Leasehold property states no pets, what would happen if I move in with my dogs?

[GinBunny]

I found out today that following the breakdown of my marriage I am unable to afford to keep on my house. We have a rental property that I could just about afford on my own, but it is a leasehold flat and no pets are allowed. I have 2 dogs. The property is ground floor with a small garden and is in a block of 4, not a big block.
I know it is against the terms of the lease to move them in with me but I am wondering from a legal perspective what they can actually do about it? Can they take me to court to make me get rid of them? Fine me?

AFAIK they could forfeit the lease. That would take a long time, and there would be court proceedings, and only the most stupid of people would allow it to go so far as forfeiture, but you'd be saddled with enormous legal fees in the end, and still have to get rid of the dogs.

Plus your neighbours would all hate you.

So, they can't make you get rid of the dogs, but they can ultimately get rid of you.

They can evict you and probably blacklist you. Not a good idea.

Ok, thank you. I have written to them asking if they will amend the clause given the circumstances but a few people have said "Just move in, what are they going to do about it?" so thought I should try and find out.

Best to do it lawfully otherwise they can evict you. I would never let to anyone with a dog I'm afraid. It's a huge issue for many property owners actually, not just a minor thing.

I'd move in and move out again if it became an actual problem.

We've been in a situation where we started proceedings against a leaseholder to forfeit the lease. It takes a while but it would also cost them money and make them all supremely pissed off with you. In theory you could move in while you find somewhere else and then move out before they took action but it would mean your fellow leaseholders disliked you intensely.

Just to clarify, it's a property that I own. Well, when I say own, I have a mortgage on it. It is currently rented out and I will have to evict the tenant and move in myself. So, moving out later isn't an option, the long term security of the roof over my head is more important. Sadly.
Thank you for confirming what I suspected

I see. My son was buying one like that - the lease said no pets without consent. Lots of people did have pets and we assumed it would be fairly easy to obtain consent. The lease might say you can seek consent from the residents association - his lease did so worth checking. I assumed you meant you were going to be a tenant.

Ask the freeholder for consent.