Struggling to Find Housing

Jay_mate_jay · 14-01-2019 3:09pm #1

I was wondering what tips or if anyone had any recommendations they could lend please

We are a very respectable family with good jobs and a very well behaved dog trying to move into a rental home in the Swords area in Dublin but nothing seems to be aligning.

Would anyone be able to help please!

McGrath5 · 14-01-2019 3:17pm

Have you left your details in with local EA's? They may let you know of properties that are coming up for rent before they are advertised.

Not to come across as too negative, but having a dog in this rental market doesn't help.

Cuddlesworth · 14-01-2019 3:27pm

McGrath5 wrote: »

Not to come across as too negative, but having a dog in this rental market doesn't help.

Doesn't help is a complete understatement. It's a huge problem, most landlords will want nothing to do with you.

Samuel T. Cogley · 14-01-2019 3:45pm

Aye it's the dog I'm afraid.

antix80 · 14-01-2019 3:49pm

Most potential neighbours will want nothing to do with you either.

14-01-2019 3:55pm

antix80 wrote: »

Most potential neighbours will want nothing to do with you either.

I don't think the neighbours get a say

Samuel T. Cogley · 14-01-2019 4:00pm

BrownFinger wrote: »

I don't think the neighbours get a say

You'd be surprised. The LL may want to keep neighbours on side.

Fol20 · 14-01-2019 4:10pm

As others have mentioned. Speaking from ll point of view, i dont get care what type of jobs you have etc. if you have dogs or cats, i stay well away from them. Initially when i was first a ll, i was open to them as i have a dog myself however through experience of scratches on doors,floors,couch marks, odd smells. Complaints from neighbours all lead me to believe they are not worth the hassle. You can offer extra deposit amounts but tbh, i still woulsnt want any pets in my places

zl1whqvjs75cdy · 14-01-2019 5:29pm

Yup you are gonna have to lose the dog op.

Jay_mate_jay · 14-01-2019 10:20pm

I struggle to believe that every landlord will refuse dogs.

I could not get rid of him so I suppose I'll have to keep trying

Samuel T. Cogley · 14-01-2019 10:29pm

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I struggle to believe that every landlord will refuse dogs.

I could not get rid of him so I suppose I'll have to keep trying

Every LL probably won't but every EA will - try going directly to LL's and offering a large pet deposit.

SteM · 14-01-2019 10:29pm

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I struggle to believe that every landlord will refuse dogs.

You want to live in the swords area so you're limiting location, you need a family property so you're further limiting your property type in a difficult rental market. You've already got a small subset of properties to choose from but you are limiting it even further by having a dog in afraid. Not every landlord will refuse a dog but all it takes is every landlord in your limited subset to refuse and you'll struggle to get a place.

14-01-2019 10:36pm

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I struggle to believe that every landlord will refuse dogs.

I could not get rid of him so I suppose I'll have to keep trying

That’s tough, I understand how hard that would be to give up your dog. What kind of a dog is it ? How big is your family ?
You should think of Drogheda , it’s only 20 mins up the road, lots of space , good motorway , cheaper and possibly more houses to rent .

airportgirl83 · 14-01-2019 11:24pm

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I struggle to believe that every landlord will refuse dogs.

I could not get rid of him so I suppose I'll have to keep trying

My friend is renting a lovely 2bed house (newly refurbished) in Stoneybatter and she has a dog that she brought with her all the way from Canada.

My previous colleague is renting an apt in Sandyford and she has a dog that she brought with her all the way from Sweden.

It wasn't easy to bring their pets here and find accommodation but they managed. They are both renting directly from landlords and were very upfront about having pets.

Do not give up on your pet

You will find a home for all of you! I'd suggest not limiting yourself just to Swords though.

Eric Cartman · 14-01-2019 11:26pm

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I was wondering what tips or if anyone had any recommendations they could lend please

We are a very respectable family with good jobs and a very well behaved dog trying to move into a rental home in the Swords area in Dublin but nothing seems to be aligning.

Would anyone be able to help please!

before I even came into this thread I was gambling in my mind, HAP or dog.

