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Original poster

Would you let your tenants have a puppy?

209 replies

Creamegg11 · 16/10/2020 21:18

Just that really. Tenants moved in two months ago into my two bedroom first floor flat with a section of back garden. They hadn’t mention any wants of having a dog when the letting agents asked all prospective tenants of any requirement that they want. I just had new carpets fitted to stairs and landing last year.

Tenants offered to pay extra deposit and puppy proof the flat with covers for floors etc. What annoys me is their text saying they are planning to get a puppy instead of asking whether it’s possible. It clearly states in their tenancy contract that no pets allowed unless landlord gives consent.

I told them I have a think. I don’t want the hassle of any damage or smell to flat from a dog once they leave, offer deposit or not.

OP posts:
MuttsNutts · 17/10/2020 07:44

As someone who loves dogs and previous labrador owner, absolutely no way. Not just a lab though, I wouldn’t allow any puppies and probably not dogs either. The only exception I might make is for long-standing fabulous tenants who I was desperate to keep.

2me2u2u2me · 17/10/2020 07:48

I think you’ve made a massive mistake by replying you will have a think, you should’ve said straightaway I’m really sorry but it says in the contract no pets and I am sticking to that to protect my property.

They will now think you are being unreasonable If you say no because by thinking about it they will assume you are going to let them Hmm

Caroncanta · 17/10/2020 07:53

Just say you've that the contract says no dogs and you will be sticking with that. As they signed it then they were aware of this before they moved in.

AlwaysLatte · 17/10/2020 07:55

No. Not fair on the neighbours due to noise and not everyone is diligent enough to pick everything immediately. Not to mention puppies and carpets not mixing!
I did let a family member have cats in the house we rent up them but tbh the cats have peed on the new carpet.

Remona · 17/10/2020 07:55

I speak as a dog lover...No way Jose.

This is a recipe for disaster. I can’t believe you’re even considering it, unless you’ve never had a puppy so don’t realise the damage and mess they can cause.

I’d be pointing out the clause in their contract that says no pets allowed. I’d be concerned about them saying they’re getting a puppy. Er, not in my property you’re not.

AdriannaP · 17/10/2020 07:56

No
Your flat and carpet will stink and be damages

AlwaysLatte · 17/10/2020 07:57

Also, if they're planning a Labrador in a flat then straight away they've shown you they're not responsible dog owners.

annonymousse · 17/10/2020 07:59

If it were a mature dog I would have no problem but a puppy is unreliable on toileting and will go through a chewing stage. Far too risky as a landlord. Also if this is the tenants first puppy and they are inexperienced dog owners they may make all the promises in the world but they don't know what they're in for

TeddyIsaHe · 17/10/2020 08:00

A Labrador in a flat? They’re bonkers. And not responsible pet owners. You get a dog when the time is right for the animal, not when you want one. They’ll have to wait to buy their own place, or move somewhere bigger with a garden.

picklemewalnuts · 17/10/2020 08:01

No.

Tell them you've taken a couple of days to research, which has fully confirmed that it is not possible.

Do not say the lab is too big- that just opens the door to negotiation.

Straight no.
Animal welfare groups would not rehome to a flat.
You can't cover the cost of the damage it would cause
It would annoy other tenants.
It will prevent them moving on in future.

Absolutely not.

CottonSock · 17/10/2020 08:03

No way. Just no

NualaSays · 17/10/2020 08:04

Not a chance.

Original poster
Creamegg11 · 17/10/2020 08:08

Thanks everyone for their replies. So I emailed them the same evening as their message to say no to a puppy. I kept it nice and professional and referred them to the clause in their contract that reads no pets.

I hope they don’t go ahead and get one behind my back. It irritated me when their text says that they are planning to get a puppy and wanted to make me aware!

OP posts:
drumandthebass · 17/10/2020 08:13

NO NO NO NO NO

Caroncanta · 17/10/2020 08:13

I'd keep an eye on that, they probably will and hide the dog away when you visit. From experience though I'd serve notice immediately if they do.

LyingDogsLie1 · 17/10/2020 08:15

I’m a landlord who’s tenants have a variety of pets. Id still be inclined to say no to a pup. When tenants move in with a dog they are able to testify as to their temperament and older dogs are generally more settled. We always stipulate that dogs shouldn’t be left on their own all day and if they chew they should be crates.

HildegardeCrowe · 17/10/2020 08:15

Yes another dog owner who says absolutely no way. But agree OP, can you trust them not to go behind your back? (this has obviously soured your relationship (their fault not yours). How long is the contract? I’d be tempted not renew it when it expires.

Hardbackwriter · 17/10/2020 08:23

@Caroncanta

I'd keep an eye on that, they probably will and hide the dog away when you visit. From experience though I'd serve notice immediately if they do.
I think this too. Since they said they 'are' getting a puppy and knew the breed I suspect they've already found and paid for one.
FairFriday · 17/10/2020 08:26

If they cover damage and a deep clean (we had a ‘sneaky puppy’) in mums old flat who peed all over a cream carpet. No amount of cleaning could get the stain out.

1400spincycle · 17/10/2020 08:27

No way! Your agreement for Pets at landlords discretion might be extended to an adult cat, a hamster or fish for example ( hell even a snake!) but a Labrador puppy No fucking way!

StrangeCoat · 17/10/2020 08:28

@Creamegg11

They’re thinking of getting a Labrador. Not a small dog, I just don’t think it’s practical having a big dog in a flat.
I'm a landlord and I love dogs! I did allow tenants to have a cat once, it was an older family cat that just slept 22 hours a day, ever did any damage.

But a dog or puppy, never.

Tell them it's a firm no.

mumwon · 17/10/2020 08:35

op if they do they would be breaking the terms & conditions of tenancy which would put their tenancy at risk
This is one of the reasons why most council flats have their carpets taken out as a matter of course at the end of tenancy & leave the new tenant having to replace them

Mummyoflittledragon · 17/10/2020 08:38

No fucking way. It’s a flat. You’ve just replaced your carpets. Puppies will struggle to cope in flats. I’m a ll and former Labrador owner. They’re soppy, noisy, destructive when bored and can be difficult to train. Not to mention the noise.

You cannot unreasonably say no to a dog. But you have plenty of reasons. If they get one anyway, they will be in breach of contract.

I had tenants, who got 2 dogs because they wanted and didn’t tell me. They caused damage, left shit everywhere when they left and let the dogs trail the shit in and out of the house and made no attempt to clean. I served a S21 because they created damage. The dirty house and shit was payback imo.

Lightsabre · 17/10/2020 08:45

As a landlord you have to toughen up a bit. Glad you have said no. When the next house inspection comes along, hopefully you'll be there and will be able to tell whether there is a dog in situ. If there is then you'll have to warn them you'll be serving notice (in the correct way of course).

midnightstar66 · 17/10/2020 08:46

My pup is 7 mo the bow and hasn't destroyed a thing. You wouldn't know she existed if you came in if it weren't for her bowls, however she's tiny (Jack Russell) and a breed typically easy to train. I'd be interested in what breed as I'd allow a small dog but not a huge one. The main concern for me would be the fact they are new tenants and you don't know yet if they are good ones: my landlord thankfully agreed but I'd been here 6 years