Where to rent in Dublin for Blanchardstown job with our cats?

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 7:49am #1

My husband is most likely starting a new job near Blanchardstown in a few months. We have been living in Belfast since last September. We moved here as international expats. Me, American and him Dutch. We were able to find a house in South Belfast that took our 2 cats and it was a nightmare. I am facing this again, and wondering which part to look in?

I know it will be Hades on earth again, but they are our family. We ADORE our cats and will never get rid of them, so that is not an option.My question is two fold, where to rent that is safe and where will is best to find a pets allowed rental. Our budget is 1000-1100, but might push to 1150. He wants to live in Dublin and we may or may not get a car. We are fine with a one bedroom. I am on Daft.ie everyday, I really want to hear some viewpoints from locals.

I have been thinking of Swords, and Dublin 1,2,4,6,6w, and parts of 8.

Taboola · 15-07-2015 7:56am

Why not look in Blanchardstown? Or Clonee? Or do you want to live close to the city?

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 8:05am

I am unsure of how safe Blanchardstown would be. I also am not so sure about living where the biggest mall is. This sounds all too familiar with a problem in USA I had where huge malls are. It keeps prices sky high and makes traffic a nightmare. Yes, he has said he would like to live near city. If we live in sky high prices, I would rather be in Dublin for that. LOL.

Riesen_Meal · 15-07-2015 8:07am

azaliarazor wrote: »

I am unsure of how safe Blanchardstown would be. I also am not so sure about living where the biggest mall is. This sounds all too familiar with a problem in USA I had where huge malls are. It keeps prices sky high and makes traffic a nightmare. Yes, he has said he would like to live near city. If we live in sky high prices, I would rather be in Dublin for that. LOL.

Blanchardstown is fine, its not a mall place, trust me, same prices as anywhere else in Dublin - its probably cheaper than City centre to be honest!

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 8:12am

Fieldog wrote: »

Blanchardstown is fine, its not a mall place, trust me, same prices as anywhere else in Dublin - its probably cheaper than City centre to be honest!

Does it have a village?

Galadriel · 15-07-2015 8:16am

azaliarazor wrote: »

Does it have a village?

Yes, Blanchardstown has a village with restaurants, bars, supermarkets etc.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 8:21am

It will be on my list of places to check out. I do know he said he wanted to really try to live in Dublin. I was able to find right part of Belfast for us and now I am hoping to find right part of Dublin. Dublin 2 would be really cool, but I was thinking maybe 6 or 8 instead. He will be at work, and I can't till I get a residence card and also I won't be driving so I am hoping for somewhere with ability to walk to most stores, cafes and pubs.

Taboola · 15-07-2015 8:45am

You're going to be limited with your options because of the cats. You're also looking at higher rents the closer you are to the city.

Blanchardstown is a nice area with reasonable enough rents and good transport links.

handlemaster · 15-07-2015 8:50am

Look on daft.ie there are a few places one beds/two beds within your budget. The centre is great to have on your door step not to mention the national equatics centre and all the Parks around the area. Best of luck

P.s. You can get a bus into the city centre or thé train from clonsilla station

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 8:51am

Taboola wrote: »

You're going to be limited with your options because of the cats. You're also looking at higher rents the closer you are to the city.

Blanchardstown is a nice area with reasonable enough rents and good transport links.

Yes, I know it will change but as of today, I found pets allowed rentals in 1, 7, 8, and Swords only. That is, ones in our budget. I check each day to see what new ones might come out. Surprisingly to me, 1 and Swords have the most so far.

One more thing, his work will offer a shuttle bus from city center to his job if we choose to do that, we would put off car.

Lux23 · 15-07-2015 8:57am

How about Dublin 7 along the 37/39 bus routes to Blanchardstown.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:00am

Lux23 wrote: »

How about Dublin 7 along the 37/39 bus routes to Blanchardstown.

What is name of area? Does it have a village area or main street?

