Pets & Renting Query?

[cleoval]

I think I read that a private landlord and Housing Associations have to allow you to keep a Cat and it is Law. Anyone know of any links that state this? I would be very grateful.

[ubasses]

It is getting it's second reading at the end of January, but could be ages before it becomes law, if it gets passed.
Also under the proposed rules, pet owners would have to pass a "responsible ownership test" before they could move in their furry friend.

[Buenchico]

There is no such law although there is a Bill currently before Parliament. (However it's got many hurdles to cross if it's ever to become law). See
https://thenegotiator.co.uk/pets-bill-rosindell/
and
https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2019-21/dogsanddomesticanimalsaccommodationandprotection.html

There is therefore currently no requirement upon private landlords to take pets. The "Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities" states:
"17.63 Housing authorities will need to be sensitive to the importance of pets to some applicants, particularly elderly people and rough sleepers who may rely on pets for companionship. Although it will not always be possible to make provision for pets, the Secretary of State recommends that housing authorities give careful consideration to this aspect when making provision for applicants who wish to retain their pet".

The CAB's advice regarding pets in rented properties can be found here:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/housing/renting-a-home-s/problems-during-a-tenancy/pets-and-service-animals-in-rented-homes

As an aside, I'll mention that my friend moved into a brand new housing association bungalow a couple of years ago. It's semi-detached, with the bungalow next door to it being virtually identical except for the fact that it's been adapted for use by a disabled person. The housing associations tenancy rules permit my friend to have pets but it prohibits their next door neighbour from doing so, which I see as discrimination against disabled people!

[cleggie]

No it is not law.A private owner can state no pets and there is nothing that states he cannot .It his is property and he can make the rules on renting it in accordance with legal requirements as long as it conforms to all safety regulations as well ie gas,electric safety.It is then upto the person looking for rented property to either accept the conditions or look elsewhere.But you can be evicted if after renting you then get a pet in without permission

[AuntPollyGrey]

I allowed one of my Tenants to have a cat and after he left it cost £2000 to repair the damage -all the wallpaper up to one metre had been scratched off, the carpets were soddened with cat urine and there were lumps of dried-up cat poo under the kitchen cabinets. No Law would prevent me from not allowing Pets, it's my private accommodation and apart from the obvious discriminations including colour creed or sexual orientation, I can choose who to have in my houses.

[ToraToraTora]

not law probably never will be and even if it is they'll still not let to people with pets anyway if they don't want to.

[wolf63]

Cats can cause quite a lot of damage to walls, woodwork and carpets. I would have thought that the owner of the property has the right to either not allow animals or to take a deposit to be used for any repairs.

I have a couple of areas in my flat where the wood has been removed by sharp claws.

[ToraToraTora]

the problem is now that it's virtually impossible to get any money out of the deposit regardless of damage. The whole system now favours the tenant. Sold all my letting properties, too much agro these days.

[KARL]

To a substantial degree I echo TTT's sentiment. We still have our rented properties as there are good long term tenants in them but I can see that if/when it comes to finding replacements the prospects will be too unattractive to continue. Rental property, at least in our area, is increasingly becoming the preserve of large companies and rents (except ours) are rising accordingly to cover the headaches. One of the current tenants, someone we knew of from before, has another year's unique permission to keep a dog in "foster" and then it must be out and complete renewal of flooring, deep cleaning is to follow at the tenant's expense.

[ToraToraTora]

yeah but how are you going to get them to pay karl? It's all but impossible to keep the deposit these days.

[cleoval]

By the way, I used to be a landlord myself 20 years ago and allowed pets myself even though it was not in my contract but I liked my tenants and the digs and cats did no damage.I am now myself a Tennant so I do not want to hear about deposits and damage,as that was not my question.Thanks.

[AuntPollyGrey]

ttt with careful planning its not difficult to keep the deposit. You photograph every room before the Tenant goes in, do an Inventory which is signed by the Tenant and do the same on departure. Then if there is a problem you send in the photos and documents to the relevant DPI. I've had three deposits retained -two at 100% and the third enough to cover the soft furnishings they took with them and a cracked window.

[Peter Pedant]

you can put in no pets rule into a lease
I am not sure if the Pets Bill will vary this

I wd be surprised if it were grounds for eviction even if it were specified it was. ( yeah yeah I know what about a five legged cat as big as a lynx that ate little babies - no dragged little babies froo da cat flap) - some still alive !

the metre damage is claimable as it is clearly NOT wear and tear

and remember folks - pet keepers are calmer esp single men, and much less likely to smoke dope pick fights and pick up prostitutes and smash the place up
so yeah i allow them

[woofgang]

I think that bill is too muddled to pass in its current form...chartism versus the anti corn law league

[Peter Pedant]

what did I read you just want an answer to your question?
. try

No Cleoval you are wrong

[Peter Pedant]

'// so I do not want to hear about deposits and damage//

oh, miss out the lynx bit then

[KARL]

Just to answer TTT's question: We don't hold a deposit on our properties, waste of time as you say and anyway a privatised vehicle to milk money in fees. Only trust is left to hang onto - either the tenant is trustworthy or not at the moment of truth.