Topic: Renting a house in UK with cats (Read 4637 times)

goatboy · « **Reply #28 on:** June 19, 2007, 16:06:11 PM »

I was prety lucky with my landlord, I have been there for 3 years and I asked him if I could have a cat, he said

"You always pay your rent on time, you have sorted the garden, you don't make any noise, or cause me any grief, you can do what you want as long as you don't destroy the flat"

Mind you I am also his personal IT support when his PC crashes so he has to keep me sweet

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #27 on:** June 15, 2007, 07:15:33 AM »

Quote from: blackcat on June 15, 2007, 06:07:09 AM

I understand bubble wrap is a solution...

First, someone else's furniture.. then wrapping a cool cat in bubble wrap.. what is this world coming to!

PS I know that's not what you meant!

blackcat · « **Reply #26 on:** June 15, 2007, 06:07:09 AM »

Mine never scratched furniture till i rented a furnished place, and then he suddenly turned into a shredding machine, If it does happen I understand bubble wrap is a solution...

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #25 on:** June 15, 2007, 01:11:57 AM »

Thanks guys. Will want unfurnished as I have nice furniture and would want that in my house, not someone elses.

But then, we don't have a problem with cats scratching our furniture. We have 5 scratching posts!! Ahahaha

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #24 on:** June 14, 2007, 14:45:34 PM »

We rented a house from my husbands coworkers son and he allowed 1 cat.

Which is why it took me a few years before I could bring mine over from the US.

They are out there you just have to look.

clarenmax · « **Reply #23 on:** June 14, 2007, 14:02:58 PM »

Hi guys, just going along with what most of the other peeps have said already really, that although most letting details will say no pets, this is a standard clause along with no sharers or benefits as well! I've rented 3 different places recently and all have been OK with Max, as long as I professionally clean the carpets and curtains at the end of the tenancy. Defo agree that going for unfurnished may be a safer option though, I'm certainly pleased my sofa belongs to me, put it that way

Best of luck with getting things sorted out

JackSpratt · « **Reply #22 on:** June 14, 2007, 13:14:37 PM »

Quote from: Kym_and_James on June 14, 2007, 08:13:00 AM

I know. I hate when they say it's natural. It's like, they aren't wild creatures anymore. They are DOMESTICATED. JUst like dogs and we don't let them run wild!! It's not natural when your cat contracts FIV from another cat...

Actually, I've just read a really interesting article in PetPatter that states cats have been domesticated a lot less time than dogs. Hence the extremely different behaviour between a dog and a wolf, in comparison to say a small wild cat and a domesticated cat. A lot of problems people have with their cats are natural instincts we don't find agreeable in our homes. (ie: scratching the furniture to mark where is theirs!)

Also, FIV is an illness that has developed through nature, so I class that as natural. I'm not saying it's a good thing, but it's like saying a human catching a cold off another human isn't natural - it clearly is a course of nature.

That aside, welcome to the site!

I've been renting the same property for eight years and my landlord is fully aware of the amount of pets I have. (I don't just have cats; who quite obviously I don't class as pets anyway!) I did talk to the letting agent when we first moved in to make him aware of the situation, and he was prepared to give us a chance, thankfully! It all depends on the individual landlord as far as I can tell.

Good luck.

Marie · « **Reply #21 on:** June 14, 2007, 12:43:04 PM »

We private rent through an agent and have recently moved. All the agents we looked at said no pets as standard but upon contact mostl said it would be fine, some asked for a slightly higher deposit but the one we went for didnt and the landlady said she had no problem with the cats as we had been honest with her and asked her before we took on the rental.

MBll · « **Reply #20 on:** June 14, 2007, 10:02:08 AM »

I think most rental accommodation will have a no animals policy, the only thing I can suggest is go for unfurnished as its your own funiture that may get damaged, could help to offer awee bit more rent/deposit that might go down better (you never no till you ask) also renting threw estate agents their more likely to say no rather then the contacting the person who owns the property ....they might say yes.

If all that makes sence? ....cos still to early for me lol

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #19 on:** June 14, 2007, 09:19:48 AM »

I've just posted some pics of Lilly and Jack here
http://www.chaptanservices.com/purrs/index.php?topic=5133.0

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #18 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:52:20 AM »

Thank you everyone, you have given us hope where there was none.

Thanks.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #17 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:49:15 AM »

Hi Kym & James

to Purrs

The majority of ads for rental properties in the UK will state 'no pets', it seems to be a standard clause. The first house we viewed was immaculate and we really wanted it, the advert said no pets but we asked the lettings agent to check with the landlord and they said it was fine. I was prepared to offer an extra deposit but they said it wasn't necessary. I also offered to have the carpets 'professionally' cleaned when we left the property. This wasn't in the contract or anything but we hired a Rug Doctor for £25 to clean the carpets as they were cream throughout the whole house, we got all our deposit back.