Taboola · 15-07-2015 9:00am

azaliarazor wrote: »

Yes, I know it will change but as of today, I found pets allowed rentals in 1, 7, 8, and Swords only. That is, ones in our budget. I check each day to see what new ones might come out. Surprisingly to me, 1 and Swords have the most so far.

One more thing, his work will offer a shuttle bus from city center to his job if we choose to do that, we would put off car.

I don't think Swords would be an easy commute to Blanchardstown without a car.

Taboola · 15-07-2015 9:02am

azaliarazor wrote: »

What is name of area? Does it have a village area or main street?

There's a few different areas in Dublin 7. Navan Road, Smithfield, Cabra, Phibsborogh.

There aren't many villages in Dublin. In fact the only place I can think of at the top of my head that have them are Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Finglas and Swords.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:03am

Taboola wrote: »

I don't think Swords would be an easy commute to Blanchardstown without a car.

Yes, if we do Swords, we would get a car. If we go too far we would get one. Paypal has a discounted shuttle, so we would skip a car if we got a place near that.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:06am

Taboola wrote: »

There's a few different areas in Dublin 7. Navan Road, Smithfield, Cabra, Phibsborogh.

There aren't many villages in Dublin. In fact the only place I can think of at the top of my head that have them are Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Finglas and Swords.

Ah, maybe village is wrong word? I just mean an area where you can find all you need in close walking distance but also has places to live close by.

I should know for certain in a few days, I am on hold with specific places till then. There was one in 7 allowing pets I found, but I am sure it might be gone by move date. I have an alert set up for it.

Taboola · 15-07-2015 9:08am

Have you been to Dublin before? I suggest coming for a visit and looking at the areas you were thinking of moving to. What might be walking distance for me might not be walking distance for you.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:11am

Taboola wrote: »

Have you been to Dublin before? I suggest coming for a visit and looking at the areas you were thinking of moving to. What might be walking distance for me might not be walking distance for you.

We were there for a week a year ago. We stayed in Temple Bar area and walked over to Jamesons and around a park and local area. We will be renting a car and driving down to look at areas soon. This was one reason for thread to make a list of places and areas to check out.

ciaradx · 15-07-2015 9:13am

Taboola wrote: »

There's a few different areas in Dublin 7. Navan Road, Smithfield, Cabra, Phibsborogh.

There aren't many villages in Dublin. In fact the only place I can think of at the top of my head that have them are Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Finglas and Swords.

I would add Stoneybatter to that list, great area with good bus routes. The main part of it is called 'Manor Street' with all shops etc..(which I think is what OP is really looking for rather than a 'village'??)

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:18am

ciaradx wrote: »

I would add Stoneybatter to that list, great area with good bus routes. The main part of it is called 'Manor Street' with all shops etc..(which I think is what OP is really looking for rather than a 'village'??)

Yes, thanks, that does sound like one I should add to list too.

lissaH · 15-07-2015 9:30am

I live in Belfast now and used live in Dublin and have a cat. Had an apartment in Leixlip that allowed my cat. Its a 25 min train from City centre and about a 15 minute drive to Blanch. Belfast is far far smaller than Dublin so areas are not so much walking distance as they are in Belfast. If your looking for an area similar to S Belfast Lisburn road feel your best bet is Ranelagh but the rents are WAY higher than you would pay anywhere in Belfast and I would say you will have to downgrade in size a lot. I would stay on the outskirts Lucan, Blanch , Clonee and Ongar is quite nice. There are few areas around Blanch that are not the best and Ongar would be quite nice.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 9:47am

lissaH wrote: »

I live in Belfast now and used live in Dublin and have a cat. Had an apartment in Leixlip that allowed my cat. Its a 25 min train from City centre and about a 15 minute drive to Blanch. Belfast is far far smaller than Dublin so areas are not so much walking distance as they are in Belfast. If your looking for an area similar to S Belfast Lisburn road feel your best bet is Ranelagh but the rents are WAY higher than you would pay anywhere in Belfast and I would say you will have to downgrade in size a lot. I would stay on the outskirts Lucan, Blanch , Clonee and Ongar is quite nice. There are few areas around Blanch that are not the best and Ongar would be quite nice.