Put the dog in a kennel, youve literally taken 90% of rentals off your chances.

airportgirl83 · 14-01-2019 11:34pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

before I even came into this thread I was gambling in my mind, HAP or dog.

Put the dog in a kennel, youve literally taken 90% of rentals off your chances.

Why don't you check yourself into a kennel?

Eric Cartman · 14-01-2019 11:40pm

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Why don't you check yourself into a kennel?

I like dogs, I do , but the majority of landlords don't. People see them as another child or part of the family or whatever, but your landlord sees a smelly house he has to change all the carpets in and possibly furniture damage or complaints from neighbours.

I know landlords who have dogs who would never dare allow a dog in a rental. There are ofcourse houses that take them but you really are removing your chances in 90% of the rental market in Ireland.

The easiest way to find a house that will take a dog is to find one that takes students and is a bit run down. But then its not a place to raise kids, family with a dog on hap is the absolute hardest demographic to house, the OP is ticks all but one of the boxes.

jomalone14 · 14-01-2019 11:55pm

I'd rather have a dog in my rental property any day than children....

OP, please don't give up, there are landlords out there that will accept your pet. Just broaden your search and be prepared to offer an extra deposit. Good luck.

tretorn · 15-01-2019 12:07am

I am a landlord and we accepted a dog.

The garden is very big though and there are no carpets downstairs.

I dont like dogs myself but the tenants have kept the house very well.

I want the house back soon and everything else available in the area and there isnt much is about four hundred euros more than I am charging. Most of the properties have small gardens too so I dont know what the tenants are going to do.

steddyeddy · 15-01-2019 12:37am

antix80 wrote: »

Most potential neighbours will want nothing to do with you either.

Because of a dog? Do they lower the house prices or something?

Gimme A Pound · 15-01-2019 6:54am

Barking maybe.

airportgirl83 wrote: »

Why don't you check yourself into a kennel?

You make that comment to them just for being realistic? I adore dogs but property owners and agents are regularly reluctant to have them in their rental unit.

airportgirl83 · 15-01-2019 8:56am

Julissa Unimportant Caricature wrote: »

Barking maybe.

You make that comment to them just for being realistic? I adore dogs but property owners and agents are regularly reluctant to have them in their rental unit.

It's a very cruel thing to say imo You wouldn't think of giving your child away just because you can't find a new apt. I am being very realistic, I know it's not going to be easy to find a place with a dog but it is possible (as I mentioned two of my friends have dogs and are renting). Most people here are so negative, its so sad.

Landlords out there are charging huge amounts in rent for badly furnished, disgusting, mouldy, cold apartments, cop on - it is just a dog! Deposit should cover any damages (increase it if you are worried). Like someone said before children could do more damage to your property than a dog.

Anyone who tells him to give away his pet to a kennel has no heart. Hope someone will treat you like that one day - dispose, just because you are not convinient anymore.

ExoPolitic · 15-01-2019 9:02am

airportgirl83 wrote: »

It's a very cruel thing to say imo You wouldn't think of giving your child away just because you can't find a new apt. I am being very realistic, I know it's not going to be easy to find a place with a dog but it is possible (as I mentioned two of my friends have dogs and are renting). Most people here are so negative, its so sad.

Landlords out there are charging huge amounts in rent for badly furnished, disgusting, mouldy, cold apartments, cop on - it is just a dog! Deposit should cover any damages (increase it if you are worried). Like someone said before children could do more damage to your property than a dog.

Anyone who tells him to give away his pet to a kennel has no heart. Hope someone will treat you like that one day - dispose, just because you are not convinient anymore.

Well the OP wanted honest advice, they got honest advice... Facts don't care about feelings, cold but true.

Caranica · 15-01-2019 9:05am

Most apartments and high density developments from the last 20 years don't allow dogs, individual landlords don't necessarily have a choice. The problem with Swords is that a huge swathe of the available housing falls into that property age bracket.

