I am in rather an awkward predicament, since my agent has met with a new tenant to sign the TA, following the properties vacation, but they are now, at the 11th hour, declaring an emotional support cat with a therapists supporting letter.
They were made aware at the viewing that pets were not accepted, and continued with their application on that basis. I’ve asked my agent to check if this therapy and support cat is a new situation that they were not previously aware of, at the time of the viewing, otherwise we have been lied to in a very devious manner, to get this property with a pet.
My question is, am I required to accept this tenant with a support cat, since I was under the impression this legislation had not yet been invoked?
As I understand It so called emotional support pets are not protected and as such no need to proceed with this tenant.
Sounds absolutely sneaky to me and would have great pleasure in refusing them on principle.
4 Likes
totally agree with mark 10 What else are they hiding?
1 Like
Agree, it makes you wonder what sort of tenants they will turn out to be.
I don’t see how they could not have been aware of their own situation/intention at the time or your situation as it was made clear to them.
Do you have a medical reason not to come into contact with an animal? I know you have an agent and maybe don’t visit that often, but you are still the landlord. Perhaps you have an allergy or a severe phobia?
1 Like
Another classic entitled attitude. Got a friend who runs a nice hotel, someone turned up with 3 ESA dogs in a pram!! Took them to room without staff knowing. Kept guests awake yapping. Ending up refunding other guests. Problem guests were ejected from hotel by police in the end. ESA are not protected in law, thank god!
3 Likes
Yes, I’m extremely allergic to cat hair. However, that doesn’t help, since I’m an absentee landlord living in Thailand… 
Some people have no respect.
Thanks for the confirmation on the legal stance.
My sentiments entirely
Couldn’t agree more.
1 Like
Hi Chris, I do remember you saying but do they know you never come back at to inspect your properties at a change of tenant? And that you use the void period to stay in yourself?
What about that dog that attacked you 30 years ago that you are still traumatised by? 
Don’t suppose that would stand up but did read somewhere if you have a reason and allergies and a phobia if animals allegedly count!!
1 Like
I’ve read that, separate to there being no protection for ESA’s, even ‘disability’ pets, e.g. guide dogs, can’t be left alone in the property - i.e. they’re meant to escort their owner away from the home at all times.
I reckon we’ll be getting tenants trying it on more and more AFTER they get the Tenancy, when it’ll be more difficult to remove them - I’ve also read the weak response from a L/L association in such a scenario - where they suggest ‘working it out together/compromising’! There’s a valid reason why L/L’s refuse pets in the first place.
4 Likes
the compromise is ,the pet goes or you all go
3 Likes
The agent has advised me they have withdrawn their application, probably since they were told we would require their permission to disclose the persons condition related to the ESA to any tenants commenting on the pet being allowed, we asked for a pet bond, a derisory 100.00 pounds, and told them they would have to pay a higher rent, and the cat could not be let loose in the communal spaces inside or outside, since they claimed it was a house cat.
They also accept the loss of their holding deposit.
All in all, a reasonable outcome, as we have enquiries and viewings arranged already, although we will most certainly be out of pocket as a result of their deceit.
Wouldn’t it be so much simpler, if the government took a common sense approach and made adequate provision for the accommodation of pets, by way of a substantial bond allowance and/or pet insurance.
3 Likes
Is the pet bond legal? I know the tenant withdrew so it doesn’t hugely matter but you do want to make sure that it isn’t an issue for you in the future. Increased rent is fair.
Absolutely ridiculous they tried to sneak this into a communal situation. Cat allergies aren’t uncommon and ESAs aren’t trained like working guide/disability animals so can have issues with other people.
I agree the government should allow pet deposits/insurance/other options.
3 Likes
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.