I am from USA, in a Philly suburb so was not sure if it would be similar. Philly is large city but has areas that have their own main areas in each. Like Avenue of the Arts or Rittenhouse square versus Manayunk or Old City. Someone not from Philly would have no clue, but I know which streets of which parts are where you would want to be. That is somewhat what I am going for, good insider info from locals that know where is best to be.

TBH, I have found places all over in our budget. One bedroom is fine, we have three here and 2 just go unused. His parents want to try a hotel from now on since it would feel more like a vacation for them, so no reason for extra room to clean, heat or pay for. Our place in Netherlands was small and we were fine. My biggest issue is finding some areas and hoping for a pet friendly one to pop up in one, I really am hoping to generate a list, drive down and see a bunch, and then pick ones we like and take it from there. We stayed in temp place while searching here, but cats were in NL then, this time we will have hold our Belfast place too till we find our Dublin place. It's complicated but it can be done. This is a much better job op and so we think it will be worth it. I did find a place around Mabbott Lane, is that an okay area?

lissaH · 15-07-2015 9:58am

Mabbott lane is around Connelly. I hated being around that area at night to be honest Its where a lot of the herione addicts hang about and once winter comes in when its dark at 5 or 6 I used take the bus to Leixlip rather than the Train just to avoid walking about the area.

Dublin Def has areas like your talking about in Philly. I particular like Chapilizod Its really nice around there but still pretty close to the city centre, I would look ranelagh or rathmines. Islandbridge is nice enough as well. Lived in the old chocolate factory apartments beside the Hilton in Kilmainagham for awhile. People without a doubt had cats they used walk them around the apartment blocks but weather they told the estate agent is beyond me. I would look it up though the apartments are fab on the luas line even walk able if you wanted.

charlietheminxx · 15-07-2015 10:27am

Swords is generally a nice area, I think it has more of a community feel than areas closer to the city and to me that would be worth the commute (30-45 minutes on a bus to the city centre depending on time of day). If you want to be closer to Blanchardstown, what about somewhere like Castleknock?

It's worth noting that some landlords don't specifically say "pets allowed" but are willing to judge on a case by case basis.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 10:28am

lissaH wrote: »

Mabbott lane is around Connelly. I hated being around that area at night to be honest Its where a lot of the herione addicts hang about and once winter comes in when its dark at 5 or 6 I used take the bus to Leixlip rather than the Train just to avoid walking about the area.

Dublin Def has areas like your talking about in Philly. I particular like Chapilizod Its really nice around there but still pretty close to the city centre, I would look ranelagh or rathmines. Islandbridge is nice enough as well. Lived in the old chocolate factory apartments beside the Hilton in Kilmainagham for awhile. People without a doubt had cats they used walk them around the apartment blocks but weather they told the estate agent is beyond me. I would look it up though the apartments are fab on the luas line even walk able if you wanted.

Cool, do you have a name? Okay, I was wondering about Mabbott from google map search I could not say for sure. Do people do that? I would be afraid to get evicted. I have 2, my kitties love the window sills, so I would think that would be obvious to someone.

handlemaster · 15-07-2015 10:31am

OP. If your husband is starting work near blachardstowny why not look in Dublin 15 ?

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 10:31am

charlietheminxx wrote: »

Swords is generally a nice area, I think it has more of a community feel than areas closer to the city and to me that would be worth the commute (30-45 minutes on a bus to the city centre depending on time of day). If you want to be closer to Blanchardstown, what about somewhere like Castleknock?

It's worth noting that some landlords don't specifically say "pets allowed" but are willing to judge on a case by case basis.

Yes, I am curious about that. Some estate agents here tried to talk us out of asking, including my LL now, who said yes. I do no to skip the ones that say NO for sure. Oddly I found 3 places sooooooooooooo far over my budget around 3000 euros a month that are pet friendly, if I had that, I would just buy a house!

lissaH · 15-07-2015 10:35am

There called Kilmainham square and your your looking arounf the £1100 to £1300 area I just rented a room there. A lot of people dont say to the estate agent about cats. Are they noisey? Its prob best say it to them. Cats are so clean and quite I think its more dogs are a problem.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 10:35am

handlemaster wrote: »

OP. If your husband is starting work near blachardstowny why not look in Dublin 15 ?