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 9:10am

Removing negativity and comments about simply giving the dog away (which is far from an option) it appears my likely solutions are persistance, higher deposit offered and going direct to landlords. But with most things in daft.ie going through agencies how do you go direct?

whisky_galore · 15-01-2019 9:15am

I like dogs but once had to house share with a girl who owned one. Honestly the bang of dog would hit you in the face upon opening the front door. Add to that the mess whenever it got sick and scuttered or puked and enough hair to fill a mattress left after it. It was a fairly large dog, think people who leave them unattended all day while they're at work have no business keeping one. Wasn't that sorry to see them leave.

15-01-2019 9:30am

Don't advertise the fact that you have a dog

Caranica · 15-01-2019 9:37am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Don't advertise the fact that you have a dog

Way to get kicked out of any place they might get

SteM · 15-01-2019 9:37am

airportgirl83 wrote: »

You wouldn't think of giving your child away just because you can't find a new apt.

No because he's my child and not a dog. Don't get me wrong, I love my dog but if I couldn't find a suitable place to stay because of him then I would consider giving him up. Comparing the love I have for my child to a dog is bonkers imo.

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 9:37am

Deleted User wrote: »

Don't advertise the fact that you have a dog

I feel like you'd have to in some strange way.. Like could the LL could consider it a breach of contrsct?

Cuddlesworth · 15-01-2019 9:46am

tretorn wrote: »

I am a landlord and we accepted a dog.

The garden is very big though and there are no carpets downstairs.

I dont like dogs myself but the tenants have kept the house very well.

I want the house back soon and everything else available in the area and there isnt much is about four hundred euros more than I am charging. Most of the properties have small gardens too so I dont know what the tenants are going to do.

Until the day you rent to a irresponsible dog owner and see the damage they can cause. Then it becomes a blanket ban. I know lots of landlords, it always goes that way. Family's with children are next on the list.

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

Removing negativity and comments about simply giving the dog away (which is far from an option) it appears my likely solutions are persistence, higher deposit offered and going direct to landlords. But with most things in daft.ie going through agencies how do you go direct?

Your options are very limited.

You want a specific area within the city limits.
Supply is constrained right now.
Pets are not wanted by most landlords.
Children are not wanted by most landlords.

You can of course still get a property. But the chances of getting somewhere are significantly less and the work involved in getting one will be significantly more.

If you want to increase your chances and reduce the workload.

Increase your search area, it will add more property's to the pool.
Consider moving out of the city, country homes are more accepting of family's and pets.
Find a home for the dog.

15-01-2019 9:48am

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I feel like you'd have to in some strange way.. Like could the LL could consider it a breach of contract?

If you already live there and are paying and they find out, they are unlikely to make much of a deal of it. Would be more effort for them to have to re advertise and find somebody else.

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you could fail to mention that you have a dog until you view the place and build a rapport with the landlord. Then if you get to a stage were contracts are ready to be signed you can casually mention that you have a dog. By then the landlord will hopefully like you and be more open to it.

15-01-2019 9:50am

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

I feel like you'd have to in some strange way.. Like could the LL could consider it a breach of contrsct?

As others have said, most LL, including myself will not allow pets. Apartment OMC rules tend to prohibit them, house owners don’t want the risk of damage and the deposit often won’t cover the cost of replacing furniture/carpets/curtains etc if damaged.

It would be hard to see how it would not be a significant breach of contract if your tenancy agreement clearly prohibits pets in the property.

Hoboo · 15-01-2019 9:57am

SteM wrote: »

No because he's my child and not a dog. Don't get me wrong, I love my dog but if I couldn't find a suitable place to stay because of him then I would consider giving him up. Comparing the love I have for my child to a dog is bonkers imo.

There is nothing to compare, love is love, end of.
Very responsible ownership right there. Be honest, you don't love your dog, you've no idea what love for an animal is if youd give them up. I'd sooner sleep in the park with my dog than give her up.

OP I've never rented with a dog, but my brother did for 10 years up to last summer, 3 different places, never a problem. Small king charles, not one complaint from neighbours, ea's or landlords. So there are places, it's just a competitive market no matter your family makeup.

