Search form

menu menu

No pets according to landlord contract but I would like to adapt one

Question

I am adapting a dog and I just realized that according to my rent contract it says no pets are allowed. I have been living in this apartment for 3 years now, I love the place but now I really want to get a dog that I fell in love with. I am really confused how to tackle the contract issue and what may happen if I do bring her despite the contract law. Is there any laws in Belgium where I can prove my right to own a dog as a tenant?

J C Hill

If your contract says no pets then you risk eviction if you adopt an animal.

Oct 28, 2017 21:27
becasse

As you have been living there for three years you can just give three clear calendar months notice and move to another apartment where you are allowed to have a dog - if you can find one, of course.

Alternatively, you could try talking to your landlord but that clause is likely to be there for a reason, the restriction may well apply to the whole building for example.

Oct 28, 2017 21:47
kasseistamper

You expect your landlord to honour the terms of the contract that you have both agreed. He expects you to do the same.
You can always ask if he is prepared to accept a dog but, if he will not, you must move or do without your dog.

Oct 28, 2017 22:16
J

Yes, you can have a dog. No-pets clauses are illegal. Having a pet is considered a right.

But say bye-bye to your deposit. It's either going to the landlord for "pet damage" or to a lawyer.

Oct 29, 2017 02:42
anon

This is such a stupid idea, I'm not sure why I'm answering. Yes, as J notes, you may have a right to a pet, but for the life of me I can't imagine why you would do so.

You're going to create massive problems with your neighbors, you're going to create a problem with your landlord, and I haven't even started on the cruelty of keeping a dog indoors in an apartment.

If you feel that strongly about it, go ahead, but don't come back here in 3 months looking for sympathy because you have problems.

As BECASSE notes, you should give three months notice and then leave for a house with a large garden.

Oct 29, 2017 09:46
CC_R

Hi we were told we could have pets when we asked our agent once said landlords can't complain however I would still ask the landlord and as above they make want more money if you're leaving. However I'd also be keen to understand how you intend to ensure the dog noise isn't a nuisance unless your in all day every day you can't know what your dog does. I would proceed with caution if I were you. I do love dogs but we live in a house so we can keep them with a garden and no issue if the bark whilst we are out as neighbours don't hear

Oct 30, 2017 09:57
R.Harris

Dogs are not suited to apartments.

Oct 31, 2017 22:20
Georgiana

If the owner is prepared to walk the dog very regularly it and it is not too big, it could live much more happily in an apartment than in a dog shelter.

The landlord will probably keep your deposit and may ask you to leave if he/she is not happy about the dog.

Nov 1, 2017 13:25
Georgiana

Dog barking will cause neighbour problems !!

Nov 1, 2017 13:26
katie

I am a landlord. Yes you are entitled to have a dog UNLESS IT IS IN THE ORIGINAL HOUSE RULES. So if i rent out a house, yes you could have a dog despite the no dogs rule, but I would give you notice and keep the deposit as soon as the neighbours told me. And yes they would. If it is an apartment, then it would probably apply to the whole building and again the neighbours would tell me, and you would be out very quickly again with no deposit. Most of my apartments (14) are no dogs because we find they pee on the stairs and bark causing disturbance to the neighbours. Sorry, I personally like dogs, but they are not worth the hassle they cause.

Nov 2, 2017 14:44