Blanchardstown is on my list, I would want to be in Swords if not Blanchardstown or Dublin most likley. I have yet to find a place in Blanchardstown for pets, I have found 1 in 7, 2 in Swords, 2 in 1, and 1 in 8. I know they will change but so far that is what I found.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 10:40am

lissaH wrote: »

There called Kilmainham square and your your looking arounf the £1100 to £1300 area I just rented a room there. A lot of people dont say to the estate agent about cats. Are they noisey? Its prob best say it to them. Cats are so clean and quite I think its more dogs are a problem.

They are pretty quiet. He might meow when feeding time comes. She is tiny around 9 pounds and he might be 12, so really won't bother anyone. My husband is crazy neat freak so boxes are always done. My LL here said he saw how much we loved them and knew it would be fine. It cost us 950 euros to bring them from NL. He would give up new job before them in a heartbeat.

I shall add that area to list too.

handlemaster · 15-07-2015 10:51am

Most importantly OP if you can prove you can afford a place and have a very good reference from your landlord add in also that you can pay two months security deposit .... Your chances will be better

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 10:54am

azaliarazor wrote: »

I am unsure of how safe Blanchardstown would be. I also am not so sure about living where the biggest mall is. This sounds all too familiar with a problem in USA I had where huge malls are. It keeps prices sky high and makes traffic a nightmare. Yes, he has said he would like to live near city. If we live in sky high prices, I would rather be in Dublin for that. LOL.

Dublin is a very different animal to the US. The vast majority of Blanch is fine. D1 would be the highest crime rate in Dublin. D8 encompasses an area ranging from some of the most deprived to some of the most affluent in the city. You really need to visit areas and see what they're like.

Look at private landlords rather than agencies that are almost never going to make work for themselves.

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 10:59am

ciaradx wrote: »

I would add Stoneybatter to that list, great area with good bus routes. The main part of it is called 'Manor Street' with all shops etc..(which I think is what OP is really looking for rather than a 'village'??)

My only concern with Stoneybatter is if the OP is squeamish about getting on with the locals. I lived a stones throw (excuse the pun) from there and loved it but you have to be willing to put up with the local element. There would be junkies, drunks, kids from the D8 area over the river and the occasional hooker, none of which will give you the slightest bit of bother if you don't bother them.

The proper locals in that area are a delight and there are some great pubs up there, and some that are a dodgy as...

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:06am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

My only concern with Stoneybatter is if the OP is squeamish about getting on with the locals. I lived a stones throw (excuse the pun) from there and loved it but you have to be willing to put up with the local element. There would be junkies, drunks, kids from the D8 area over the river and the occasional hooker, none of which will give you the slightest bit of bother if you don't bother them.

The proper locals in that area are a delight and there are some great pubs up there, and some that are a dodgy as...

I have some bums here on Ormeau Road, drunks too with sports and pubs, but junkies and hookers is not appealing. I love people and have no problem talking to almost anyone, as long as it is safe.

athtrasna · 15-07-2015 11:10am

I've lived in Blanchardstown for 11 years now, originally from a small town so wouldn't live anywhere I didn't feel safe. Yes the centre is there but the only issue with that can be weekend traffic. Not a big inconvenience imo.

The key to finding pet friendly is look at houses not apartments. Pets are not permitted in the vast majority of apartment dwellings. It's in the purchase legal documents signed by the owners so it's generally not a rule that can be changed or adapted for tenants.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:11am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Dublin is a very different animal to the US. The vast majority of Blanch is fine. D1 would be the highest crime rate in Dublin. D8 encompasses an area ranging from some of the most deprived to some of the most affluent in the city. You really need to visit areas and see what they're like.

Look at private landlords rather than agencies that are almost never going to make work for themselves.

