Can my landlord ask me to get rid of dog due to "dog smell" in flat?

Hundeverboten

My landlord agreed to me renting a flat with a dog.

Due to lack of other options I signed the tenancy agreement that includes a clause that the landlord can tell me to remove any pets with 5 days notice at his discretion.

The estate agents insist on an inspection every 3 months and are now saying there is 'a strong doggy smell' throughout and are threatening to implement this clause.

I already have the place professionally cleaned every 2 weeks and try to do what I can but it is a small, well-sealed flat and there's not much else i can do with the place.

I don't really have the option to move.

Can the landlord reasonably implement this clause/ use it as a basis to evict?

Spies

Where is the smell coming from? I have a dog and my house doesn't smell doggy... 

EssexHebridean

The OP’s landlord might not agree with you. it’s pretty normal for people to not notice that sort of smell in their own house as they are used to it. 

Olinda99

dog or no dog, you cannot be evicted without a court order

propertyrental

Olinda99 said:

dog or no dog, you cannot be evicted without a court order

Ah! but can the dog?

Personally I've never in my life entered a dog-owner's home without being aware of the smell. And many (most?) of them swear there is no smell of dog.....

poppy12345

propertyrental said:

Olinda99 said:

dog or no dog, you cannot be evicted without a court order

Ah! but can the dog?

Personally I've never in my life entered a dog-owner's home without being aware of the smell. And many (most?) of them swear there is no smell of dog.....

I don't have a dog myself but have a friend that has 2 small ones. When I visit her home a few times a year I can't smell any dog smells and I'm not just saying it because she's a friend. I'm not a dog person to be honest. 

youth_leader

I'd have a word with your 'professional' cleaners and ask exactly what they are doing - and say changes need to be made.  Are they giving the skirting boards a scrub too?  It would be dreadful to lose your pet, I think you need to pull out all the stops.  Get the place cleaned and invite the agent immediately to see what they say.

ka7e

It may not be just the house that needs deep-cleaning, but the dog and it's bedding can be whiffy too. Some dogs are smellier than others, especially some long-haired or elderly dogs. Wash the bedding weekly and maybe get your dog professionally groomed or DIY, washing it in the sink/bath with an appropriate shampoo.

secla

lanlord would find it difficult to enforce that clause i would think, but if your out of contract could issue you with a section 21 if you dont comply.

I think asking someone to get rid of a pet due to smell is a bit daft, if theres a smell at end of tenancy then get a proffesional clean done etc.

user1977

secla said:

I think asking someone to get rid of a pet due to smell is a bit daft, if theres a smell at end of tenancy then get a proffesional clean done etc.

Yes, why does it matter if it smells during the tenancy, unless the landlord is living with you? I can't see the landlord wanting to go through the cost/hassle of trying to evict the tenant prior to the end of the tenancy (assuming no other issues), and not sure any court would go along with such a request.

annetheman

With all the best will in the world, there is always a whiff of dog in a home with a dog in it, especially in a small flat. I too find everyone who owns a dog claims their home doesn't smell like dog because they're used to it most likely!

I'm buying an ex-tenanted house that still smells of dog and they left months ago. The carpet and underlay needs ripping out and floorboards sanded - if you are not a dog person or you come from a home without the distinct dog smell, you will smell even a whiff.

I would imagine they would know this though - it seems like a harsh reason to get rid of a tenant or ask the tenant to get rid of the dog - unless they were planning to do this anyway and this is just an excuse; perhaps you can argue the "damage is done" and you'd be happy to replace the carpet at the end of the tenancy?