Pet ownership is on the rise all over the UK, a nation of animal lovers, and with it, many landlords face the serious question of whether or not they need to accept pets in their rented properties. Traditionally, it has always been hard to find pet-friendly rented properties in big cities. The usual reason landlords give for that is the increased risk of property damage that the pets bring. Owners of exotic pets, such as reptiles, face additional challenges due to their unique care requirements and potential risks associated with their ownership. Special provisions in the law protected the rights of pet owners with assistance dogs for example. Private landlords were unable to refuse to sign a tenancy agreement with such tenants, or pose increased tenants fees because of that.

Still, pet-friendly rental properties were more an exception than the rule all across the UK. This is set to change in 2024 and 2025 when a blanket ban on discrimination on behalf of private landlords towards pet owners is not introduced. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse pets as easily as they did before.

Let’s see what the situation with the landlord’s right to refuse pets and pet owners access to their rental properties is.

Is it illegal for landlords to say no pets?

It was in January 2021 when the UK government amended the Model Tenancy Agreement. The change aimed at encouraging landlords to stop the blanket ban on pets in rental properties that has been generally applied up to that moment. The way the tenancy agreement works today is that pets are allowed in rental properties by default. To refuse pets in a particular property, the landlord needs to insert a special “no pets” close in the lease agreement that they sign with the tenant. That was a small step toward a more pet-friendly world, but it was an important one to make indeed.

Introducing mandatory pet insurance could mitigate risks for landlords by covering potential damages caused by pets, especially in light of recent legislative changes that affect rental agreements and tenant rights regarding keeping pets.

Additional changes included the removal of extra fees when the tenant is a pet owner. One of the most important legislative changes that have come through recently is that the landlord has no legal right to charge a deposit higher than five weeks’ rent. That was a standard practice in the past for those renting out properties that were advertised as pet-friendly. The rationale behind the higher security deposit was protection against potential pet damage.

Understanding the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in relation such clauses as to pet ownership within tenancy agreements is crucial. The no pet clause in the rental contract can still be included by the landlord, but even then assistance dogs and other guide animals are protected against it when their presence is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life of the tenant.

Can landlords say no pets in 2024 and 2025?

The proposed changes that are to come into effect in 2024 and 2025 will further limit the ability of landlords to refuse pets on their properties. The Renters Reform Bill aims to enhance tenant rights, particularly focusing on the ability of renters to request pets in their rental properties. This legislation will nearly eradicate the possibility of a blanket ban on pets being instated at a rental property, by making it challenging for the landlord to prove that their right to refuse pets in rental market is within reason. They will need much more proof for that, which is expected to drastically increase the number of pet-friendly rental properties across the country.

Can a landlord kick you out for having a pet?

Even though it becomes harder and harder for landlords to outright refuse pets on their properties, they still reserve the right to kick a tenant with a pet out under certain conditions. When a landlord refuses pets, tenants face significant challenges and must understand their legal rights regarding pet policies. Tenants can take actions such as offering a higher deposit or obtaining pet-related insurance to negotiate the situation. However, tenants, including pet owners, also have obligations on top of their tenant’s rights. For example, a landlord’s refusal or Section 8 notice can be used to evict a renter if the animal is causing problems – or for a medical reason poses danger – to other inhabitants of the building. Extensive property damage, especially if it continues for longer than a previously agreed-upon trial period, is another reason why a landlord may be within their legal right to kick a renter out.

One thing that both renters and landlords need to be aware of is that for a Section 8 notice to legally come into effect, the landlord needs to show indisputable evidence that the pet in question is posing a danger to other tenants of the property, or is causing damage to the property that can be deemed beyond the reasonable limit.

Special provisions

Even if the landlord has instilled a no-pet policy in their renter agreement, they might be legally obliged to change it for guide dogs and other service animals allowing pets that are trained to serve the needs of a potential disabled tenant. The legal term used for such changes is “a reasonable adjustment”. If your landlord refuses to make such an adjustment to your tenant’s agreement, that is considered to be a discriminatory action. In such a case you are allowed to propose civil litigation against your landlord.

The Private Rented Sector Ombudsman can also play a crucial role in resolving disputes between tenants and landlords regarding pet ownership in rental properties. Tenants can escalate unreasonable refusals to allow pets in rented accommodation to the Ombudsman, who can help mediate or resolve such issues, especially in light of pending legislation like the Renters’ Reform Bill and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill.

