As a tenant, can I have a pet?

As a tenant, can I have a pet?

Some tenants would like to keep a pet in their rental property, but the owner does not always agree. Just what are the rules regarding tenants and pets?

Right to a private life

Strictly speaking, being allowed to keep a pet can be seen as part of the right to private life, family life and residence as defined in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In principle, it is therefore difficult to impose a strict prohibition on keeping pets in a clause of the lease.

Contract

In a private rental contract, on the other hand, agreements can be made regarding the keeping of pets, but both tenant and landlord must agree. If the tenant does not comply with any prohibition, it will not be considered a serious breach of the right to private life, as mentioned above. In the event of a lawsuit, a judge will take into account real facts such as: the type of pet, whether or not it is a nuisance, etc.). A tenant is obliged to behave as a "good family man" so if the tenant, by keeping pets, causes a lot of noise pollution or danger, this can be seen as a reason for a judge to terminate the contract. In addition, the tenant must at all times compensate for any damage caused by a pet. For example, a sum can be deducted from the rental deposit for any damage.

Co-ownership rules

In some cases the rules of co-ownership include a ban on pets. The rules set out the rights and obligations of all the occupants. It is therefore possible to impose a ban in order to maintain the peace and quiet of all the occupants.