Yes, I have no love lost for estate agents in Belfast. They were all but one mostly a bunch of rude <SNIP>. Cost me a ton of money on taxis and they don't show up.

We have never been a day late and sure our LL would be able to attest to it. He is nice and even gave us a bottle of wine for Christmas. We paid a double deposit here for cats, so we will have our cash for next place as well.

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:12am

azaliarazor wrote: »

I have some bums here on Ormeau Road, drunks too with sports and pubs, but junkies and hookers is not appealing. I love people and have no problem talking to almost anyone, as long as it is safe.

Junkies and hookers rules out every single area in Dublin city centre.

D1, D2, D3 is Junkie mecca thanks to the stupid city planning.
D4 is prostitute alley down the canal in to D8 Also very expensive.
D5 isn't really in the City and universally inconvenient for you.
D6 is out of your (and my :P) price range
D7 hookers and junkies until you practically get into D15
D8 Junkies
D9 Pass
D10 Generally working class areas few issues but not city centre
D11 Finglas et al, again some nice area some not but out of the city
D12 etc all out of the city.

That's not to say those areas are bad, most are grand. The point I'm making is Dublin is a rough town. It's far from dangerous but many people chose to live out in the 'burbs to avoid the grime of innercity life.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:13am

athtrasna wrote: »

I've lived in Blanchardstown for 11 years now, originally from a small town so wouldn't live anywhere I didn't feel safe. Yes the centre is there but the only issue with that can be weekend traffic. Not a big inconvenience imo.

The key to finding pet friendly is look at houses not apartments. Pets are not permitted in the vast majority of apartment dwellings. It's in the purchase legal documents signed by the owners so it's generally not a rule that can be changed or adapted for tenants.

Yes, I noticed that, but then I found a few apartments that do, so I guess some have a way of allowing it. We are willing for either house or apartment, my search is set up for all pet friendly rentals.

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:17am

To be fair saying the vast majority of head leases don't allow pets is a bit misleading. I'd say the vast majority go specifically to nuisance by pets. Furthermore the many private LLs wouldn't even know they have a head lease.

Perhaps it's a more of a phenomenon in the modern areas like Blanch. The only thing I would look out for in Blanch is the build quality of many places is terrible.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:19am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Junkies and hookers rules out every single area in Dublin city centre.

D1, D2, D3 is Junkie mecca thanks to the stupid city planning.
D4 is prostitute alley down the canal in to D8 Also very expensive.
D5 isn't really in the City and universally inconvenient for you.
D6 is out of your (and my :P) price range
D7 hookers and junkies until you practically get into D15
D8 Junkies
D9 Pass
D10 Generally working class areas few issues but not city centre
D11 Finglas et al, again some nice area some not but out of the city
D12 etc all out of the city.

That's not to say those areas are bad, most are grand. The point I'm making is Dublin is a rough town. It's far from dangerous but many people chose to live out in the 'burbs to avoid the grime of innercity life.

Ah, interesting to know. I will keep that in mind. I am afraid we might end up in a bad part due to our cats, so I guess it's good to know which directions to lean. He wants the city, I think it might be swell for a few months and then I would be sick of it. It's all an adventure and I am clueless in many respects. I shall keep building my list. One thing is for sure, our cats are inside cats, never laid a paw on a sidewalk or lawn. They will remain so wherever we end up.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:21am

Head Lease? What is that versus nuisance? My cats would be inside and pretty small and quiet so would some of them be okay if they don't say no pets?

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:27am

Apologies for the jargon.

Apartments are owned in Ireland (in 99.9% of cases) by leasehold. The 'owner' will have a lease usually of between 200 - 999 years. The terms of this lease is called the head lease.

A head lease might exclude pets, I know mine doesn't and I've seen quite a few that don't. Usually there is a clause about nuisance - barking dogs etc. If a LL lets where the head lease says no pets even if the lease he gives you say it's fine there can be issues but you're really getting into technical legal issues.

