Dogs In Flats

ahorseandadog

ahorseandadog

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 March 2015
Messages
183
Location
In A Yard
Visit site
Message from friend: 'I've done my research and I am completely ready to get a dog. Except I have one problem, I live in a London Leasehold flat and so am not allowed to have a dog. Should I get a dog? Will I be evicted if it is found out? Help!!
 
Absolutely no, the number of dogs that come into rescue because they have done what your friend has done and had to get rid pronto. Most rescues will want to know if the flat is owned or rented and if rented they will want to see a copy from the landlord of their agreement and permission to have a dog.

Tell your friend to find her nearest rescue and volunteer to walk their dogs etc that will help satisfy her cravings for a dog and she will be doing good work in the bargain.
 
I have no idea why, but I thought this was going to be a thread containing pictures of dogs wearing flat shoes.

Also, she definitely shouldn't get a dog. Sounds like a terrible idea!
 
Yes, it is a bad idea to go behind your landlords back. Also, if you wish, tell your friend this cautionary tale. We are living in a flat temporarily (hopefully to move out in a couple of months time). We have the landlords permission for our dog to be here and indeed almost everyone in our building has a dog. It isn't easy when they get diarrhoea - woke up this morning at 5am to some kind of dog nuclear bottom explosion in our bedroom. This included vomit, diarrhoea on the walls, pale coloured carpet (why? landlord why?) and the mat by the front door (and maybe in the bathroom, I can smell it, i just dont know where it is coming from). Now, if we had a back yard, we could put the dog straight out there at the first signs of any more explosions (and there were 2 more episodes after we woke up) but we can't so he has to have his dog jacket on and go on the balcony (which, other than the bedroom or the bathroom, is the only place i can contain him/his diarrhoea). He doesn't usually do his business on the balcony either, we take him outside properly every few hours but I can't really sit in the middle of the street with him on a leash either and really at the first signs of explosion, its too late to grab him and make a run for the exit. I will be so glad to have proper outdoor space again. So yes, tell your friend that, it may put her off to really consider the practicalities (and I imagine the above is also makes it not conducive to house training a puppy). And I am off to the vets in 10 minutes to get the poor dog some explosion relief and maybe find out why this happened (stool sample at the ready!) :(
 
Note a leasehold flat is not someone renting but a flat you buy. Lease is usually between 99 years or for some of the new builds 999. There is leasehold covenant which can have all sorts of weird and wonderful terms and conditions. No animals is very common - mine has this.

Technically if they breach the terms of the lease the owner can forfeit their flat though I don't know how many freeholders would take it to that length.

If your friend is renting the flat then if the lease says no pets then even the flat owner their landlord cannot override the lease and give them permission.

In a block you can be fairly sure there's always someone who will complain to the freeholder who has to take action.
 
No she should not get a dog.This is one of the most common reasons for dogs to end up in rescue.

Ive nothing against having a dog in a flat(i live in an rented apartment and have a dog,its great and keeps me active as the dog has to be walked and not just let out into the garden) but getting one when she knows she is not allowed and could easily end up reported and having to rehome is selfish.

Also any issues with barking etc is a much larger issue when its an apartment and will cause her issues if shes reported.So a bored dog left alone or a howling puppy wont last very long before being reported.

Agree with the above poster about ill dog issues.having the smell of dog **** permeate the apartment when the poor creature had an upset tummy is not enjoyable..for you or the poor dog who tried desperately trying to hold it as is well housetrained.....but ended up spreading it up and down the stairs as she kept trying to ask to go out but we werent quick enough....spent a long evening dashing in and out with her....a garden makes life much easier that way....

also toilet training a puppy in these conditions would an issues....and any good rescue will ask for proof dogs are allowed in accom before allowing adoptions.

Its a bad idea to be honest.
 
no she shouldnt get a dog if shes not allowed.plus a word about flats.alot of people cringe when you say you have a dog in a flat.all flats are different.i live in a flat.i have a garden,my own front door and stairs,i have a garage conversion attatched to my flat.i keep my dogs in the garage conversion.also alot of people who have dogs in apartments can litter train their dogs like cats.there are always means and ways around a situation.but your friend needs permission to have a dog.
 
If your friend wants a dog and asides from the leasehold restrictive she is set up for one, why not approach the freeholder and ask them to vary the terms of the lease via solicitor? Will probably cost a fair bit but it's the only sensible way to do it.
 
Apart from the expense of changing the terms of the lease by the freeholder, all the leaseholders in the block would need to agree and there's always one.....

There was a case round here where someone had a cat, freeholder wasn't over concerned. However another tenant was allergic to cats and had checked the tenancy and made sure it was no pets before they bought. They pushed the issue so the cat had to go.

Then there usually a clause about nuisance and noise which means other residents could complain if the dog barked and then the freeholder would have to do something.

Leasehold flats can be really restrictive which is why you have to check leases really carefully before you buy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top