Dog in leasehold flat - freeholder permission

splenetic

the 'no pets' clause.

There is no blanket 'no pets' clause, pets just require permission from the freeholder. The FH's stated policy is to consider every such request on an individual basis.

But each to their own – fair enough, some people don’t like dogs no matter what. In my mind there is a world of difference between a small, docile dog that I don't even notice and a massive dog that barks incessantly and constantly fouls in the communal areas. It seems wrong to tar both with the same brush.

Ramouth

splenetic said:

Hi another_casualty, thanks for your response. It’s a one-bed (spacious, but I know that’s not exactly in our favour) in a block of 6. Ground floor, has a private garden. Relations with the neighbours are amicable and friendly, pretty much live and let live. My best guess is that an occasional bark would be tolerated without problems, and I would not put up with more than that myself. Sound insulation is fairly good.

I know of only one other pet on the entire premises, that’s a cat (there’s other blocks like ours nearby, under the same management). No other dogs as far as I can tell (doesn’t bode well, I know).

I guess we would eventually settle for a cat, though we do very much look for that kind of companionship that only comes with a dog. Many thanks!

I hope you are successful but if you can’t have a dog you should be able to get a cat suits you well.  If you get an adult cat from a rescue you will know what kind of personality they have and will be able to choose one that is more doglike and interested in people.  

Ours is very chatty and friendly and likes to be in the room with us.  She doesn’t come for walks but will follow us around the block.  She is not quite as quick to greet us when we get home as a dog would be (because she needs to have a really good stretch first!) but is generally there by the time we have taken our shoes off.  A pretty good dog substitute!  

Apologies if this is slightly off topic - I’m slightly obsessed!

another_casualty

One thing I think I should mention about cats ; please don’t consider if you are living very near a busy road. One of my neighbours next door (who is one of the directions of the small block of converted flats),had 2 and both got hit by cars apparently. We have a road which tends to be busy at times , and tbh he should have known better. 

Inside cats/ ex rescue would be my choice ..

eddddy

splenetic said:

There is no blanket 'no pets' clause, pets just require permission from the freeholder. The FH's stated policy is to consider every such request on an individual basis.

The freeholder should only really look at considerations like 'Detriment to the freeholder' and  'Detriment to other leaseholders' (For example, loss of enjoyment due to noise, smell, muddy footprints in communal areas.)


And, for example, the freeholder shouldn't look at things like whether you'd be a good owner; whether you need company; whether your flat is big enough for a dog, etc.


But one thing to consider... consent is usually granted on condition that the pet doesn't cause detriment/annoyance to other leaseholders. So if another leaseholder complains to the freeholder, consent might be revoked.

Obviously, the worst case scenario is if another leaseholder complains to the freeholder about the pet out of spite (e.g. because they're upset about something unrelated). You then have to battle to keep your pet.

ripplyuk

If the freeholder doesn’t respond, you’ll either have to go to a tribunal which will be time-consuming and expensive or just go ahead and get the dog. I would definitely get the neighbour’s opinions first if you choose the latter option. 

Also, don’t make the mistake of assuming small dog = less hassle/noise/exercise. My experience has been the exact opposite and I’ve seen so many people make this mistake. A retired greyhound can be perfect for a flat. They’re couch potatoes at home, quiet and don’t need much exercise. Have a look at the greyhound trust. This would have the added benefit in that, if ever you couldn’t keep the dog, the trust will take it back. 

HRH_MUngo

Pets may not be allowed by the freeholder (not necessarily the same person as your landlord).  I know they are not in the block of flats where our  flat is.  Even if I lived there myself I would not be allowed to have a pet.

eddddy

HRH_MUngo said:

Pets may not be allowed by the freeholder (not necessarily the same person as your landlord).  I know they are not in the block of flats where our  flat is.  Even if I lived there myself I would not be allowed to have a pet.

The OP is a leaseholder and has checked their lease.

Are you talking about intermediate leases (or headleases) with intermediate landlords? Or did you mis-read and think the OP was renting the flat as a tenant?

m4x1ne

I hope the freeholder grants permission so you can have a dog, sorry I don't have advice on how long to wait for and what to do if they say no. I do realise this is not what you're asking advice on but: if the freeholder says yes to cats but no to dogs, bengals are basically dogs in cats bodies very chatty, very family-oriented and loving, and a commitment in a similar way to dogs (can't be left alone for long periods etc). 

HRH_MUngo

@eddddy, I assumed the flat was leasehold and that the OP rented it from the leaseholder. Sorry, I got muddled.

splenetic

another_casualty said: ... please don’t consider if you are living very near a busy road. ...

Thanks another_casualty. We are right next to a very busy main road unfortunately. We had an outdoor cat when we were still living in a rural area and I know for a fact that I would not be able to keep an outdoor cat where we live now. The neighbours' cat I mentioned in one of the posts above roams around outside; I honestly don’t know how she survives. She’s very skittish and cautious though and doesn’t stray from a few set paths.

If we get a cat, it’ll have to be a “15 year old one-eyed couch potato”, as my partner keeps joking :-) Yes, it’ll definitely be an indoor rescue.