Is new LL BU saying not to DD's Hamster

[ProhibitedRodent]

Just that really...

Just about to move into bungalow. Landlord has said no pets at the last minute (wasn't mentioned previously but didn't think a Hamster would be a big issue (- particularly as there's a conservatory he can go in), and insisted that it extended to DD's Syrian Hamster Dougal.....

Obviously I'm not about to lose a much wanted house because of a Hamster.
Also yes, I do realise it is her property and she can stipulate whatever she wants (before that blatantly obvious old chestnut gets trotted out!) I also realise that yes, a Hamster is still a Pet...

However I do think it's a bit mean?! Or am I being short sighted? What damage can he do? He never leaves the cage except for when it's being cleaned out, at which point he goes in a stacking box with a toy & a treat whilst I sort it.

DD has HF ASD and loves Dougal to bits!

So is it mean? Or is it me?!

Your landlord is being unreasonable! Can you ask to put down a bigger deposit?

Could you offer a higher deposit, against any potential damage the hamster might do?

Great minds, @PinkyPrincessy!

How would ll know??

@ProhibitedRodent

LOL how daft.

I had a LL when I was a wee slip of a lass living in London many moooons ago, and HE prohibited any pets, and I had a hamster - called George if you're interested - and he never even knew about him!

Easy to hide. Just take hammy dougal, and don't tell the LL.

I guess there is:
a) the smell
b) the potential that if he escapes he will scratch carpet or chew cables
c) in winter the conservatory might be too cold.
How old is hammy? If old enough you could promise not to replace when he passes away?
Does seem a bit sad though.

Your landlord is a prick. Yanbu

In our case we say no pets because every time a new tenant wants to have a pet we have to ask the leaseholders permission. Each time we do that the management company charges us (not perspective tenant) 70 pounds admin fee. It's an absolute racket. That's each time we ask about a pet as well, they refuse to give a blanket yes or no. So we just say no pets to make life easier. It's a PITA and I love animals but it's like the leaseholders are making it difficult on purpose!

If the hamster accidentally gets out I presume to can do a lot of damage to wiring. I’ve had an escaped hamster numerous times with no damage but the possibility of damage is there and your landlord obviously doesn’t want to take that risk.

@Ffsnosexallowed Well I wouldn't want to risk it. As a disabled single parent to a 4yr old, I was bloody lucky to get this place. I've been applying for bungalows for 4 years to get out of my current 3 storey house and this is the first to accept me. Thank god as I'll be in a wheelchair by this time next year I expect

Oh and also just keep the ham. They'll never know. I had one all through uni, just stashed cage in the wardrobe when the halls people came round.

If hamsters get free they can disappear for days/ever, and chew wires and carpets. Damage could be thousands. As a landlord I would also say no (and I love hamsters). Also, conservatories are freezing in winter and super heated in summer so no good for small rodents.

No smell if hamster cleaned out regularly. Make sure he doesn't escape. Don't keep him in conservatory if cold.

I think I'm going to have to re-home him :(

I'm sorry it's so last minute, but landlord is absolutely being reasonable to say no pets, including rodents. They really can do a lot of damage.

It's only an initial 6 month tenancy so if we got found out and she decided not to renew due to losing trust, then we'll be in Council temporary accommodation (with no reference) because of a sodding Rodent!

On the one hand, I do think this is a bit mean, and it's unfair of them to state this at short notice.

On the other hand, caged pets can smell quite a lot, and some people do let them free roam. They can also cause damage if they escape, up to the point of making the building unsafe.

If you are able to, I would offer a higher deposit, and offer not to replace once the current hamster has died.

Do you have any relatives who would look after the hamster so that your daughter could still visit?

Can he go somewhere she can visit him? Could school take him, or a relative? I know it's not ideal.

So no to a caged hamster... but the tenant could live like a dirty cow and end up with mice or rats anyway🤨 bit short sighted to be honest.

We are allowed dogs so I never asked about our fish.

Maybe a friend would take the hamster? I don’t think it would be worth risking the roof over your head for.

Don't risk it for a hamster! As a LL I said no pets even rodents, in case they escape (get into sofa/chew wires/under floorboards etc) or leave a lingering smell. Hamsters wee is very smelly and plenty of people let them out for a play on the carpet. Also pets seem to lead to more pets; my friend rented her house to a family with a bunny, lived in a hutch so she said ok. Bunny produced a litter of 8 babies which kept escaping, ate all the plants (including £200 worth of tulips!) and dug under the fences causing complaints from neighbours!

Can your precious landlord give you a reference stating that the hamster caused no damage to their property?

I also kept a hamster in halls at university. I hid the cage in my wardrobe when we had inspections.

Sorry previous!

Hes being unreasonable if he previously knew about the hamster before anything was signed and said nothing. I’ve always been told when speaking about pets most LL are referring to cats & dogs but I always declair everything at the start of a new tenancy just to be safe. Hamsters if they escape can cause a fair bit of damage (ours ate every corner of the bedroom carpet and a chunk by the door plate when she escaped one night!) As others have said you have 2 choices, either offer a pet deposit to cover and potential damage it may cause or take it anyway and just don’t tell them (visits have to be pre-arranged so you could just hide it in your car for a few hours!?)

I'm allergic to everything with fur and if it were my property I'd have to say no. Perhaps your landlord is the same?