Dog wanted in rental property

mel_dixy64

My landlady says I can have a dog but is looking to charge me extra for damage that may occur. My question is can she withhold my deposit or charge me a premium when my carpet is over 12 years old and was thin and stained when I moved in 3 years ago?

theartfullodger

Assuming you are tenant no lodger, agree to pay an extra deposit.  She will likely not realise she MUST protect the whole deposit (original + dog deposit - last bit sounds unpleasant).  You can then sue her for up to 3x total deposit & she'll find it even harder to evict you.

Artful: Landlord

Hasbeen

mel_dixy64 said:

My landlady says I can have a dog but is looking to charge me extra for damage that may occur. My question is can she withhold my deposit or charge me a premium when my carpet is over 12 years old and was thin and stained when I moved in 3 years ago?

Charge you extra for: more rent? more deposit? or for any damage? You are probably talking about getting a puppy? there will be damage! Any damages should be taken out of your original deposit? If more than that? then you will have a problem?

greatcrested

* she can charge you extra- eg in rent

* she can increase the deposit, but only within the limit introduced last year in the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (5 weeks rent)

* any increased depositmust be protected

* You are right that damage to a carpet mut be ofset by its age - see 'betterment'

* but it's not just the carpet that might be damaged. other furnishings, wooden flooring, paintwork, and potential issue with fleas etc

HampshireH

Just remember if she serves you notice at any time you may struggle to find another place which takes dogs. They seem very few and far between 

mel_dixy64

Thanks everyone, not looking to get a puppy but a rescue. Your replies have been helpful.

theartfullodger

Good for you going with the rescue, best breed going!

greatcrested

MMmmm. Might make a change from cake.....

hazyjo

Presume a house not a flat? Only if  leasehold, there may be restrictions on getting a pet anyway.

Davesnave

theartfullodger said:

Good for you going with the rescue, best breed going!

I know 3 rescue dogs. They all have behavioural problems. Harsh but true that many people cannot teach an old dog new behaviour. Of course, the experts and dog whisperers can, but the rest of us are merely human.

onwards&upwards

Davesnave said:

theartfullodger said:

Good for you going with the rescue, best breed going!

I know 3 rescue dogs. They all have behavioural problems. Harsh but true that many people cannot teach an old dog new behaviour. Of course, the experts and dog whisperers can, but the rest of us are merely human.

Oh rubbish, most rescue dogs are perfectly fine with just basic training that anybody can do. 

Training puppies is no easier, if you want to do it well.