to ask my landlord in advance?

[DarkLightMamma]

So I have been thinking about my LG growing up with a pet, as I grew up with a cat and loved it. So I wanted to register my interest with a few local groups, but as I'm a tenant in a private rental they've asked for a letter from my landlord confirming I am able to have animals, not a problem and very responsible of them! So I speak with the agent and ask if I am allowed and if so could I have a letter confirming this, I just got a phone call back asking what animal, what breed, what size, when and why. I explained that I was thinking about it for future and it would probably be a fair few months before I were to get an animal and was told to call back when I had an animal lined up. Am I being unreasonable in my forward thinking and planning? I wanted to be a responsible tenant, now I just feel like I've caused unnecessary hassle.

I guess they're wanting to know whether you mean a goldfish or a St Bernard. Could you narrow down?

eg if you say "a normal domestic short-haired cat, say 4-6kg, allowed to go outside but I'm not going to want to fit a cat flap", or "Russian hamster in a cage in the utility room".

They might have security concerns about cat flaps/leaving windows open etc, or damage concerns about wee/scratching.

I said to them either a dog or a cat but wasn't sure, I was only trying to forward plan, which then prompted them to ask about breed and size, I said nothing big as I also have a 7 month old to take care of, medium size at the max. I felt a bit foolish trying to find out if he would accept them when I didn't have any details. I didn't want to find a cat or dog I'd fallen in love with, ask the landlord and then be told no so hoped I may be able to get some restrictions at the same time.

I'd have thought the implications for the landlord are quite different, tbh.

At least it wasn't a straight no!

Ask a vague question, get a vague answer or a request for further details

Yabu

The type on animal makes a massive difference. For example, my house rabbits are absolute assholes and destroyed the laminate floor in my old house (which we paid to be replaced).

Puppies chew woodwork and defecate on the floor.

A single adult cat will likely be toilet trained and not interested in being destructive, so most landlords who will consider pets are pretty likely to accept them.

It's ok to ask in advance, but it'd probably be worth you researching exactly which animal fits your lifestyle before asking the landlord a pretty vague question :)

I had to sign a new agreement which had to be specially written up when we got our dog.

It was called a pet lease I think...on it there are details about his size and breed.

The ll won't want to go to all that bother incase you don't ever bother I suppose.

I'm not sure what you're worried about. You've asked a question, they cannot answer with out some more information. There's a big difference between a cat and a large dog. Dogs can be unsociable to your neighbours, you may need to make your garden more secure. Cats on the other hand can damage the wildlife in the area, ie birds. They are just asking the question. If you don't know yet, they cannot give you permission.

I don't think either of you are bu. It's great you asked permission but it may be difficult to get them to agree unless the know what kind of animal you want (rabbit, massive dog, cat or snake). I can see why they have asked to see what you are looking to get before agreeing with the request.

Well, Dh and I are landlords. If our tenant asked to keep a goldfish, that would be ok. A dog or cat? No.

You realise that your LL may want you to pay extra deposit for possible damage due to scratching chewing peeing pooping hair shedding etc too don't you?

A lot of LLs will say no unfortunately, or ask for a larger security deposit to cover any potential animal related damages.

I'm a landlord. I'd be fine with a cat, but not a dog.

Can you ask the landlord directly? It sounds like this is going to the managing agent only - and I'm not sure it's gone on to the landlord more like they have some set questions that they ask.

We are LLs and are very happy to have any pets up to a large dog, on the understanding (in the tenancy agreement) that the tenant will make good any damage. But it is a garden flat so there is room for a dog. Your LL will want to know as there may be insurance issues, or if you live in a flat they may be restricted by the freehold covenants as to what type of pet they can allow.

So, maybe ring back, ask if there are any restrictions you need to be aware of, plan accordingly and then approach again with a concrete request.

FWIW- our Ts have a labrador. They are about to leave (moving abroad) and there has been some damage from chewing etc when dog was a puppy. The Ts are happy to make good (an entire door needs to be replaced!) but you may need to factor those potential costs in also.

I let a smallish flat. I have said yes to a cat (the lady who owned her was my best ever tennant).
To be honest if she'd asked for a small dog I would have tried to make an exception and accommodate her as the reports I got were that she kept the flat immaculately, was never a day late with rent and was always helpful if anyone needed access (eg access for a gas safety certificate done whilst she was there) and that she was friendly and helpful to my neighbour in the flat next to her.

I have said no to a dog to different tenants as although I could have stipulated that they made good any damage I didn't feel it was fair on the neighbours and my feeling was that they were slightly pushy on several things.

So it really does depend. The fact that it wasn't a straight no means your landlord is open to the idea which is a good thing.