Locking for advice as a tenant

[LadybirdFoxySpots]

We’ve recently moved in to a rental property which has a huge skylight in the kitchen, measuring 6 x 2 m. In theory, lovely, it lets in lots of light. The reality is it’s a nightmare, the house heats up to 35C in an instant the second the sun comes out, even on a cool day of 10C. Our dog risks suffering from heat stroke (he’s a thick coat breed), and as a result we can’t leave the dog alone in the house because of the risk….which also isn’t possible, I can’t take my dog everywhere with me! The skylight doesn’t have blinds and does not open. It is not possible to fix blinds to it due to the design. We’ve looked into UV blocker film, the owner will allow it but refuses to pay for it. I feel we shouldn’t have to pay for something that remedies the heat issues and will benefit the owner in the long term.

Does anyone know if I have any legal footing to require her to pay for shade over this window? I have no idea where I stand. It’s a nice property, and we already pay a lot for rent.

I've just had a quick Google, you can buy heat reduction film by the metre and it isn't very expensive.
I don't know about the legal aspect of who has to do what , but to protect your poor dog as quickly as possible with the weather we're going to have, I think you should buy it and apply it yourselves

The are videos and help online, it isn't very difficult.

OP, I am a tenant with an excellent relationship with the owner. Considering she leaves less than half a mile from me, I rarely see her. My home is lovely in the summer, but very cold in the winter with all electric so very expensive to heat the house, therefore my adaptions to keep myself warm have all been covered by me. I chose the property knowing it was all electric.

To answer your point about the skylight, I am of the mind you will have to cover the cost of the UV film as it is a cosmetic requirement rather than a legal one.

I can't see for a moment that your landlord is responsible for ensuring the comfort of your pet. In any event, to protect your pet, I would remedy this ASAP as per the PP.

I’m all for holding landlords accountable but it isn’t their problem that your dog overheats. You chose the property, with the skylight.

Why can't the dog go into another room?
But if you want the dog to stay in the kitchen, it's totally your responsibility to put up shading to keep them cool. As pp have said, it's not expensive and doesn't look difficult.
Or move.

can’t advise re landlord, but would recommend the film, there are different sorts depending if the glass is double or triple glazed. (If double it goes on inside, if triple you need the external type). X

I’d just do it myself. There’s no point arguing over it with the landlord as they don’t have to provide extras. If I was concerned about my dog, I’d buy it and sort it asap.

You really are unreasonable. The situation is your doing all together. YOU chose a house with the skylight. You could have done your research before and decide it wasn't right for your family.

You are choosing to allow your dog into the room. Even if it's open space, you could put a gate or lock your dog in another room.

You are giving tenants a bad name with the sense of entitlement that your landlord should accommodate your lifestyle by paying for the blinds. You are lucky to have found a landlord accepting a dog and ok for you to put blinds.

You need to move the dog and buy the film.

No, of course it isn’t the landlord’s responsibility to carry out cosmetic works to make your dog feel more comfortable.

Why not just put a gate to stop the dog going into the kitchen?

In a nutshell...Your dog, your problem.

either they or previous tenants didn't need it, so assuming she'll benefit in the long run is ridiculous.

this is so your dog can be in that area. This is your cost. Cheaper than doggy day care!

Would you think that your LL needs to pay for your curtains because the sun is coming through the window?

Redboxer321 The whole ground floor is open plan so this isn’t an option

Delici It’s a fully furnished property with curtains, so yes!

I can't see how she'd be legally required to do this no

I think you'll have to sort this one out yourself

Can’t you leave dog in the garden with water and a sprinkler on?

For those who have given helpful advice, thank you, i appreciate it…I was hoping we’d have some backing in rental law but if you think this isn't the case then so be it. We’re first time renters, we’re only renting for a year or so while we relocate which is why I’m reluctant to pay for house improvements, but if it’s the only way then this is what we’ll do. Until then the dog will continue to come with me whenever it’s sunny!

Unfortunately I can’t move the dog to another room, the whole house is open plan, so no doors to close other than the bedrooms. The heat goes through the house in minutes, and it has floor to ceiling south facing windows in the bedrooms too. Lovely design feature, terrible for solar gain.

For the haters, I’m bemused as to why you bother…this is a post about WINDOWS, lol. You should try using your dark energy for something worth being angry about, there’s plenty out there and you might make yourself feel better, rather than trying to spread the hate.

Wishing you all a sunny summer, even though we’ll be melting here ! 😂

We’re first time renters, we’re only renting for a year or so while we relocate which is why I’m reluctant to pay for house improvements

🤣🤣

come on, it's some window film so you can leave your dog at home,not an extension!