So Mr Super Tenant, you have the ear of several Landlords in this discussion.
We have identified that all tenants will claim that they have well behaved dogs and cats and promise to exercise the animals away from the rental property and replace any damage (as unlikely as they claim it will be)
We are also convinced that Previous references cannot be relied on as the past Landlord may be glad to move the tenant on as “someone else’s problem” and therefore provide a favourable report
How do we Landlords identify a bad tenant pet owner from a good one from the start before they are in the property and we are stuck with them together with all the hassle and problems that potentially occurs ??
I awaite your response with interest.
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You state it’s illegal not to accept DSS ? I’ll stand corrected but as far as I’m aware it’s illegle to “advertise”a property stating “No DSS” The final choice of who the Landlord offers the tenancy to is the property owners choice.
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I’ve given you my view on things. I’ve been polite, respectful and acknowledged the pet situation.
I’ve also given reasons regarding DSS tenants and how the law works and what I’ve seen, done and the reforms coming.
I’ve better things to do with my time than continue to engage with people like you.
I trust I make myself clear.
You can’t let them know you’re discriminating.
To cover your ass, you should make sure you ask everyone the same questions and don’t disclose a specific reason for rejection.
(Aka- if you stop asking after the tenant says they use dss, that could be actionable)
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Lee I mentioned earlier that I firmly believe that it may be illegal to advertise a property stating “No DSS” but as far as I’m aware I know of no legislation stating the Landlord HAS to let his property to any specific status.
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Correct Geoff. But beware of someone claiming discrimination if anyone does.
I 100% believe that a property owner who decides to rent it out should not be told who they can or cannot have in their home.
As a pet owner it’s really hard for me but I accept that’s the way it is and I cannot change it.
Here’s an article from a few months ago that may be of interest https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/blog.shelter.org.uk/2020/07/no-dss-landmark-court-ruling%25E2%2580%25AFdeclares%25E2%2580%25AFhousing-benefit%25E2%2580%25AFdiscrimination%25E2%2580%25AFis%25E2%2580%25AFunlawful%25E2%2580%25AF/amp/
I hope that we can now be civil to each other. I did not post on this forum for a fight. Objectively I’m on your side even though it’s detrimental to my quest to find somewhere nice to live.
Ahh that’s a shame Lee, I was just getting started. I do so like people who make such a feeble attempt to push their points
Lee, Listen carefully! You chose to have a pet, nobody forced you. Now stop trying to dictate and attempting to send Landlords on a guilt trip by telling us how hard it is for you because I for one do not feel one ounce of responsibility or sympathy for the choices other people make.
Regarding the DSS scenario, if people wish to view my properties their welcome, I’ll play by the legislated “advertising rules” however the question of choice and suitability of tenants in my property investments are entirely up to me! Not you, not politicians … me.
If however we do get forced by some weird law that some official chooses people and pets to go into any of my houses then I’ll do the same as many Landlords and sell the entire lot which will simply mean even less rental property available for people to rent … simples!
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Lee29 I hope you do find somewhere. Nothing evokes so much debate as DSS or pets . The 2 main topics of debate !!
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How do you know most pet owners are responsible people, are you a landlord with the experience to give a qualified opinion?
I’m a landlord of 20+ years standing with a large portfolio, and I can assure you responsible pet owners are not in the majority. Most I know are dishonest sneaky individuals, who sign up for a property knowing pets are not allowed and then sneak them in without permission, leave a disgusting mess, and then argue for the bond to be refunded. Then you wonder why…!
If you’re so adamant there will be no problem, buy a pet insurance or take out a separate contract for the pet and pay additional rent and respective bond, or pay ahead for special cleaning subject to receipts.