But before you rush into such a lengthy and exhausting endeavor, make sure to contact your local council. They might be able to assist you with legal action in the case and will be more than happy to hear about a discriminatory landlord who refuses pets on their property without a reasonable excuse.

When talking about periodic tenancy agreements there is one very important question that we need to ask before any other. So let’s find out what periodic tenancy is and how does it work.

Periodic tenancy is also known as rolling tenancy. It is a form of tenancy that has no fixed end date of tenancy. Instead of that, the periodic tenancy is renewed automatically and continues after a period of time specified in the periodic tenancy agreement. Once that that period described in the tenancy agreement is reached, a statutory tenancy comes into an action. If the tenant doesn’t renew their contract after that and they continue paying rent, the continuation of the contract becomes automatic. That is how the tenancy enters a statutory periodic tenancy. The landlord must agree on that as well for that to become possible.

Periodic tenancies usually follow an assured shorthold tenancy, which is the most common type of rental agreement in the UK as of 2024/2025. The lack of end date is the crucial aspect that differentiates the periodic tenancy from the fixed form tenancy.

Types of periodic tenancy

Both tenants and landlords should be aware of the different kinds of periodic tenancies that are described in the current UK legislation. Contractual periodic tenancies are another type, where the terms are specifically set out in the original contract. A monthly periodic tenancy is a type of periodic tenancy where the rent is paid monthly, and the tenancy continues from one month to the next without a fixed term. For contractual periodic tenancies, notice periods align with those of statutory tenancies unless specific rent payment frequencies dictate longer notice periods. Being acquainted with those ensures both parties in the tenant’s agreement are not only protecting their rights but know their obligations as well.

Contractual Periodic Tenancy

A contractual periodic tenancy agreement is described in the rental contract upon signing. This type of agreement highlights how it differs from a statutory periodic tenancy by being established from the outset, allowing for rent payments on a regular basis, and potentially including clauses for rent reviews. For contractual periodic tenancies, the notice periods required for eviction align with those of statutory tenancies unless specific rent payment frequencies dictate longer notice periods. It outlines the implications, including advantages and disadvantages for both landlords and tenants.

A contractual tenancy is established when both landlord and tenant agree to transition from a fixed term to a periodic tenancy.

That means that the tenant and the landlord have agreed beforehand they are entering a periodic tenancy relation, instead of it being automatically imposed upon reaching a fixed date in the contract. The contractual periodic tenancy arrangement can be made also shortly before the expiration of the fixed-date contract.

Statutory Periodic Tenancy

Once the initial fixed term in the rental contract expires, statutory periodic tenancies become active. These tenancies allow tenants to continue renting the property without being tied down by a lengthy fixed-term contract. Landlords can issue Section 21 notices to terminate statutory periodic tenancies with a specified notice period. Recent legislative changes, such as the Renters Reform Bill, may impact the nature of these tenancies. Therefore, if the tenant wishes to continue renting the property with more flexibility, they can request a rolling periodic tenancy with a term of a month, or even a week. The landlord is obliged to agree to such an arrangement in most cases. This is actually something few people come to realize.

What are the rules for a periodic tenancy?

When you are a tenant involved in a periodic tenancy agreement you need to follow all the rules and obligations of any other tenant in the UK. The tenancy period defines the notice requirements and timelines for both landlords and tenants. Also, if you are to terminate the periodic tenancy agreement, you are obliged to inform your landlord with an advance notice equal to the period of your rolling periodic tenancy renewal, otherwise they reserve the right to keep your rental deposit. That means that if your tenancy contract is renewed at the end of each month, you need to give at least one month’s notice before you can leave.

Does the landlord have the right to evict on a periodic tenancy?

The UK government has seen that there are eviction rules to protect tenants under periodic tenancy agreements just like there such for the fixed-term agreements. The Housing Act outlines the legal processes for evicting tenants under different tenancy types, including periodic tenancies. The landlord can ask their tenant to leave in case they are breaking the rules of your tenancy contract. That includes the cases when they cause excessive damage to the property. Another case would be if the neighbours complain that someone is a nuisance to them. On the other hand, you are protected by the same tenant’s rights as all tenants in the country. That doesn’t mean your landlord doesn’t have the right to terminate your periodic tenancy agreement, so beware of that. However, the regulations dictate that they need to give you notice that is equal to the period of renewal of the contract. It can be a week, a month, or a year depending on the arrangement you have.