At the moment I'm living in a Keyworker rented property, on the website it specifically states no pets, I emailed the lettings department and asked for permission to have two kittens. This time they asked for my deposit to be doubled and that was it.

When you have found somewhere you like just be prepared to offer an increased deposit, have the carpets professionally cleaned and if you are currently in rented accomodation a reference from your landlord stating that the property was left in good condition wouldn't hurt. Also you don't need to mention that the cats will be indoor, it makes no difference to the landlord, they will either allow pets or not.

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #16 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:38:32 AM »

Hi Kym

I don't have any experience of private rented accommodation (I do rent but from a housing association) but I second what the others have said - dont be put off if you get told no pets. Offer to pay an extra deposit in case of damage and you might find they change their minds! Sometimes management/letting companies put a no pets clause in automatically when actually the landlord doesn't mind. So if a property you like says no pets ask the agent to check with the landlord and offer to pay an extra deposit. Good luck!

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #15 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:13:00 AM »

Quote

I do still get the odd comment from people "cats are outdoor creatures by nature, its cruel, its this, its that". I just ignore them. I don't even get into discussion on this, its safer

I know. I hate when they say it's natural. It's like, they aren't wild creatures anymore. They are DOMESTICATED. JUst like dogs and we don't let them run wild!! It's not natural when your cat gets hit by a car, or poisoned by a cat hater, or contracts FIV from another cat... Grrr... Now you've got me started.. LOL

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #14 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:09:17 AM »

If I had been scrupulous in my renting days I would have sneaked in a cat

But now as a home owner I decided to get my baby and I love her to bits. She's indoor too. Not through my choice mind you, but circumstances. She hates being outside, terrified, god only knows what trauma was inflicted on her before I adopted her. And also my area not so great for cars so I prefer to keep her in. She loves it.

I do still get the odd comment from people "cats are outdoor creatures by nature, its cruel, its this, its that". I just ignore them. I don't even get into discussion on this, its safer

rosiesmum · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:08:00 AM »

Hi Kym and James

I have been renting my property for 4 years now. I found it through a Letting Agent, however my Landlord manages the property (for eg. if anything goes wrong I call the Landlord and not the Agents). In the contract it stated no pets without prior discussion with my Landlord.

My Landlord was fine with me having Rosie, whom I have had for just over a year now.

When you do find a property to rent, whether it says you are allowed pets or not, it's always worth asking anyway.

Good luck!

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #12 on:** June 14, 2007, 08:01:23 AM »

Thank you Ruth. We wouldn't try and sneak the cats in to a rental. I couldn't do that. I be paranoid at every waking minute! Hahaha. I will post some photos of my cats soon. Bit busy at work today. Cheers.

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:48:25 AM »

Welcome Kim and James, we look forward to seeing some pictures of your cats!

Having been a renter in the UK market, I can say that not all landlords are like those blackcat has experienced. It may cost you a little more but I found that going through an agent who has the management of the dwelling under their contract as well (not jut "let only") you will find much more attention.

Landlords who are willing to pay for the management fee usually (and I mean usually, not always) indicates you have landlords who actually care about their properties or who do not want the hassle of managing it themselves but can afford the fee. The contracts are flexible provided you put in what you need ahead of signing. Always ask about pets. Generally they may request a higher deposit in the event of damage by the cats. If you are willing to pay that then they are mostly ok with it. Don't let it deter you. Some landlords really don't want the hassle.

Also these agents should as part of their fee, be conducting bi-monthly to quarterly inspection visits to ensure the flat is being kept in good order. So don't try to sneak the cats in in this case, you will find yourself in breach which is not great in smaller areas.

Also when it comes to the management fee, most reputable agents will do all the relevant credit checks, reference checks etc. It would be good if you have jobs lined up BEFORE you come over as it allows them to do an employment check on you. The more well known high street agents are the ones I would recommend going through rather than the small agency that only works in one area.

I hope it all goes well. Don't be shy about asking.

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:38:36 AM »

Hahaha, thanks Mark. Often RE agents in Australia say no pets as standard, but can sometimes be turned. I'd be willing to try and convince someone to let us rent with cats. We have a pet resume and everything. Do people do that kind of thing over there?

