Pooches in leasehold properties: Clear supports responsible pet owners

As flat living has become more of a lifestyle choice, and the number of people live alone increases, more and more leasehold owners want to share their home with a furry friend. In late 2019, statistics suggested that more than half of UK adults own a pet, and this number has reportedly grown further during COVID-19 and lockdown.

Indeed, for many of us, including the Clear Building Management team, our four-legged companions (yes, the gorgeous creature pictured is one of ours!) are vital to our happiness and wellbeing.

Pets make us feel better. Fact.

There is even caselaw that to deny a companion animal could amount to a breach of an individual’s human rights.

This link between pets and wellbeing is something that was recognised by the government earlier this year (somewhere in between Brexit and the pandemic), when Housing Minister Robert Jenrick updated the model tenancy agreement to encourage landlords in the private rented sector to no longer outright ban pets in their properties.

But what about leasehold properties, where a lot of leases – especially older ones – have a blanket ban on pets in apartments? This means that keeping a pet can often constitute a breach of the lease.

Should managing agents and their RMCs enforce the ‘no pets’ rule? Is it in fact a breach of the human rights of non-pet owners to have animals in a neighbouring apartment?

The question of pets in properties is a frequently occurring one and needs a sensible and measured approach.

Here’s how we deal with it at Clear Building Management:

1. Residents who wish to keep a pet must register details of the animal with us.
2. Pet owners must agree to a set of ‘good neighbour’ and animal-friendly policies to ensure there is no disturbance to other residents.
3. Dogs must be property exercised (off-site).
4. All mess and any accidents must be properly cleaned up.
5. We have the right to withdraw consent if we receive complaints about behaviour, excessive noise, or concerns for an animal’s welfare.

This we believe strikes the right balance of low touch enforcement.  It lets us meet the needs of people who want to enjoy sharing their life with an animal alongside those who want peaceful enjoyment of their property.

For more common-sense property management advice and tips, please have a look at our other blogs. You can also get in touch with us (and send us photos of your four-legged companions) at info@clearbuildingmanagement.com.