The Challenges of Dogs in Emergency Accommodation

by | Apr 29, 2025

For many individuals and families facing crisis, a dog or cat is not just a pet—it’s a source of emotional support, a companion through trauma, and a deeply loved member of the family. Not all our properties allow pets, and even in ones that do, our team do regular spot-check and inspections to avoid issues such as breeding and damages to the property.

We’ve seen first-hand how a wagging tail or quiet cuddle can bring peace and comfort during someone’s darkest moments.

However, as landlords and service providers, we also face challenges when it comes to accommodating dogs in our properties. Damages in general are not just costly to repair, but they can also delay the readiness of the accommodation for the next person in need, especially in an environment where time and availability are critical.

We don’t raise these issues to assign blame. Most of the time, these animals are acting out due to anxiety, change in routine, or lack of structure—all of which are often side effects of the difficult circumstances their owners are facing. But it does highlight the delicate balance we must maintain between empathy and practicality.

At the heart of this challenge is our shared goal: to create safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces for everyone who walks through our doors—two-legged or four.

To our community—thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate this evolving landscape. We welcome your input, your stories, and your ideas. After all, we’re in this together—and that includes the dogs and cats too.

At Living Concepts, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to tenants moving out of a property.

From curtains being packed up with the last box to carpets mysteriously disappearing, it’s safe to say nothing surprises us anymore. But while it may feel harmless to take an item you’ve grown fond of, the consequences can be far greater than most tenants realise.

 

What Belongs to the Property, Stays with the Property

When you move into a rental home, many fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains, blinds, appliances, or even garden features – are part of the property. Unless you personally installed them (with the landlord’s written consent) and have a prior agreement to remove them, these items must remain when you move out.

Think of it this way: if you didn’t bring it with you on day one, you probably shouldn’t take it on the last.

 

Why Tenants Sometimes Do It

We understand the reasoning – sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, sometimes it’s sentimental, and occasionally it’s frustration with the landlord.

But whether it’s intentional or accidental, removing items that belong to the property is legally considered theft and can have long-term consequences.

 

The Consequences of Taking What’s Not Yours

    • Deposit Deductions: The cost of replacing missing items is usually taken straight from your deposit – often at a higher cost than what you’d expect.
    • Additional Charges: If the replacement exceeds your deposit, landlords can pursue further payment, even through legal channels.
    • Loss of References: A poor reference from a landlord can make securing your next rental significantly harder.
    • Legal Action: In extreme cases, removing items from a property can be treated as theft – a risk no tenant should be willing to take.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve grown attached to the curtains or furniture, or perhaps invested in your own upgrades during your tenancy, speak to your landlord before moving out. In many cases, they may be open to negotiation: you could replace the item with your own, buy the existing one at a fair price, or agree to leave improvements in place.

 

Our Advice to Tenants

    • Do a walkthrough: Before moving, walk through the property with your inventory report in hand. Double-check what needs to stay.
    • Ask questions: If in doubt, ask your landlord or agent – it’s always better to clarify than assume.
    • Leave the property as you found it: Think back to move-in day. That’s your benchmark for move-out day.

At Living Concepts, we encourage respectful landlord–tenant relationships.

Leaving a property in good condition and with all its fixtures intact not only protects your deposit, but also your reputation as a tenant.

After all, moving out is a fresh start – why risk carrying unnecessary baggage with you?