In area like Blanch I could see head leases possibly excluding pets as the area was thrown up at around the same time and by a limited number of developers. The other issue is many complexes out there are poorly soundproofed and poorly run. Obviously judge each on their own merits.

All that said, it's Ireland. The majority of people ignore the rules and very few places would enforce things.

You'll find somewhere. I wouldn't be without my moggy either. You'l have to excuse me I need to go and clear up some sick and empty the litter box :pac:

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:31am

Ooops, sorry had no idea that was an actual cuss word. In US it is not. I will not say that again.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:33am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Apologies for the jargon.

Apartments are owned in Ireland (in 99.9% of cases) by leasehold. The 'owner' will have a lease usually of between 200 - 999 years. The terms of this lease is called the head lease.

A head lease might exclude pets, I know mine doesn't and I've seen quite a few that don't. Usually there is a clause about nuisance - barking dogs etc. If a LL lets where the head lease says no pets even if the lease he gives you say it's fine there can be issues but you're really getting into technical legal issues.

In area like Blanch I could see head leases possibly excluding pets as the area was thrown up at around the same time and by a limited number of developers. The other issue is many complexes out there are poorly soundproofed and poorly run. Obviously judge each on their own merits.

All that said, it's Ireland. The majority of people ignore the rules and very few places would enforce things.

You'll find somewhere. I wouldn't be without my moggy either. You'l have to excuse me I need to go and clear up some sick and empty the litter box :pac:

I am thinking of asking for copy of lease rules prior to viewings since any viewing will require a trip down from Belfast. I can't see why they would have a problem with that since it should be a matter of public record, right?

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:37am

azaliarazor wrote: »

I am thinking of asking for copy of lease rules prior to viewings since any viewing will require a trip down from Belfast. I can't see why they would have a problem with that since it should be a matter of public record, right?

Other than the typical Irish reaction of why do they want to see that, what business is it of their's, OMG are they going to sue us etc.

I'd just go with what ever the LL says tbh.

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:38am

azaliarazor wrote: »

Ooops, sorry had no idea that was an actual cuss word. In US it is not. I will not say that again.

You've lost me, but cussing is a national past time down here.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:41am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

You've lost me, but cussing is a national past time down here.

The mod edited one of my posts.

athtrasna · 15-07-2015 11:45am

azaliarazor wrote: »

I am thinking of asking for copy of lease rules prior to viewings since any viewing will require a trip down from Belfast. I can't see why they would have a problem with that since it should be a matter of public record, right?

No chance of getting those. It's a landlord 's market and head leases are private legal documents.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:47am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Other than the typical Irish reaction of why do they want to see that, what business is it of their's, OMG are they going to sue us etc.

I'd just go with what ever the LL says tbh.

I was going to say that it is an expensive and time consuming trip to see apartments and so I would prefer close to final stages of selection and so I would like to do viewings of places that would be right fit and so fine print is needed to assure each viewing would be a viable location to rent.

Sorry, I had paralegal and titlework in my background. I don't assume anything unless it is in writing. I could go to a viewing and find out rent is being raised 25 percent in six months or some clause making me responsible for huge repairs. LOL. I am a bit type A.

azaliarazor · 15-07-2015 11:48am

athtrasna wrote: »

No chance of getting those. It's a landlord 's market and head leases are private legal documents.

hmmm, maybe a paraphrase of final rules and fees for a potential tenant?

MarkAnthony · 15-07-2015 11:48am

azaliarazor wrote: »

The mod edited one of my posts.

Ah see you'd get away with jerk which my understanding is a bit ruder in the US and means roughly the same thing

I'd focus on areas rather than postcodes.

If you want City D3 towards D5 is nice but a bit of a pain for Blanch. I think people have suggested going west out of the city - Chapleizod etc. also nice. Blanch is west.

Navan road, Stoneybatter but bear in mind the local element. D8 quays but again same element. D2 templebar but it's going to be noisy. Kilmainham/Inchicore is going to inconvenient for Blanch.

Honestly I'd seriously consider blanch/castleknock.

Where to rent in Dublin for Blanchardstown job with our cats?

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