Periodic tenancy – disatvantages

At first glance, periodic tenancies are beneficial to tenants. Fixed term tenancies provide more stability for landlords compared to periodic tenancies. Landlords tend to enjoy less favorable conditions under a periodic tenancy agreement. Therefore, they would be more attractive to those looking to rent for a shorter period. People who don’t want to get tied up by a fixed-term tenancy go for rolling ones. That doesn’t mean some landlord’s don’t find a fixed-term tenancy that turns into a periodic one to be an excellent idea. The flexibility the arrangement provides for both side is evident. It is also a quite crucial benefit in the hectic world of the 21st century.

What is the main difference between periodic tenancy and fixed-term tenancy?

There are three main differences between periodic tenancy and fixed term agreement that both renters and property owners need to be aware of.

• The first and most distinct difference is the length of the actual rental contract. The fixed term agreement comes with an agreement for how long the two parties enter into the contractual obligations between a tenant and a landlord. These terms are usually relatively lengthy ones. A typical fixed-term tenancy contract expires in two years. There are however long-term fixed-term tenancy contracts that can go on for seven or even more years.
• Another major difference between a periodic tenancy agreement and a fixed-term one is that the renewal of the contract applies automatically for the periodic tenancy one. On the other hand, the fixed-term tenancy contract should be agreed upon and signed by both the tenant and the landlord for it to be renewed.
• Statutory requirements pose a need for a notice to be provided by either of the two parties included in the contractual obligations before a periodic term tenancy agreement could be ended. The same does not apply to fixed-term tenancy agreements, as the expiration date for the term is written in the contract.

An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is the most common type of tenancy agreement provided by landlords or letting agents.

Do dust build-ups make the outsides of your windows look grimy and unwelcoming? Maybe you have postponed the chore of cleaning them for too long and now they are becoming harder and harder to shine. To effectively clean outside windows, it is important to use specific tools and techniques. Using a U-shaped telescopic pole and a double-sided squeegee, along with a proper cleaning solution, can tackle grime efficiently.

Avoid cleaning on sunny days to prevent products from baking onto the glass. Outside window cleaning is one of the more unpleasant household maintenance tasks, and it is only natural that you put off taking care of it for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are several neat tricks that you can use that will help you make the process much easier, and smoother and deliver results that live up to even the highest industry standards – all without the need to resort to the services of professional window cleaners.

The Necessary Preparations

Even though outside window cleaning doesn’t need to happen more than twice a year, approaching it without the right tools can turn the process into a nightmare. So make sure that you have everything you need at hand before you go about the job to achieve clean windows. Let’s not forget that additionally if you try to clean your windows without the proper tools and detergents, you might end up making them look even dirtier.

So, make sure that you gather all you need beforehand:

• Broom and/or vacuum cleaner
• Mop and a bucket
• Squeegee
• U-shaped telescopic pole
• Commercial cleaning products or DIY ones like dishwashing liquid and white vinegar
• Magnetic window cleaner
• Cloths
• Rubber gloves
• Strip washer

Using a proper cleaning solution is essential to effectively remove dirt and grime.

What exactly your outside window cleaning is going to require depends entirely on the type of your property and the windows you have. In some instances, you may need a ladder and even water fed poles in addition to the list above. In others, a simple cloth and a bucket of water will be more than enough.

Using a Mop

Cleaning windows can be made much easier with a good, old-fashioned mop, which works miracles for washing windows on the outside from the inside of the house or the apartment. Put some cleaning detergent, or equal parts dishwashing liquid and white vinegar in a bucket of water to create an effective DIY window cleaner, and dip the mop in it. Remove the majority of the dirt and dust build-up from the outside of your windows with the mop. Then use a microfiber cloth to wipe and polish the glass.

Using a Magnetic Window Cleaner

If you are living in an upper-floor flat, you might find cleaning dust and dirt buildups from the outside of your hard to reach outside windows to be a challenging task. In such cases, magnetic window cleaners are a real lifesaver. In addition to making the process safer and easier, they allow you to reach even places that are typically outside of your reach with other tools. Magnetic window cleaners that you can operate from inside of your home come with a microfiber cloth that gently wipes away the commercial cleaning fluid or the homemade one you are using to get rid of the grime covering your windows. Just remember to move gently and slowly so as to not disconnect the magnets of the device.

