Pets and Renting

It looks like, if everything falls into place, I will be making the big move mid-November!  We will be staying with his mum for a couple of weeks until we find a flat or house to rent.

So, my question is this:

With three dogs, two with a combined weight less than 22 pounds (ages 2 and 5), one at 50 pounds (age 10), and all extremely well-trained and behaved, we will have an absolute nightmare finding somewhere to live?  I hate to sound unreasonable, but, the dogs go where we go.  We won't give them up as we see them as family (yes, we are pathetic dog people).

Just yet another thing for me to worry about.   DH is already looking....

You'll just have to ask the estate agents/landlords.  Some are strictly no pets and others are more flexible.  It'll probably be more difficult with three dogs, but not impossible.  You'll just have less to choose from.

Yeah, I figured that we would have less to choose from, but, was worried that we would never be able to find anything at all!

you might have better luck with a private rental, and may have to put done more of a deposit, and may have to agree to have the flat professionally cleaned/carpets cleaned when you move.

When we were looking for a place to rent while house-hunting, we contacted Countrywide Residential Lettings, and told them we were looking for a house or flat to rent, but ONLY want to see properties that would allow a large dog.  They came back to us the following day with 12 properties to view, and it wasn't an issue at all.  (This was the Edinburgh office.)

 http://www.crldirect.co.uk/branches/default.asp

When we were looking for a place to rent while house-hunting, we contacted Countrywide Residential Lettings, and told them we were looking for a house or flat to rent, but ONLY want to see properties that would allow a large dog.  They came back to us the following day with 12 properties to view, and it wasn't an issue at all.  (This was the Edinburgh office.)

 http://www.crldirect.co.uk/branches/default.asp

Thanks!  I could kiss you!

This has been a big concern of mine as well when considering a move over.  I figure with bringing over two dogs (one xl, one small) and two cats, I'd have a heck of a time finding a rental, especially one with a garden or something so I can at least get them out for a quick potty break first thing in the am, etc, etc. 

Another thing i'm trying to figure out... I guess I will have to put them all in a kennel first thing upon arriving until I have secured a permanent place to live.  That's assuming my cousin would have issue with putting us all up while searching for a rental. 

I'm really interested to hear more about your experience Dar and all the logistics.  I don't worry about anything as much as making sure my "kids" are safe and sound.  It sounds like paying for an estate agent is the way to go in order to help meet specific criteria like this?

I'm just starting this myself.  I am going from owning my own home in the states to renting in the UK until DH and I can afford to buy.  Luckily, his mum will let us stay with her until we find someplace to rent.  But, DH is looking already and we hope we can secure a nice place with a garden so that the three dogs are happy.  Especially the big one, Buster.  He needs a garden.  At 10 years old, he is still an energy ball.  I'll let you know how things progress.

We're in the same boat, looking for a place to live that allows dogs...  Dar, PM me, we may be able to help each other out! 

My bit of advice, for what it's worth, is to ask everyone you can find. We ended up with a private rental that's owned by the sister of the owner of the bed and breakfast we were staying at when we first arrived. She didn't have a problem with us getting a cat--in fact, when J called her to tell her about it, she seemed confused about why we were telling her this!

All the estate agents we talked to said absolutely no pets, full stop. But they were pretty worthless anyway. 

I've never found a rental place that allowed pets.  Good luck finding something!

dar- what location will you be moving to?

dar- what location will you be moving to?

She'll be joining us for coffee soon 

yeah!!! i love coffee. 

It's definitely worth letting the rental agencies know what you are looking for. And also letting them know that you are willing to put down a larger deposit and have the carpets cleaned, etc.

We have 3 cats and have had luck with both agencies and private rentals. With private, it's worth phoning the landlord even if it says no pets if you tell them straight off you're a professional couple and will pay an extra deposit, etc.