What are the rules when it comes to keeping household pets in rented properties?
Make sure not to miss a step in preparing to move home in London with your precious dog, cat, or other dear companion — read our guide below!
As a rule of thumb, most residential rental properties, especially flats in leasehold blocks that are most common in big cities such as London, have a no-pets rule enforced by the superior building landlord.
However, in some cases, depending on the size and breed of the pet, there may be an opportunity to purchase a license to keep a pet in your particular building. Please check the property listing details carefully, and also consult with your Host regarding pets during your viewing.
Once you have informed us that you wish to keep a pet during your stay, your Host will guide you to contact the relevant building or estate staff so that you may apply for the license.
Just for illustration purposes, here is a sample pet license, to give you an idea of what the terms and conditions might be. If you need help or guidance with understanding the particular license for your building, please ask your Host or the building staff.
Not possible at all for us to allow this, sorry! We do routinely inspect properties on behalf of Owners, and one aspect in particular we look out for is signs of pet-associated damage to the property. Beyond our control there may also be neighbours who spot your pets and complain to us, and there may be building staff who enforce restrictive regulations, both of which we have no choice but to follow. This applies to any pet, of any kind, big or small.
This would be a breach of the rental contract you have signed. The Owner may be under a legal obligation to commence legal proceedings against you to either remove the unauthorised pet, or worse, even to evict you and take back possession of the property. You could be liable for the Owner’s legal costs, and your future credit worthiness could be affected. We don’t want this to happen to you so please work with us to stay within the rules of your building!
You will not be charged any administration fees or similar for pet licenses, by us. The Owner may seek to negotiate for a slightly higher rent to cover an increased of wear and tear damage to the property, as a result
of having, for example, a dog living with you during your stay.
Yes, as an alternative to offering higher rent to the Owner, you could instead propose to the Owner the option of a deposit replacement scheme offered by our associate companies flatfair, that policy will cost you the equivalent of one week’s rent.
Yes, it would be legally the same as if you had caused the damage directly yourself. You still have a legal obligation to return the property in the same condition at the end of your stay, less fair wear and tear. Look at our Move Out-related and deposit-related guides for more information on costs associated with poor property maintenance.
You are responsible for the nuisance caused by your pet. A common example of this is dogs barking too loud, and often, and disturbing neighbours. If you have been granted a license to keep your pet by building staff, that could be revoked.
You are responsible for the actions of your visitors, and will be held liable for any damage or nuisance caused by your visitors’ pets. Your building may have regulations against allowing pets inside, breaking those could result in fines for the Owner, which would be passed onto you.
