Selling our home and renting with a family and dog

[LucyA2008]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from renters or landlords here. We’re currently in the process of selling our home and planning to rent in a new area (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells) for 1-2 years. Our budget is up to £3,500 per month. The goal is to get a feel for the area and remain chain-free when we’re ready to buy again.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a lot of competition for family homes in this price range and area?
2. How challenging is it to find a landlord who allows dogs? Our dog is 5 years old, fully house-trained, and very well-behaved.

Many of the listings we’ve seen don’t mention pets. A few explicitly state “no pets,” but does that mean others might be open to considering a dog?

I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from anyone with experience. Thanks in advance!

Not in your area but rented with 2 dogs. I paid a higher deposit (dog tax) and was also clear that I would pay for any damage done by dogs (there wasn't any). I would always contact landlords and ask about properties even if they said no dogs, explaining above, as we were highly desirable tenants.
My last landlord wanted to meet the dogs before agreeing. It was love at first sight and I think he rented to them not me. He even put in a dog door for me ! 😂

I've been in this position and unless it explicitly says no pets, then I've always just not mentioned the dog to begin with and then told them we've got a dog a few months in. As long as you leave the house in the same condition you got it, I don't see the problem. We're also landlords ourselves and have lots of tenants who get pets - it's not an issue unless they damage the house.

Morning can I be the first to say don’t do it? Sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear. Private rented is so competitive everywhere, you may find that if other applicants have no pets they will be successful over you - no matter how well behaved your dog is.

Some landlords also prefer no children although I’m not sure they are allowed to advertise it!

It’s really difficult to find a good landlord. I’ve lived in private rented all my adult life & just (a week ago!) finally brought my own home. I would never willingly go back to rented. I’ve had landlords sell under me, refuse to complete repairs or wait months for basic but essential things to be done. It’s really stressful. Your family will have no guarantee of stability whilst you rent. I’ve moved on average every 2 years, the shortest was 6 months as the house & landlord was a total nightmare. If it’s just a quick 6 months you might be ok but you may struggle to find anywhere half decent especially with a dog. Sorry I know it’s not what you particularly asked or wanted to hear.

edited to say please don’t not mention the dog, you will be in breach of contract & risk having your tenancy ended when they find out.

wishing you the best of luck x