SteM · 15-01-2019 9:58am

Hoboo wrote: »

There is nothing to compare, love is love, end of
Very responsible ownership right there. Be honest, you don't love your dog, you've no idea what love for an animal is if youd give them up. I'd sooner sleep in the park with my dog than give her up.

No you're right, I don't love my dog :rolleyes:

15-01-2019 10:01am

Hoboo wrote: »

. I'd sooner sleep in the park with my dog than give her up.

If you have a family and the dog was impacting your ability to put a roof over their head, you might have to pause for thought about your priorities.

Hoboo · 15-01-2019 10:02am

Dav010 wrote: »

If you have a family and the dog was impacting your ability to put a roof over their head, you might have to pause for thought about your priorities.

Then don't get a dog. It's not a disposable commodity to bin as you see fit. It's part of the family.

Rochelle · 15-01-2019 10:11am

Hoboo wrote: »

Then don't get a dog. It's not a disposable commodity to bin as you see fit. It's part of the family.

Good job from the animal rights loons hijacking this thread...

antix80 · 15-01-2019 10:12am

ExoPolitic wrote: »

Facts don't care about feelings, cold but true.

Ben?

15-01-2019 10:14am

Hoboo wrote: »

Then don't get a dog. It's not a disposable commodity to bin as you see fit. It's part of the family.

I understand, but if most LLs today will not accept pets, you are reducing your chances of getting a rental property. It could very well come down to a hard choice depending on how important it is to get a place to rent.

Mrs OBumble · 15-01-2019 10:18am

Hoboo wrote: »

Then don't get a dog. It's not a disposable commodity to bin as you see fit. It's part of the family.

No its a companion animal.

As much a "part of the family" as the pig that was used to make the rashers you ate last week.

Hoboo · 15-01-2019 10:34am

Dav010 wrote: »

I understand, but if most LLs today will not accept pets, you are reducing your chances of getting a rental property. It could very well come down to a hard choice depending on how important it is to get a place to rent.

I understand this. There are plenty of places that accept pets, but in high demand areas like Dublin the pet issue will be far greater. It boils down to responsible ownership and planning properly before getting a dog, although some unfortunately fall into renting with a pet without thinking they would which is tough.

Animal Looney? Companion animal. Will you stop. Pair of clowns.

BOT:

OP try looking a bit further out, laytown, gormanstown, julianstown, all easily accessible to Dublin, the beach, plenty of rentals, you'll get more for your buck, and you'll find pet friendly LL's.

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 11:11am

Im genuinely astounded by the negativity surrounding pets and children renting, how are any family's meant to stand a chsnce?

Having moved from England where this is not even an issue as long as you can prove you can pay your way and that you won't trash the gaff, I begin to see where the issues lie in the rental crisis.

We are lucky at the moment that we are living with family so we can bide our time a little but I'm shocked at so much of a negative response, even more so at the people who thinks it's okay to just dispose of a dog that's been a member of the family longer than my child has! Therefore love has no bounds for both my child and dog

15-01-2019 11:18am

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

Im genuinely astounded by the negativity surrounding pets and children renting, how are any family's meant to stand a chsnce?

Having moved from England where this is not even an option as long as you can prove you can pay your way and that you won't trash the gaff, I begin to see where the issues lie in the rental crisis.

We are lucky at the moment that we are living with family so we can bide our time a little but I'm shocked at so much of a negative response, even more so at the people who thinks it's okay to just dispose of a dog that's been a member of the family longer than my child has! Therefore love has no bounds for both my child and dog

To be fair, I doubt there are many LLs who don’t accept kids, dogs are a different matter. You love your dog, but to a LL a property is an asset and the risks of damage are higher with a dog. Also, if a dog (not yours) did thousands of euro worth of damage, the chance of a LL getting that from the dog owner are likely to be zero.

Unfortunately, their house, their rules. With high demand an owner knows they can reject pet owners.

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 11:26am

Dav010 wrote: »

To be fair, I doubt there are many LLs who don’t accept kids, dogs are a different matter. You love your dog, but to a LL a property is an asset and the risks of damage are higher with a dog. Also, if a dog (not yours) did thousands of euro worth of damage, the chance of a LL getting that from the dog owner are likely to be zero.

