Revoke permission for having pets

[Gloriasub]

Hi all.

Our tenancy states we can have pets, but there's a clause saying that the landlord could revoke the permission of having pets at any time upon reasonable grounds.

We are still in the fixed term contract.

The landlord revoke the permission with immediate effect. But still giving us 2 months time to find a new accommodation.

I wonder what happens if we don't relocate the pets?!

If we relocate the pets, does it mean we can still live in the house?

I believe the landlord does this so that we would surrender the tenancy early with penalty.

Thanks all

Thanks

What “reasonable grounds” did he revoke on?

Try Shelter. Have they caused damage or noise complaints?

He didn't say.
He was just saying "due to numerous issues caused by the pets in relation to cleaning and damage issues in the property, the landlord has decided to revoke clause from the contract with immediate effect."

My first reply was " we will rehome the pets and still stay in the property."
Then sent out another email "how the landlord knows if there's any damages caused by the pets as we are the only occupants in the property?
Please do let the landlord know that by saying this doesn't make it as a "reasonable ground" as stated in the contract. (We have asked our solicitor on this matter before)"
I have even asked them to send someone to the property for inspection to point out the "damage caused by pets"

So basically, they don't really have "reasonable ground"

The LL may have other properties where there have been issues so they are bringing in a blanket ban across the property portfolio

No they haven't caused any damages
Its not like they chew the whole house down or anything. lol
no one comes to see the place, how could they determine if there's any damages?!

But for noises, they do whine/bark . but not all the time constantly , not at night

@Gloriasub so to confirm, has there been any damage? Does your dog bark and whine for longer than reasonable? Because reading your op I take it they have caused damage and they are a noise nuisance.

That may be just your wording but am I correct?

no damage is caused, no they don't have separation anxiety therefore they don't bark/whine for longer than reasonable.

@Marblessolveeverything

It was the agent sending out the email saying ""due to numerous issues caused by the pets in relation to cleaning and damage issues in the property, the landlord has decided to revoke clause from the contract with immediate effect."

Ok, so it looks like a blanket ban. The LL may be involved in a dispute so wants to avoid a repeat so yes it could be deemed a reasonable action for them to take.

Someone may have complained? Barking is annoying and reasonable is different to everyone.

So what happens if we don't cooperate as in not relocating the pets?

Exactly.
isnt it needed to be inspected by someone and then to prove that this is way too much?

@Gloriasub can you offer the landlord another security deposit to cover any damage caused may be caused by your pets when your tenancy ends? Surely there must be some give and take since you already have pets as per your original contract?

I think the landlord just want us out cause we have been contacting the council to make them do repairs... we don't have a good relationship therefore I don't think the landlord will be happy with that.
Thanks for your suggestion though, I will give it a go as well . :)

This link from Shelter has information about revenge evictions if you think it is linked

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/revenge_eviction_if_you_ask_for_repairs

I would give Shelter a call for extra advice and/or speak to your local CAB.

It sounds like the LL is on shaky ground here I think with lack of evidence of his claims but so many LLs just do as they please.

Deposits are capped now so the LL shouldn’t accept an increase in deposit above the capped amount.

I am in a different jurisdiction here the ll issue notice. If you are in Uk it is likely similar. You are in breach of a condition of your contract, the contract term is arguably reasonable. They are under no obligation to issue the complaints etc. I am sorry op but I think you would be wasting money and time fighting it.

I'm so sorry that's absolutely awful, I know how hard it is to get a property that allows pets.

Thanks.

We have asked the council about it as well, he advised to be in active communication with the landlord to see if we can work things out lol

But I just don't get the part saying "revoke the permission upon reasonable grounds "

Doesn't the landlord need to prove anything before acting this clause??

No it's not criminal law where you have to prove reasonable doubt . A civil court is likely to agree that LL can decide no animals, it isn't a protected category . And a lot of LL have that provision in their contract in line with management companies so it isn't a wild requirement.

Sorry OP of the LL wants you out they have the right to commence that process. I would put your energy towards identifying a new place because of LL wants you out they will just do so with another option should this not succeed.

If that's the case, as long as I remove the pets, I can still stay in the property. Is that right?

No, the LL has the right to end the tenancy, they just have to give notice within your jurisdiction law.

By all means engage with local advocacy group but generally the best outcome is when you will need to leave not if. Sorry OP I rented for decades and it is a pain having little control.

Right
We are still in the fixed term therefore I am not going to surrender the tenancy.
If the landlord is going to terminate it any time, be my guest.

Just make sure with the local advocacy group you are covered. Every jurisdiction has nuances. Have you long left and is there a break clause in your tenancy?

The break clause starts in Feb 2025.

I will just relocate my dogs and still live in the property without the dogs. In this case, the landlord has nothing to hold against me.