Buying a new build leasehold flat- Pets policy

jmmo20

We actually had exactly the same issue with a very nice flat in Cambridge.. top flat with a huge terrace spanning the entire length of the flat.

1) BBQ was bc of firerisk as the balcony/terrace was decked. there was no way around that
2) Pets, we asked the developer and they said they would be happy to add an exception 

However we decided the leasehold and high service charges were not worth it and ended up buying a new build townhouse. 

wksd

Who is your freeholder/ management co? Are they small or a big company? Definitely worth checking.

We bought a flat (GF) with the same clause, the freehold was sold to Eagerstates/Assethold Ltd the most dodgy people in the world. We got a dog and just didn't tell them, she's well behaved, small block so all neighbours agreed to us getting her and were happy. We knew we were moving house though in a year as soon as we could sell.

dpenney22

We have been very lucky and before we have signed anything or agreed, we have managed to get a written letter of consent from the developer to say that we are allowed to have a dog. At least now I can fully do the research and guage the neighbours once we move in, as to wether it's a good idea to get one but I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be completely ruled out! 

Majoggy

SuperHan said:

We had permission denied for house rabbits, as there was a risk they could get to pipes and chew through them and cause a flood...
Even if you got permission for the dog, it would only take one complaint about barking for them to revoke it - then what would you do?

It doesn't sound like a leasehold flat (or at least this one) is for you. 

We have house rabbits - we never asked permission. Don't know how the neighbours would ever find out to be honest? 

The idea of rabbits flooding the flat by chewing through water pipes is laughable. 

Chewing through our internet cable, sure.

SaintJudy

I'm having this exact worry at the moment, I'm a FTB with 2 cats and am looking at buying a leasehold flat. I would never give them up but I'm worried about finding somewhere where they're allowed. @dpenney22 at which point did you receive the paperwork of the lease to check through? I'm also worried about having to spend money before I get to the point where I have the actual paperwork so I can check. The leaseholder casually assured me she 'didn't think there'd be a problem' with pets but I don't want to waste money before I find out for sure 

NameUnavailable

SaintJudy said:

I'm having this exact worry at the moment, I'm a FTB with 2 cats and am looking at buying a leasehold flat. I would never give them up but I'm worried about finding somewhere where they're allowed. @dpenney22 at which point did you receive the paperwork of the lease to check through? I'm also worried about having to spend money before I get to the point where I have the actual paperwork so I can check. The leaseholder casually assured me she 'didn't think there'd be a problem' with pets but I don't want to waste money before I find out for sure 

The leaseholder SHOULD have a copy of their lease. Ask to see it.

NameUnavailable

penners324 said:

Bit cruel keeping a dog in a flat.

Not really, as long as it is exercised and taken out to let it do it's business regularly. There's lots of animals kept in houses with gardens that are treated cruelly but that is down to the owners not where they live.

In the 1960's someone kept a pet lion in a flat in Chelsea!