RENTING WITH MY PET

Trying to find a rental property where you can take your well-behaved dog or other pet? Are you finding it difficult? Well you are not alone. Only 7% of rental properties are advertised as pet friendly.

The Government are looking into making it unlawful for a tenant to be refused a rental property when they have a well-behaved pet. Newbold Solicitors (who are experienced housing Lawyers) feel this is an excellent idea, but Newbold Solicitors are all animal lovers.

Most of us know that pets are as much a part of a family as anyone else. They help children with their confidence and give much comfort to people who are lonely. They are a great benefit for people who suffer from depression and if you are like us, you just love animals.

We appreciate that not everyone feels the same; In order to protect the interest of a landlord, if the pet is causing a nuisance, then the Landlord has the right to ask the tenant to leave.

So, it is good news for responsible tenants and well-behaved pets.

If you are a tenant, then you will have the right to rent a property free from disrepair.  You should live in a property that you are proud to call your home, free from hazards and safe for you and your family. Your Landlord has a duty to make the repairs, maintain your property and keep it safe for your to live in.  Sadly this is not always the case, some Landlords happily take the rent, but are not happy about making the repairs.  So if that is the case, what are your options as a tenant? what are your rights?

Tenants rights regarding getting a property repaired:

Your rights are contained in the Housing Act 1988, which has been amended. Your rights are that:

1. the internal and external structure of the property should be kept in repair
2. that all essential services should be in good working order (gas, electricity, water, sewerage)

If your Landlord is failing to maintain and repair, then you should:

1. write a letter to your landlord explaining about the issue you are facing.
2. If your landlord fails to make any repairs then talk to a housing solicitor
3. If the Landlord continues to ignore your situation, then you should consider forcing him/her to make the repairs.

If your Landlord is failing to maintain and repair, then you should not:

1. fail to report the problem
2. withhold your rent, withholding your rent could result in you losing your home.

What if my Landlord serves me with notice because I have advised him/her about the disrepair?

1. if you live in England you could be protected from this, it is known as 'retaliatory evictions'.  To find out more about retaliatory evictions, follow our blogs or call our housing team for free legal advice.

What if I cannot afford to pay for a Solicitor?

1. then you should ask for a Solicitor that can take on your case without charging you an up front payment, and if you lose your claim, will not charge you their costs.  This is known as a 'conditional fee arrangement' (NO WIN NO FEE).  Newbold Solicitors can take on cases under a CFA, if you call our team, we can help you further.

As a result of the Tenant Fee Act 2019 coming into force on 1 June 2019 the Government has issued a new 'How to Rent' Guide and a new Form 6a (Section 21).

If you would like further assistance and/or advice please contact our housing department on 01446 789359.

A professional landlord from Briton Ferry who was refused a Landlord Licence because of the condition of his properties, his management practices and a prosecution by Neath Port Talbot Council over his failure to comply with an Improvement Notice, has lost his appeal against the decision.

This will come as welcoming news for all tenants and should encourage more tenants to report 'rogue' landlords.

Read the full story here.

If you are having problems with your landlord and/or have issues relating to your rental property, please contact our specialist housing solicitors on 01446 789359.

A private landlord has been ordered to pay over £12,000 relating to 19 offences at his property in Riverside. Councillor, Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member responsible for housing issues for the Shared Regulatory Service confirmed that they will act on any complaint that is made and if the property isn't brought up to standard, they will take these matters through the courts and prosecute. To read the full story, click here. You can ask your landlord to pay you compensation if disrepair caused damage to your health or your belongings. For further information on our services click here and/or contact us on 0330 123 1131 for a free no win no fee consultation.