It is vital to inform your solicitor, the estate agent or property management company of your requirements for your pet when you are looking to rent or buy a property. When you buy an apartment, it is most likely to be long leasehold. If this is the case, the terms of the lease will specify whether you are allowed a pet in the property or in the grounds and what if any restrictions there are.

All multi-unit development apartments will have a lease and house rules, which set out the rules that must be adhered to. Pets aren’t the only potential restrictive clause in a property lease, and you should look out for others. If there is no mention of pets within the property lease yet the landlord refuses permission to keep a pet, they may argue that pets aren’t allowed under a general nuisance clause. You could be taken to court by the OMC if you breach a no pets clause on your lease. The court would then order you to remove your pet from the apartment.