There are many reasons to like life in Forest Hill, but the abundance of parks and green space is a big factor which we approve of. If you are looking for a local area where you can exercise and socialise with others, you have plenty of options.
Horniman Gardens, Mayow Park and Albion Millennium Green have all played a role in keeping people active, and relatively happy, over the past year.
There is also an argument that Forest Hill is a pet friendly area. Knowing there are so many green spaces on offer is a comfort to people looking for a place to live with their pet.
Of course, it is difficult for tenants to find suitable rental property for them and their pets, but this might be changing.
The Government says landlords are no longer able to issue a blanket ban on pets. A statement released at the time said; “Instead, consent for pets will be the default position, and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.”
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, if you need to discuss this matter, please get in touch, and we will be happy to help.
What do landlords think about the current situation?
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP commented: “We are a nation of animal lovers and over the last year more people than ever before have welcome pets into their lives and homes. But it can’t be right that only a tiny fraction of landlords advertise pet-friendly properties and in some cases, people have had to give up their beloved pets in order to find somewhere to live.”
The Housing Minister continued by saying; “Through the changes to the tenancy agreement we are making today, we are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords. This strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that’s right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords’ properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly-behaved pets.”
Should landlords allow tenants with pets?
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, issued a tweet on the matter. The tweet stated; “Too few renters can enjoy the pleasure and companionship of pets. We’ve updated the standard tenancy agreement to make allowing well behaved pets the norm – and are encouraging all landlords and agents to adopt it.”
Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Adviser of Propertymark comments: “Whilst we acknowledge that allowing pets can make a property more desirable and encourage tenants to rent for longer, even the best-behaved pets will have an impact on a property. The UK Government must recognise the impact of their decision to cap deposits and the knock-on costs that landlords face. This is a complex issue that is determined on a case-by-case basis highlighting the need for landlords to get advice from a professional letting agent.”
Jen Berezai, Co-founder of AdvoCATS, comments: “AdvoCATS welcomes the new Model Tenancy Agreement announced by the Ministry of Housing, it’s fantastic news and a huge step forward for all those who have campaigned for change. Now, responsible pet owning tenants, many of whom have previously been forced to choose between their pet vs a roof over their heads, will find it much easier to keep their family together.”
At Hunters Forest Hill, we know selling property is challenging, but we are here to assist you in the process. If you aim to buy, sell, let your home or rent property, we are active in New Cross, Peckham, Dulwich and Brockley, in addition to Forest Hill, so get in touch with one of the top three agents in London, and we will be happy to assist you.
