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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

NDN said I can’t get a dog

117 replies

Bluelily87 · 22/09/2018 19:56

This is my first post but have been lurking for a while.

My DP and I own a flat which is a first floor maisonette in London. We have been talking about getting a puppy for a while but haven’t yet taken the plunge. We are currently looking after a friend’s dog while she is on holiday and thought we would treat it as a bit of a trial run (although we know a puppy would be much more work). So far it has gone really well.

So downstairs have moved in fairly recently and are renting. I bumped into the guy as I was returning from a walk with friend’s ddog. He told me that he girlfriend was allergic and didn’t know we had a dog when they moved in. I said we were only looking after him for 2 weeks but we’re thinking of getting a puppy in the near future. He told me I couldn’t and he would sue me if I did. I was very taken aback and basically said nothing and went into my flat.

AIBU in thinking that we can get a dog if we want? There is a small communal corridor then our flats and gardens are obviously complete separate. I’m the only one who cleans the communal corridor anyway and I don’t mind doing this even daily if that helps. I don’t want to make anyone ill but we’ve had the dog here for over a week and she’s been fine. Just don’t know what to do as I really want a dog

OP posts:
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8
UnicornSparkles1 · 22/09/2018 20:18

Don't engage with crazy.

Get your dog and have as little to do with downstairs as possible.

Notacluewhatthisis · 22/09/2018 20:19

Cockerpoos can be hit and miss regarding allergies.

Get one. I wouldn't even tell him you were. Chances are that they will only know when they see it.

If she didn't know there was already a dog in building for the last week, her allergy isn't that bad it should impact everyone else in the building. And tbh, if it was thay baf they should rent somewhere that doesn't allow pets in the building.

billybagpuss · 22/09/2018 20:19

We bought a new build flat years ago and wanted a cat, the builders were the original leaseholders and when all the flats were sold it passed to the collective homeowners. We were able to get the lease amended to specify cats allowed before all the flats were sold, it was a long time ago. Check there are no specific details in the lease as if there are you will need agreement from all of them to change it. At the time the standard was to specify no pets

NotACleverName · 22/09/2018 20:20

If there's nothing stopping you from getting one, get the biggest dog you can. Just to see your neighbour's reaction.

ResistanceIsNecessary · 22/09/2018 20:20

If your deeds don't restrict pet ownership and you are both available to look after a dog without leaving it alone all day, then go for it and he can fuck off. If he doesn't like it then by all means he can try and sue you - and be laughed out of a solicitor's office. If it bothers them that much then as renters it's easy enough for them to vote with their feet.

eggstoast · 22/09/2018 20:21

I wouldn’t say anything to him, you’re not looking for his blessing.
Providing dog doesn’t cause nuisance I.e. barking, dog mess etc.. he’s being ridiculous.
How does his girlfriend cope sharing public spaces with all them dogs?

JayZed · 22/09/2018 20:21

I'd be getting 101 Dalmatians just to spite the fucker

RubyWho · 22/09/2018 20:22

My NDN and I share a garden (victorian terrace, tiny garden, it's shared)and she spoke to be about getting a dog before she got one. I am highly allergic to dogs, which I told her, but ultimately it was her choice to get one and there's nothing I could do. She got one, and whenever it's in the shared garden (often) I can't use it. However, thems the breaks.

LoveAGoodChat · 22/09/2018 20:23

So do you think I should tell him we are getting a dog when the time comes or just get one and ignore him? I don’t bump into them very often

Just get one without telling him, if you tell him and he knows the dog is there he may start making up stuff saying your dog is loud and keeping him awake or that it's vicious and tried to bite him etc in an effort to make things difficult for you...

Just get the dog and say nothing to him, then when he eventually notices it's there, point out it hadn't affected his allergies and he can't complain it's a nuisance as it has lived there for X amount of time without bothering him

Bluetrews25 · 22/09/2018 20:23

Does he plan to sue everyone walking past with a dog, too? Not like you live in the same flat! Perhaps he should have bought a detached house in the middle of nowhere if it's that bad? Is he a controlling bully inside his home as well as outside? That's a bit worrying.

mumsastudent · 22/09/2018 20:25

just curious how does he manage the rest of the world -guide dogs can use public transport after all (& so they should) He is just being nasty ignore

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 22/09/2018 20:25

Where do you live op and I will pop round?? ...

NDN said I can’t get a dog
musmusculus · 22/09/2018 20:25

this depends on your freehold situation. I lived in a building with 6 flats, all a share of the freehold. Each homeowner was part of some ridiculous committee that put in place their own rules about pet ownership, such nonsense but it meant I was unable to have my dog stay over despite the landlord being fine with it (rented 2nd home working away in the week situation).

He can't sue you for having a pet.

sonjadog · 22/09/2018 20:26

No, don´t say anything to him. Then you are opening up for him to have an opinion on your dog ownership. Make it clear that he doesn't have any sort of say in the matter.

Wolfiefan · 22/09/2018 20:26

Or us OP Grin

NDN said I can’t get a dog
StrangeLookingParasite · 22/09/2018 20:31

Wow, who does he think he is, the arrogant little dickhead?
Get a dog and say nothing.

HoleyCoMoley · 22/09/2018 20:31

If they are renting they.May not be in the management commuttee. Have you go t a committwe. Ask the chairman about pets. If there is.no restriction he can't do.anything. Don't tell him.

FlotSHAMnJetson · 22/09/2018 20:32

We've just got a cockerpoo because they are generally low allergy

I thought statistically it was a low % of the litter that turned out to be low allergy and that without testing the specific dog (not the litter, the dog) you couldn't be sure of how allergenic it was?

Wolfiefan · 22/09/2018 20:33

Many people aren’t allergic to the actual fur but saliva etc.

IDrinkAndISewThings · 22/09/2018 20:33

His girlfriend has allergies, aye? Aka 'I don't like dogs'
Tough shite, enjoy your new dog when you get it

Bookishandblondish · 22/09/2018 20:34

However, a first floor maisonette will be hard with a puppy. Have you considered the logistics of toilet training?

Older (house trained) dog - maybe

SausageOnAFork · 22/09/2018 20:36

Let him sue. It’ll be fun to watch.

Mishappening · 22/09/2018 20:37

I think there is something to be said for considering the feelings of your neighbours.

sodabreadjam · 22/09/2018 20:38

If you have a health issue you don't get to dictate how everyone else conducts their lives. He sounds like a bully.

Good luck to him employing a lawyer to sue you. What exactly does he plan to sue you for? Getting a dog without his permission?

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 22/09/2018 20:40

Or suggest he gets a new gf??

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