Kentish Express Ashford & District
Jennie’s dogs stopping her getting a new lease of life
Mum-of-one unable to find landlord happy to accept her pets
A financial adviser says she is finding it impossible to find a new home to rent with her daughter, because she owns two dogs.
Jennie Delelis, 39, has recently separated from her husband, and has been looking for a two-bedroom home to rent in Ashford with her six-year-old daughter.
She wants to move away from her former home in Galloway Drive in Kennington, but says there are no private landlords willing to let out their property to her because of her two dogs.
Ms Delelis said: “It has been impossible. I have dealt with 25 estate agents and looked at more than 20 houses.
“I’ve looked everywhere for a rental property where I can keep my dogs.
“It is ridiculous that there are no landlords who allow them.
“I can understand that there are issues with landlords and pets, but I’m a clean person, perhaps slightly OCD, and I work from home.
“You could never tell I have animals living at my home.
“I have offered private landlords to see my home, and come and meet my dogs and see they are good, clean and calm pets.
“I also offered an extra six months of rent, offered to pay more to spend on cleaning, and even offered to provide references for them, but it hasn’t worked. I think it’s outrageous.”
Ms Delelis said her four months of searching have led nowhere, and fears that other animal owners face similar problems trying to find a place to call home.
She added: “Both of my dogs were rescued. I wouldn’t want to get rid of them because they are like a family member. That’s my last option, but it seems like my only option at the moment.
“It’s not fair. Animals should be considered as family members.
“It might be the easier option just to leave them in a shelter, but I’m just not that type of person.”
Have you had similar problems trying to find a rental property with your pet? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk