02/02/2023
I have had several emails recently asking for advice on tenancy disputes. In the main they are whether the landlord/council/association gave permission to keep a dog. The owner then gets a letter telling them they must remove the dog.
Make sure you keep a copy of your tenancy agreement. Keep emails showing your requests and your permissions given.
They have no powers to remove your dog. They usually give you a date you must comply by and have the dog gone by then. If you do not comply they will need to take the matter to court, usually as a breach of your tenancy. This has happened according to some I have spoken to. If you live somewhere that does not allow dogs, the landlord has the right to take you to court if they feel it is needed.
My advice is to try and reach a compromise if you cannot prove you have permission to keep a dog at your address. Ask for all correspondence to be in writing.
If it is alleged there have been complaints, ask for details. They will have to provide all this if it goes to court. They cannot tell you who made complaints, but can tell you the dates and the reasons. I hear a lot of landlords saying "there have been complaints" but no proof.
Then you have a chance to respond.
If the issue is a noise complaint, keep your own diary. make sure you are honest. Note the times you leave and return and any barking you do witness. Note if you can hear other dogs barking which could be mistaken for yours.
When you take on a new tenancy, check your pet policies carefully. Do not rely at any point in someone saying "yes it's fine to have a dog here", get their name, get it in an email.
Follow these general points:
Get a copy of your tenancy agreement if you do not have it.
Keep everything in writing.
Check tenancy agreements before signing.
Keep a diary of your coming and going.
Ask for dates and reasons for complaints in writing if there are any.
Ask for a meeting, take notes and see if there is any compromise to be made such as training or behaviour help.