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I have worked as a builder for 50 years in many owned homes and in a lesser amount of rented homes. I have seen that 99% of the home owners kept the pets in a clean and well looked after home. When I have worked for other landlords in rented places,. I would say that the % of looked after homes dropped way down to about 50%, Mostly in the rented they had “aggresive” dogs that had to be put out of my way in order for me to work. Now that experience forms my opinion of > do I allow pets<… Our opinions are formed by our life experiences, I also have an insulation business and deliver insulation ,So I have been in hundreds of homes in my working life . It is a fact in my experience that the % of rented homes smell more than the owned homes if there is a pet involved., Pet owners will not like these coments ,but I know these are facts
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Brilliant response Chris!! I couldn’t agree with you more, well said!!!
The simple fact if the matter is that people in rented property shouldn’t expect to keep pets. It’s not their house. Yes I can well believe they are sneaky by installing a pet after they have secured the tenancy thinking that the Landlord won’t evict them.
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So sad you think so little of people who put money in your pocket. A good landlord would respect Tennant’s. I am both tenant and landlord. Never had a problem. I have found that by allowing pets they are more likely to stay around longer which means paid rent. There must be some worrying incidents, but they are the exception to the rule. Take care when assessing applicants, see them if possible in the home they are moving from. Anyone negligent can be spotted. Check the pets up to date with vaccinations and treatments. To be honest pets are less of a hassle than children. I’m a mother too and I recall the crying, tantrums, children are messy and noisy. Put a bit of knowledge and kindness and care into your choice of tenants and you will be rewarded.
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Same response as to Geoff. If a charge is made carpets can be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy or changed. Thus avoiding allergies, which by the way can in most cases can induce an asthma attack. I only charge £10 per pet. Any changes need to be agreed by me and less chance of someone going behind my back if they know they can approach me. Communication is key. Saves me from situations many report/describe.
Its nothing to do with money in Landlords pockets. I know you did not address these remarks to me . I have a couple of flats I keep empty at the moment as I can t be bothered to list them. .Its not money in pockets its up in our head, we dont want the worry of certain types of individuals who we know are likely to be more troublesome. Its not all about money its about care of property as well. So you go to a pet owners home and smell it ,see if its untidy see the pet (dog)? and ask about inoculations ? Its enough to keep up with Landlord taxes and legislation never mind the unknown world of animal inoculations and diseases
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Jean, despite your well meaning advice I think I have sufficient experience to make my own decisions on the properties in my portfolio and my way is to simply have a trouble free, hassle free and pet free life!!
Pets are “generally” bad news and with tenants rarely looking after the place as they would if it was their own it’s just a recipe for an impending disaster
I tried a tenant with pets once and I ended up with damages and costs approaching almost £6,000 which the tenant wouldn’t pay so there followed three days in court to get it resolved.
If you are happy letting to pet owners with all the crap that goes with it then fill yer boots Jean. You’ll never be short of tenants that’s for sure!!!
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There’s a very simple solution to the problem of pet risks, if tenants are so adamant that theirs will not be a problem, let them put their money where their mouth is…
Why do they think they can transfer all the responsibility to a landlord knowing full well the risks, assuming they have any modicum of common sense, after all, it’s their pet.
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Replacing carpets is a far larger expense than professional cleaning.
Replacing a hardwood floor that’s been saturated with urine for years is even larger still!
If they have an unfixed Tom who sprays the same areas of the wall often enough to get into the insulation- much bigger.
If they have a dog who destroys the doors and frames and cabinets- even more.
An exceptionally irresponsible pet owner can leave the property in such a bad state it basically has to be ripped down to the bones and rebuilt.
How expensive is that?
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Hi Ryan, I agree with your post. It beggars belief why any landlord would subject himself to abuse such as that by allowing animals into his rental property.
The other issue that hasn’t been discussed on here is the problems of evicting tenants who have pets as there are few “pet friendly” accommodations available for the outgoing tenant to relocate to. The lack of availability and choice can lead to long protracted evictions which extends the misery of housing tenants under notice to leave.
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The lease on my flat does not allow anyone to have pets, not even a live-in leaseholder. So I am not able to allow a tenant with a pet either.
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