What’s the best way to ask landlady whether I can get a dog?

[ABitOfAShitShow]

So she’s never actually said no dogs but I got this place before it was on the market so I never got to know whether it was outlined as no-go. That said, I have a feeling it won’t be what she wants. I know I have to just ask but does anyone have any thoughts on how to go about it in a way that might improve my chances of success.

I’ve been here a little over 2 months, I’ve made the place really beautiful and look after it incredibly well. She’s never seen this with her own eyes though (although I’d be happy to let her). Not sure if there’s something in that that would make her more likely to say yes (because she knows I won’t allow the place to go to ruin).

Any thoughts?

If your contract doesn't say no dogs, why ask?

I think I have to, don’t I? Just because I don’t own the flat?

I would leave it a little longer maybe, then ask. We signed a contract saying no pets, but we've been here a few years and we're good tenants, he has allowed us to have a cat and dog.

I don't think it makes any difference. My home was immaculate (I even had one of those nobby home accounts on Instagram!) and my twat of a landlord still said no.

I think all you can do is ask nicely, explain the research you've done in to the breed, and hope for the best.

Good luck! Everyone deserves to have the joy a pet brings x

Although, check the contract because if it doesn't say no pets then you dont have to ask

As others have said let her get to know you. Show her what you have done and how her property is in safe hands. There are some terrible disrespectful tenants and you don't know what her experiences have been. The problem is never the pet but the owner. Show her she can trust you

You've only been there a couple of months, I'd wait. We had been tenants here for over 12 months before we asked about the possibility of having a dog here too and chickens.

You need to be so careful, finding rental properties that accept pets are few and far between, what happens if she says yes, but you need to move in a year or two.. it really could be difficult:(

Well, I think you have a discussion in which you say what type of dog, put forward the idea of a higher deposit and a professional deep clean after you leave and then let her consider.

If she says no, which of course she is absolutely entitled to do, then there's your answer. When the current tenancy comes to an end ask letting agents to find you a place that doesn't have a pet restriction.

And that's a very good point @fussygalore118, you'd have potentially 14 years with some breeds. Long time if your next move isn't your own property.

In addition to waiting a while longer, if it's a flat then it may not be up to the owner but may be specified in the lease for the flat itself.

I usually let tenants have a dog, they don’t do that much damage and it makes it harder for them to find somewhere else as most landlords don’t like them. Any damage could be sorted with a new coat of paint and new carpet which you do anyway. Just ask her “Can I have a dog please”.

Thanks, all. My next move is likely to be buying somewhere but not for maybe a year.

It IS a bit trickier that the boyfriend just moved out (we were planning to get one together, if allowed, and obviously care coverage would have been easier) but I’m wfh a lot, have a best mate who would have him when I go away, can stretch to fund daycare when I’m in the office, etc…

I’m desperately missing having a dog and the company in an empty house now would be even more incredible.

Also, I moved into a rental in about February where the previous tenant had owned pets and the LL had had a clean done. Place looked immaculate, didn't smell although the carpets by doors was tatty.

All was well until about July, blisteringly hot week. After a few days the place was literally jumping with fleas, which I discovered walking across the sitting room in white trainers I had to get an exterminator in to bomb the entire place. He said despite the clean the eggs can lay in the edges by skirting boards or in laminate just waiting for perfect conditions.

@FourTurnings Interesting. I hadn’t thought of that. (And she has no idea I might be planning to buy at some point.)

It’s a hall floor flat in a 3 storey converted house. I have my own front door and front garden. Just so you can picture the set up with the neighbours.

www.gov.uk/government/news/new-standard-tenancy-agreement-to-help-renters-with-well-behaved-pets

If she says no, that’s it really and you should accept it ( although there isn’t actually a lot any LL can do if you decide to get one anyway) but best avoid the hassle and work towards a place a your own. If it’s any consolation I’m waiting til I retire to get my dream Staffy 😀

Honestly if you’ve been there for 2 months and are planning on buying in 12 id just wait till then

I’ve had dogs in rentals previously.

Generally I offered to get the house professionally flea treated prior to leaving (and provide evidence as such) as well as the carpets professionally cleaned and added an additional deposit to provide peace of mind over any worries over damage etc. I also added that it was a small dog and hypoallergenic and non-shedding, although this would of course depend on which dog you were thinking about

I don't think you're allowed to pay a higher deposit anymore

I hear all of you but this is my version of kids and I’ve been ‘broody’ as hell for a long time. I have so much love to give to a pup and I finally can be around enough to have one.

@cleowasmycat I did not know that!

@IDontDrinkTea I didn’t even think of the flea treating so that’s really useful to mention!

Really appreciating all of this input btw.

If it’s a flat the freehold may have a condition that the leaseholders (ie your landlord) isn’t allowed a pet. If it’s share or freehold the landlord has to ask the other freeholders. You absolutely have to ask as you may be breaching the terms of your landlord’s lease, regardless of if your AST doesn’t mention pets.

Excuse the typos, the heat is making me loopy!