Avoiding the dog house: make sure pooch and property align
October 2021 : CityAM
Some buildings will be specific about only wanting small dogs, or breeds deemed to be friendly so you will need to do your homework first. If your dog qualifies, then additional points to consider are where the apartment sits within the building? Are the communal areas carpeted and if so, having a muddy dog might be a complete nuisance..not only to you but also to the other residents. Is the building…and more specifically, the apartment well insulated and do you have many neighbours. When it comes to the outside space, is it a communal garden or a private garden square – many of these green spaces do not allow dogs at all or alternatively they might insist on a specific licence which can always be revoked if the dog proves to be a nuisance. The dog will almost certainly need to be on a lead although the odd garden has separate sections dedicated to dogs, where they are occasionally allowed off a lead.
Of course the ideal option is to buy a freehold house where you, as the new owner will be the decision maker. We recently advised clients on the purchase of a large house in Hampstead, where the entire house was fully reconfigured. This included a boot room as you entered on the lower ground, to include a dog bath with lots of towels on hand, after those muddy walks! Particularly helpful now that we’re in Autumn, and a useful way to help protect expensive carpets and furnishings.
As not everyone will be in a position to do this, please always seek advice and above all, read the lease very carefully.
Mini guide on where to look…or not.
The north gardens at Cadogan Place, rather than Cadogan Place Park – dogs on leads
Arundel Gardens, W11 – dogs on leads
Ladbroke Square Gardens, W11 – dogs on leads
Leinster Square, W2 – dogs banned
Clarendon Road, W11… there are a few gardens on these roads – each with different rules so it’s important to check with the garden committee.. local knowledge is key