Mark · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:35:25 AM »

Hi Kym,

When we sold our houses in London to move to Kent 2 1/2 years ago, we had a really hard time finding a rental property that allowed pets (our house purchase took 5 months to complete as the sellers were complete b

s

. The standard ad normally says "no smokers, no DSS (unemployment benefit), no pets" We eventually found somewhere by asking a B&B landlady who owned a run-down bungalow with wood floors who was happy to let us rent with 3 cats. I wonder if you may have to "forget" to mention the cats when making enquiries

. Its pretty standard to see the landlord/lady the day you move in and the day you move out - legally they have to make a "mutually convenient" appointment to be in the property any other time. You will probably find it easier with unfurnished accommodation if you can do it that way. Also, if you do take furnished, be careful what you sign for when you pay your deposit - I rented a furnished flat in London and at the end, the landlord tried to hold back the deposit as he said he couldn't see the "bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, cutlery etc" that were provided. I asked him if he meant the mouldering black sacks of rags and junk that I had never taken out of the cupboard

- he backed down then.

blackcat · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:28:58 AM »

I think all border collies are psychotic, goes with the breed ... That mortgage broker: mabbott@sablewealth.com

Off to work now

Jo

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:23:42 AM »

Thanks for your info. I am doing lots of research right now...

My partners sister just moved into a rental with a psychotic Border Collie so it can't be too hard to rent with pets. If they can do it, so can we. LOL

blackcat · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:16:44 AM »

ooops, yes, a bit of an obsession at present due to the horrendous process and being so close to completion. Sensible cat owners here, like in Oz, keep their cats indoors if there is any sort of environmental risk. LItter, litter trays etc are available at the supermarkets and all the usual toys like climbing towers etc are available. So no real problems in that department. Renting agents vary, so there is no way of anticipating their response to your request. I think I would be inclined to only give them the basic information and wait for them to ask you questions. I was a landlord in Oz, and NZ and am presently finding out the hard way about the other end of the market. I would NEVER have treated a tenant the way mine treats me. But I am sure there are people in Oz who are just as scurrilous. So, it will be a matter of shopping around.

Jo

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:12:34 AM »

Thanks again BC. I would definitely go through a mortgage broker being sucha newbie to the UK property market.

I have enrolled to vote, and have voted while I was last in the UK. It's looking good for us so far then. Thanks!

We don't seem to be on the track of cats anymore though.

blackcat · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:02:44 AM »

Yes that would be very helpful if they are still active accounts. You have an 'established relationship' with a bank. You should also register to vote immediately you get here so you are on the electoral role which gives you a credit profile. If you can persuade your bank to give you a credit card better still. If not, then Travelex has a relationship with HSCBC and can set up an account for you before you leave OZ (1800 pounds required though). This makes you a preferred customer with HSBC and they give you a 500 pound credit card limit as part of the service. You do, however, have to collect the cards etc from their London offices, so that may be a hassle if you are planning on being in the midlands.

There is a mortgage broker here who specialises in new arrivals. He was not able to help me but tried very hard indeed so I can recommend him and will be going back to him in 12 months when reviewing the mortgage.

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2007, 06:57:43 AM »

Thanks BC, very helpful info. We are looking to buy soon after we arrive. if renting seems like too much of a pain we may skip that bit. I have lived there with my partner for 2 years, from 2001-2003. We both had bank accounts, etc, do you think this would help with the 6 month requirement for a mortgage? Our bank acocunts are actually still running in the UK right now and we will utilise them when we get back.

blackcat · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2007, 06:49:02 AM »

Hello Kym and James, I am an Australian who has been living in the UK in rented accommodation for the last 5 months (in east London). The standard contract excludes pets, but it does that in Oz and NZ also. My landlord hasn't been near the place in the time i have been here (in fact doesn't even respond to letters), but I imagine there are better landlords than him. My dog is still back in the antipodes until I can move into my new house which I purchased recently.

English banks do not offer mortgages until you have been here for at least 6 months as they rely only on your UK credit rating. I was lucky (and persistent) and found the bank affiliated with my NZ bank (had been living there before getting here) and managed to persuade them into lending earlier on the basis of the recommendation of my NZ bank. It is a whole new world here and I am glad at least one of you is familiar with the system. Housebuying is also a nightmare process - far more complicated than in Oz.

Midlands might be less competetive rent-wise so you would simply have to shop around. Unfortunately it was my experience that rental agents do not respond to email enquiries. You simply have to telephone them and pin them down ...

Good luck

BC

Kym_and_James · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2007, 03:26:37 AM »

Good morning folks. Just to introduce myself, My names is Kym and I am from Australia. My partner, James, is English and we are looking at moving back to England in a few years, from Australia.

We have two DSH cats which we didn't have in UK, and want to bring them with us. They are indoor cats. Their names are Lilly (2.5yrs) and Jack (4.5yrs).

My question to you all is, how hard is it to find rental accommodation in UK when you have cats? We want to find a rental when we get their (East Midlands) and aren't sure how easy it will be with our pets. In Australia renting is quite common. Having a pet while renting is still fairly achievable.

Also, it seems to me that having indoor cats is quite incommon in UK. When we apply for rentals and tell them that they don't go outside at all, will that be met by a lot of misunderstanding?

Any ideas or comments will be much appreciated.

Thanks
Kym

Author Topic: Renting a house in UK with cats (Read 4637 times)

MBll