I’ve recently had a number of calls from people relocating from the US to the UK, excited to return to their UK home, only to hit an unexpected snag. They’ve brought their pets with them, only to discover that the property they bought years ago doesn’t actually allow animals.
Only recently have estate agents with both renting and buying a UK property asked the questions if you have a pet. This interesting Telegraph article is about a London estate agent that nearly sells a flat to a couple with a dog where no pets are allowed.
Knowing the agent, I think it was a mistake but could have been a very costly one. That is why you should never assume pets are allowed. I mean, it sounds ‘crazy’ to think you buy a property, yet you aren’t allowed to live under the same roof as your dog or cat! Sadly, only 10% of UK landlords say yes to pets.
When it comes to pets & property, However, in such a case it might be best to get legal advice. Talk to Cooper & Co solicitors who are specialists in UK Dog Law. They offer a fixed fee telephone advice service for the following:
- Issues arising from pet ownership in leasehold properties or rented properties (this includes allegations of nuisance and breach of covenants or breach of the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement)
- Pet ownership dispute (this includes pet abduction)
- Disputes over Kennel Club endorsements for pedigrees
- Criminal action against dog owner for incidents involving their dog
- Contractual dispute concerning the purchase or adoption of a pet (usually a dog)
It’s a frustrating and often emotional situation. Many assume that owning a property means you have full control, but in the UK, especially with leasehold flats, that’s not always the case. Pet restrictions can be written into the lease by the freeholder or management company, and they’re often enforced regardless of how long you’ve owned the place, or how well-behaved your dog or cat is.
It’s a reminder of just how important it is to check the fine print, even on property you already own. If you’re thinking of moving back with pets, it’s worth doing your homework early, or better yet, speaking with someone who knows where to look, like Russell at Pets Lets, who specialises in UK pets & property.
Another good source of information is Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets scheme where you read more information about renting with pets in the UK.
If you own a share of the freehold and all the other freeholders are in agreement, you can change the lease to allow pets.
The trouble with a share of freehold is that all it takes is for one or two parties to object to pets in the building to make life complicated.
Recently I was speaking to a US client looking to move back to the UK with their dog. They own a share of the freehold. Yet two parties don’t want a dog on the premises.
The majority of the building have agreed to the dog; however, the terms are outrageous. That the other owners have the right to remove the dog for any disturbances and the owners will be liable for any legal costs. Yet they own the property.
There is already a cat on the premises. In principle they have said yes to a dog, so that negates a full no pet clause.
If other tenants in the building had been allowed to keep pets, this could influence the decision about whether or not the request should be approved.
Pets are part of the family and you can’t leave them behind. Something many landlords fail to understand.
Consistency in Policy Management companies should apply their pet policies consistently. In the case above, a cat was permitted and a dog was allowed under certain conditions. If other tenants in the building have also been allowed to keep pets, this could set a precedent—potentially influencing the outcome if the matter were to be challenged legally.
Pet ownership is an integral part of our lives, offering companionship, support, and comfort, especially in challenging times.
The Renters Rights Bill is due to come into law by the end of 2025. This should make renting with pets in theory a bit easier, but won’t change no pets policies in buildings.
Landlords won’t be able to unreasonably say no to pets. However, from experience, landlords will find excuses to say no, including another offer, preferred the other tenant etc.
Russell Hunt is a leading UK pets & property expert. Founder of Pets Lets and the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group who offers pet owners advice with no obligation calls
