Pets welcome?

WE are a fairly average couple, who were unfortunately not blessed with children (which we so desperately wanted), so instead we filled the void with our three beautiful spaniels, who give us unconditional love and affection daily.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Apr 2012, 13:37 BST

We moved down to the south coast with my job and to be closer to our god-daughters and to make the most of our free time walking on the fantastic beaches and the beautiful Downs that surround us, and we have been extremely happy and content for the past two-and-a-half years.

So what is our problem? We can’t find another landlord who will allow us to rent their property with our beautiful dogs.

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Unfortunately, our current landlord’s personal situation has changed and they have asked us to move out of our home by April 30.

We have been searching for the past two months to find an alternative home without any success.

Almost every estate agent we approach, gives us the same spiel, the owner has stipulated: no pets, no children, no smokers, no DSS, no people with blue hair, etc., etc.

I totally understand that some individuals/renters are irresponsible, have no morals and don’t care for other people’s property and have given renters with dogs a bad name.

But do we all have to be tarred with the same brush?

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We are mature, responsible adults who choose to share their lives with dogs and understand that we are very privileged when people are generous and choose to rent their home to us.

Meeting up with us and seeing who we are as people enables us to demonstrate to them that we are a couple who will care deeply for any property that we are lucky enough to rent, because we will always treat the property that we are renting as if it is our own home and maintain it to a high standard at all times.

We have been renting for more than 10 years and our previous landlords are more than happy to provide excellent references about our stays in their properties and are more than happy to speak to any potential landlord to answer any questions.

So please, landlords everywhere, we appeal to you all, don’t tar everyone with the same brush, don’t dismiss dog owners just because they own a dog – meet with your potential tenants, speak to them and then make up your mind, as well as getting the normal references that are required.

It seems to us, that there is a very big gap in the market for pet-friendly landlords – could be a real money-spinner!

Kathy and Steve Hawkins

Woodlands Cottages

Woodlands Avenue

Rustington

Related topics:Pets