getting a dog in a rented house

[kezza1973]

I rent my house via a private letting agency. The standard tennantcy agreement states no pets. The agency have done a couple of inspections in the past and don't seem to mention the large gerbil house I have. I would love to get a small dog. But should I get permission first or will the agency just say no or ask the house owner. Do people just get pets anyway or will I get evicted!

[Loosehead]

They are probably turning a blind eye to the Gerbil, I doubt they would a dog. if you take the pi55 then do not be surprised if they enforce the rules. They could well insist the pet goes or you get evicted.

[SaxyJag]

Whether you would get evicted depends very much on your landlord and how often they do inspections.

We used have a dog and a cat. The agency and the landlord gave us permission for the dog but not the cat, but never said anything if the cat was around at inspection time.

Gerbals, like hamsters and budgies, are generally no problem if they're kept properly and cages aren't left to get dirty and smelly.

Legally, though, if you haven't asked permission to keep a dog and they discover you've got one, they would be entitled to serve notice.

In your position, I would write a very nice letter to the landlord, care of the letting agency, asking if you might keep a small dog. Explain that you will keep it responsibly and ensure its good behaviour, and that you will take full responsibility for any cleaning or repairs necessitated by said dog.

You may be surprised.

[kezza1973]

thanks saxy. what a good idea. I did'nt want to phone in case they just laughed at the idea. They do a six monthly inspection and I have a very good record and keep the place spick spock. So here's hoping...

[SaxyJag]

Writing's always best. Then you have a record of stuff. If they say yes and then try to renege at some point, you have solid evidence.

[Champagne]

You do need to ask them first. They don't mind birds, fish or small pets like gerbils so much, but cats and dogs they have a problem with. This is mainly due to the hair that gets in the carpet. Plus a lot of people have pet allergies so letting the flat after you may be a problem. If you mention that you will get the carpets professionally cleaned before you leave then they may make an exception, but I very much doubt it.

[matchmade]

I've been a landlord for ten years and the reason landlords don't like pets or small children are all the obvious ones: dirt, smells, hair everywhere ruining the carpets and furniture, barking annoying the neighbours, cats fighting with the neighbours' cats, tenants seeking to cut a hole in the backdoor for a catflap, and so on. What would you say if you were letting someone else live in your house?

However I agree that negotiation is always best. Just write and ask nicely, promise to get something house-trained and neutered, and promise to make good any damage and have the carpets and floors cleaned when you move out. Say it's OK for the agents to take digital photos of the internal condition of the house so everyone can do before and after comparisons. Maybe even get the neighbours to write a note saying they don't mind. I would still say no, but you might be lucky.