Using a Squeegee

A Squeegee might look like a professional-grade tool, and it is indeed the licensed window cleaner’s best friend, but you can make good use of it as well. It is best to use this tool when you can access your windows by ladder only. Due to the fact squeegees have short handles you can easily operate them while on the ladder without putting yourself in danger. There are squeegees with extendable handles in case your windows are higher.

For high windows, using squeegees with extendable handles can help you clean effectively without the need for a ladder, reducing the risk of falls. One of the best features of quality squeegees is the advanced microfiber cloths that you will find attached to them. So, you can use the squeegee side to remove the dirt and dust buildups from your windows, and then wipe the water and detergents by simply flipping the tool over. No need to wear extra cloths. For a streak-free finish, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe down the glass after using the squeegee.

Using a Telescopic Pole

U-shaped telescopic poles are great tools for window cleaning when you don’t want to get outside on the ledge. They work particularly well on double-hung and sliding glass windows, and they make it easier to clean the window frame along with the glass. Using the right window cleaning solution is crucial to ensure clarity and avoid streaks. They also help you clean the window tracks as well, which is a pretty daunting task. Just remember to place some large cloth on the floor beneath the windows, so that you don’t have to vacuum and wash it as well once you are done.

Sliding Windows

If you have sliding glass windows at home, the easiest and safest way to clean them, including the window sill, would actually be to remove the window panes from the frame. Carefully unhinge the slides and place the windows on the floor covered with cloth or a blanket. Use a microfiber cloth to rinse the dirt and then another one to dry and polish the glass. Work carefully so as to not break the glass. You will be amazed how quickly you will be able to complete the task, and how little effort removing and placing back up the sliding glass windows takes.

Do you plan to deep clean your home? Well, in that case, you are in for a tough task that may take you a whole day and even more. You will need to consider cleaning and sanitizing a lot of spots and parts in your home that you rarely think of when doing your regular weekly chores. Maybe you will even ask yourself how to clean vertical blinds in the most efficient way possible. The job might sound nearly impossible, but the truth is that if you follow a few easy-to-follow steps and simple cleaning tips even stubborn stains stand no chance.

When it comes to cleaning vertical blinds, a step-by-step guide can be very helpful. Different materials, such as fabric vertical blinds, may require specific part cleaning tools and methods, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s notes.

First and foremost, make sure that you have the right tools of trade at hand:

• Some warm water
• A microfiber cloth, vacuum cleaner, and stain remover for stubborn stains
• Gentle laundry detergent

Also, make sure that you have a flat surface to lay your vertical blinds while you are deep cleaning and drying them once you have a hundred percent clean vertical blinds.

Should I take my vertical blinds down?

You might feel tempted to leave your vertical blinds hanging while cleaning them. It might sound like the easier solution to the problem, but the truth is that by doing so you will not be able to properly clean vertical blinds of any type, and you are likely to damage them in the cleaning process too.

The job of taking down and build up your vertical blinds is simpler than it may seem at first look.

Start by removing the vertical slats from the spring clips. Most spring clips are plastic, so be careful not to break them. Use a ladder to reach them, because climbing on furniture can be pretty dangerous. Once you do that, remove the headrail from the brackets of your vertical blinds and proceed to unscrew the brackets from the windows. In that way, you can easily remove your vertical blinds and place them on the flat surface you are going to use to clean them. You can inspect them better that way and detect areas heavily stained by dust, or even vertical blinds mold which affects both fabric blinds and wooden blinds.

Remove Blind Slats and Clean Vertical Blinds Headrail

Before you start with the process of getting your vertical blinds clean, make sure that you unhook the slats and thoroughly clean the headrail. You can use a microfiber cloth and some luke warm water. If you have skipped cleaning the vertical blinds in your home during the last few spring cleanings, you might want to use a heavy-duty stain or mold remover for the purpose. Getting the headrail first will ensure you’ve tackled the hardest job first, and will give enough time to the surface to dry before rehanging your vertical blinds.

Washing Your Blinds in Warm Water

Depending on the material your blinds are made of, you might wash vertical blinds in warm water in the bathtub or even toss them in the washing machine. Using the washing machine is the quickest and most painless way to go around the task to clean blinds. Be advised, however, that even blinds that are approved for cleaning in a washing machine according to the manufacturer’s notes might get damaged. So, washing them by hand and scrubbing stains with a damp cloth might turn out to be your safest bet.

