How to buy a flat if you have a dog?

[HaroldTheStallion]

We are downsizing and would like to buy a flat in London. However we have a dog - she's 3 years old, housebroken, and will be taken out 3 times a day for her walks and to do the toilet (more if she needs it of course). But I've recently realised that for some leasehold flats there is a clause saying no pets allowed.

How do we find out if a flat allows pets- would the estate agent be able to advise before we book viewings? And how common is a "no pets" clause? I don't want to waste time looking at and certainly not offering on a flat were our dog wouldn't be welcome!

Yes, you just need to ask the agent. If they don't already know they will be able to find out.

Unpopular opinion but Dogs don't belong in flats ,unless the flat has a garden or direct outside access.

Tell that to vast numbers of flat dwelling dog owners in European countries.

The estate agents should know, I struggled to find a flat that accepted dogs (north west london) but have now moved further out to a one bed freehold house. Good luck on your search

@AlwaysGinPlease the OP wasn’t asking for opinions on dogs in flats, you’re just being inflammatory.

I live on a farm with open country wall round. Great for dogs. But I’ve equally lived in a flat with a dog. As long as you’re committed to lots of walks at all times of the day it’s really not a problem. And I’ve seen a lot of absolutely crap, uncaring dog owners with gardens! People can be so snotty!

I live in a flat with my dog. I had to provide a photograph of him to the leaseholder as part of getting written permission. They only permit dogs under a certain size and some breeds are not allowed.

But you are not going to get away with only going out three times a day. You need to be prepared to go out straight away in the morning then a toilet break/walk every three hours or so. We often go out up to six times a day.

You'll also need to have space for drying wet clothes and soggy dogs!

I'd only be looking at share of freehold flats - typically converted houses. The difficulty with leasehold is that there's usually a clause in there saying they can withdraw permission for your dog - and I wouldn't put myself in a position where I could be forced to choose between my home and my dog on someone else's whim.

I've had a dog in a flat before and to be honest I wouldn't choose to do it again unless there was direct access to a private garden. Not because I don't think dogs belong in flats, but because it's a complete faff having to put your shoes on and take the dog out that many times per day.