpond

Get a tortoise or even stick insects.
A cat or Dog, big NO from me.
Last Dog cost the x tenant £2000, me £6000.
New carpets and underlay all through a 4 bed house. Not the dogs fault it was never let out.

[Deleted User]

But a responsible tenant with a modicum of DIY skills will be able to repair any slight damage a cat can do. I wouldn't think putting in cat flaps was a good idea but cats tend to do little damage as long as the owner replaces cat litter. Carpets can be sprayed with good flea sprays (see amazon reviews of flea sprays) etc. Its more about the tenant, not the pet. I have two dogs, but didn't work, never had a problem with dog damage. Dog owners who work all day are more of a problem.

The above example is a bit extreme. The OP is talking about one cat.

FBaby

Little damage? My cats have scratched doors and window frames, weed and liked on carpets when they were old. In my owned house so my choice but I certainly wouldn't say that they don't damage property!

WibblyGirly

I have a cat. It is harder to find properties that allow them. Our first rental said no pets but we asked permission and it was granted. We just had to pay an extra £200 into the deposit ( which was added to the protected deposit) We never had a new contract etc.

Those mentioned cats peeing in the house. My cat has never peed on a carpet or wooden floor while I've had him. (What he did before I got him I'll never know) so not all cats do that. He did claw at the doors and carpet in our first house but we put them right before moving out and got all our deposit back. He was an indoor cat in that house though, since he's been allowed out he barely ever claws at carpets or the furniture.

Before asking the landlord, I'd consider what type of cat you want and what lifestyle it will have. Theres a huge difference between kittens, a 3 year old and a 10 year old cat.

mangog

My most recent landlord let us get a cat on the understanding that we'd have the carpets professionally cleaned on vacating the property. Previous landlords have let me have pets after paying an additional deposit to cover any damage (£50 for caged rodents). Just depends on the landlord I think!

nearlynomadic

If you do get a cat, consider not only this flat but what will happen if you want or need to move to a different rental property.

I don't have permission for the dog in current property (long story; the dog quite literally came with the house; thankfully he hasn't caused any damage) and am in the process of moving to another place - this time with permission for a dog. I'd estimate that only 1-2% of the properties I'd normally consider were actually open to me. I found somewhere in the end, but compromises had to be made and it took 3 months. It's a good job I love the dog!

InterestedParty2018

What I think the above responses give you a clear indication that there is "no precedent" which can help guide you. The decision is your entirely your landlords. If s/he has had good or bad experiences in the past, it will impact and influence their decision for you.

Here are some of my thoughts:

- Unless your tenancy goes on to say "consent not to be unreasonably withheld", I wouldn't have thought your landlord has to offer a reason if s/he declines your request for permission.
- The landlord can not simply vary the tenancy terms and/or rent because of the pet. Any changes would need to be done in accordance with the law. The landlord, if in agreement to having a pet, may add some caveats to the consent; ie increased deposit, that consent can be retracted if any complaints etc.

Something for you to think about:

If you are granted consent, great. However, if your landlord wishes to end the tenancy (following all the correct procedures), then you will need to find a new landlord who will accept pets from the start. Your choice of homes will be significantly reduced.

If you genuinely do want a cat, your home is suitable and you are prepared for associated costs (ie increased deposit, additional cleaning at the end of the tenancy etc) - ask the landlord.
Be clear that you have not yet started looking for a cat, but you are simply starting with an enquiry. Also make it clear that if the answer is "no", that you have no intention of proceeding.

debz1941

Iv lived in my flat for 5 years. Iv just had my yearly flat inspection. my landlord agreed I could have a cat and paid the appropriate extra deposit.
my cat us a therapy cat as I have bi-polar.
my landlord has just contacted vua letter stating he is selling the property. another landlord is taking over and is willing to take me on as a sitting tenant.
no mention has been made regarding my pet who has lived with me in tge flat for the past 5 years.
where do I stand. I'm really stressed out. I have no idea who the new landlord u s yet as sale us still going through. I will not give up my pet. where do I stand legally.

csgohan4

debz1941 wrote: »

Iv lived in my flat for 5 years. Iv just had my yearly flat inspection. my landlord agreed I could have a cat and paid the appropriate extra deposit.
my cat us a therapy cat as I have bi-polar.
my landlord has just contacted vua letter stating he is selling the property. another landlord is taking over and is willing to take me on as a sitting tenant.
no mention has been made regarding my pet who has lived with me in tge flat for the past 5 years.
where do I stand. I'm really stressed out. I have no idea who the new landlord u s yet as sale us still going through. I will not give up my pet. where do I stand legally.

You've already created your own thread, so you duplicated and people have answered


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5900670/already-have-a-pet-landlord-selling