Soak the blinds well and use baby wipes or a wet sponge to remove any mold you see. It is advisable to leave the powerful stain remover and detergents for emergencies only because they are so strong they might potentially damage the fabric. Make sure to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust built-ups. Also, you might want to resort to homemade remedies such as lemon juice on a damp cloth for both the stubborn stains on delicate fabrics.

Lay Blinds Out to Dry

As you can see, the question of how to clean vertical blinds sounds scary only at first. After you have run the vacuum cleaner through all the dust and fabrics and washed them in warm, soapy water, you can just toss them in the tumble dryer for a bit, and then lay your blinds on the clean vertical surface you prepared to completely dry them. It’s best to leave them out of direct sunlight, as to avoid damaging their colors. Drying your vertical blinds in that way may take a little longer, depending on the weather, but it is the best course of action if you want to enjoy them for longer.

Rehang Your Blinds

Now that your clean vertical blinds are thoroughly dried, all you have to do is rehang them. For that purpose, you will need to follow the same steps that you used to remove them from your windows, but in reverse.

If you are vacating rented premises anywhere in the UK, you might be wondering how long a landlord can hold deposits after tenancy ends. This is an important question because getting your tenancy deposit back can play a crucial role in balancing your budget and help you secure another rental property in time.

Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme (TDP)

One crucial fact you should be aware of is the way security deposits are regulated under British law. Anywhere in the United Kingdom, landlords are required to put the money you give them as a security deposit into a special fund designed as a tenancy deposit protection. These funds commonly go by the name of Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes. Their purpose is to guarantee that the deposit money is used only for their intended purposes – to cover any expenses that the landlord might have to make in case the tenant breaches their contract. By using tenancy deposit services, property owners enter an agreement not to spend this money in any other way, and return the funds to their tenants once they move out.

Returning Funds

So, the question arises, when is your landlord expected to return your money once you stop using their property? Even though certain letting agents guarantee the immediate return of your money, you should consider the fact that like anything else related to TDP schemes, there are certain rules and regulations that dictate the schedule for the return. The most important rule is that your landlord should return the money within 10 days after you have vacated the premises. That is 10 calendar, not work days. In case the landlord doesn’t meet that deadline, they are required by law to provide a written explanation of the reasons they are holding the funds.

When Can Landlords Hold Tenancy Deposits

The deposit funds are designed to protect certain rights of the landlords as well. They play the role of an insurance scheme for the property owner. Because of this, there are certain situations in which the landlord can exercise their right and not return the money. There are three main reasons for such an action:

1. The tenant has outstanding bills accumulated on the property, such as utility bills.
2. The tenant has back-rent to pay.
3. There is damage on the property that goes beyond the wear and tear that is to be expected for the duration of the tenancy.

In addition to these three reasons, there might be other specific situations in which the landlord holds the deposit and still is within their rights as described by the law. Remember that these reasons should always be explicitly described in your tenancy agreement, so make sure to read the contract you signed with the landlord thoroughly prior to moving out of their house or apartment. One example of such a special clause would be that you will be required to have a licensed professional cleaning company carry out an end-of-tenancy cleaning on the premises once you move your possessions out before your landlord returns your tenancy deposit.

What Landlords Can Hold Money For

Situations in which your landlord can’t either deduct or fully hold your deposit money include:

• Property damage that occurred prior to you moving into the rental property.
• Repairing normal wear and tear, including worn carpets and upholstery, as well as fainted paint.
• Cleaning fees they incur on the property after you moved out, in case you left it in the same condition you found it when you moved in.

Because of this, it is highly advisable that you snap photos of the condition of the rented property when you are moving into it, as well as the day you are moving out. These will be admitted as evidence should you need to take action to get a deposit refund.

What if the landlord doesn’t return the money from the custodial scheme without a reason?

If you haven’t breached your tenancy agreement but your landlord continues holding your tenancy funds beyond the 10-day period defined under the country’s tenancy laws, you will be perfectly within your right to seek legal advice and pursue legal action against your already former landlord. It is best to try to communicate your concerns with the landlord first. Call the letting agent that works with them as well. If that fails, call the tenancy deposit scheme and explain the situation. You can request your deposit refund directly from them and the people working there will advise you on the appropriate next steps to take. In rare cases, you will need to go to court.