I will be moving to SE London in a few months, will I be able to find a flat that will allow a small dog? ?

Question

I know everyone must say their dog is housebroken and quiet, and then move in with Cujo--and that makes it hard for responsible dog owners to rent a place. I will be working in Bromley, and have been checking the letting sites to see what I can expect to pay and what that gives me for location and space. Not many list that dogs are allowed--is that something I may be able to negotiate and they just don't list it to discourage the Cujo owners?

I'm getting worried. I'm aware that there are regulations about bringing dogs in to the UK, I can deal with that. I'm just concerned about finding a decent place to live and to be able to eventually bring my pug over, too. I plan to leave her with family until I'm settled and then bring her later.

Any advice for me?

Answer 1

I doubt you will find anywhere that advertises that dogs are allowed. The only way to do it is to ask the landlord if he will allow you to keep a pet once you have found a flat you like. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to keep your pug without permission though as if you get found out you will be evicted.

My advice would be not to get disheartened by people who say you won't find anywhere. We moved into a flat in the docklands with our Yorkie puppy 2 months ago and when we were looking everyone said it would be impossible, but I asked 3 landlords and 3 said yes (we took the third one!). We just had to pay more deposit (6 weeks instead of 4), and agree to have the flat fumigated before we move out.

Ignore the negative comments of letting agents and insist that they check with the landlord. Don't mention the dog in the first instance, go see the place, etc, and then say you will only take it if they allow dogs. That way they have already invested time in you and so will be willing to go to the landlord, whereas the agents you tell immediately are much more likely to ignore you or fob you off.

Finally, make sure the landlord checks that the building takes pets too, as even if he agrees the building must allow pets as well.

Good luck!