Unfortunately, their house, their rules. With high demand an owner knows they can reject pet owners.

Completely get that, maybe it is the approach that its not mentioned until a face to face meeting with the LL and we then discuss the pet and contingencies in place to protect their property. Maybe even suggesting to place a legal agreement to repair any significant damage caused by pet.

15-01-2019 11:28am

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

Completely get that, maybe it is the approach that its not mentioned until a face to face meeting with the LL and we then discuss the pet and contingencies in place to protect their property. Maybe even suggesting to place a legal agreement to repair any significant damage caused by pet.

The LL may have to go to court to enforce that legal agreement if the tenant refuses to pay. That would not appeal to many LLs.

15-01-2019 11:30am

Jay_mate_jay wrote: »

Im genuinely astounded by the negativity surrounding pets and children renting, how are any family's meant to stand a chsnce?

Having moved from England where this is not even an issue as long as you can prove you can pay your way and that you won't trash the gaff, I begin to see where the issues lie in the rental crisis.

We are lucky at the moment that we are living with family so we can bide our time a little but I'm shocked at so much of a negative response, even more so at the people who thinks it's okay to just dispose of a dog that's been a member of the family longer than my child has! Therefore love has no bounds for both my child and dog

It really is crazy. Its very common to have a dog or a cat as a pet. It wouldn't be half as common if they really destroyed your house.

Huge cost, Short term leases, not allowed to have a pet... and people wonder why we're obsessed with home ownership

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 11:30am

Dav010 wrote: »

The LL may have to go to court to enforce that legal agreement if the tenant refuses to pay. That would not appeal to many LLs.

If the tenant has stipulated this, then there would be no case. This should give the LL confidence in the tenant?

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 11:31am

Deleted User wrote: »

It really is crazy. Its very common to have a dog or a cat as a pet. It wouldn't be half as common if they really destroyed your house.

Huge cost, Short term leases, not allowed to have a pet... and people wonder why we're obsessed with home ownership

Unfortunately home ownership has never been difficult in this country

The Enbalmer · 15-01-2019 11:34am

I rented to people with dogs twice. Never again.

it was the same situation on both occasions. The smell of the dog was pronounced and obvious the minute you opened the door.
There was hair all over the carpeted areas even though I was told the dogs "don't shed".

from what the neighbours told me the dogs were left in the back garden from 8 am til 6pm yapping and howling constantly.

The grass was worn in patches in the garden and there was ****e everywhere..disgusting.

The smell took days to get out of the house when they had left and the feckin hairs were a nightmare to hoover up from all the places they had managed to work themselves into.

I would never rent to anybody with a dog again and my own personal opinion is this: Dogs are social animals and don't like being kept by themselves for long periods of time and nor should they be kept in people's houses or kept out the back garden for weeks on end. Dogs are absolutely not suitable pets for urban living.

Jay_mate_jay · 15-01-2019 11:38am

The Enbalmer wrote: »

I rented to people with dogs twice. Never again.

it was the same situation on both occasions. The smell of the dog was pronounced and obvious the minute you opened the door.
There was hair all over the carpeted areas even though I was told the dogs "don't shed".

from what the neighbours told me the dogs were left in the back garden from 8 am til 6pm yapping and howling constantly.

The grass was worn in patches in the garden and there was ****e everywhere..disgusting.

The smell took days to get out of the house when they had left and the feckin hairs were a nightmare to hoover up from all the places they had managed to work themselves into.

I would never rent to anybody with a dog again and my own personal opinion is this: Dogs are social animals and don't like being kept by themselves for long periods of time and nor should they be kept in people's houses or kept out the back garden for weeks on end. Dogs are absolutely not suitable pets for urban living.

I suppose the anti side of that is that my missus hates the dog hairs on the carpet so nearly follows the dog around with the vacuum haha!

I can see your point, its really irritating that one or two irresponsible owners have ruined your perception

Struggling to Find Housing

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