For me, being a former solicitor and on occasions dealing with landlord and tenant disputes, and also reading about them in the newspaper since I retired getting on for 20 years ago, this kind of story which I describe below is not uncommon and points in some respects to a slightly dysfunctional law regarding landlord and tenants in the UK.
In this instance a Made in Chelsea social media star, Tabitha Willet, 32, has been ordered to pay £13,000 in compensation to the landlord, Charlotte Hill, because Willet’s dog had peed on a brand-new carpet which I presume was fitted before Willet became a tenant.
The landlady said at the trial that she knew that Willet kept a dog and that she had told her to “take care of the carpets” because they had just been fitted at a cost of nearly £9,000.
You can see the scenario. The landlady was preparing the flat for a new tenant namely Willet. She had fitted new carpets to make the flat look very nice and the rental was £3,500 per month which is not insubstantial. Although the flat is in Kensington, west London which would explain the monthly rent.
So the picture painted is of a social media star in a nice flat in London with a brand-new carpet. Willet’s dog is said to have peed on the carpet substantially to create a deep stain.
Willet admitted that this had happened and accepted it and said that she would have resolved the matter and paid for the replacement of the carpet at the end of the tenancy. Although the landlady said that Willet was an unreliable payer of rent. She claimed that she had to chase Willet all the time to keep up with the rent.
It all got too much for the landlady. She decided to sue but apparently she was at fault as well because she didn’t meet her legal obligations relating to Willet’s deposit which is paid before the tenancy begins. In fact, the deposit would go towards reparations but the landlady decided to sue and was therefore reliant upon a court order rather than coming to an agreement with Willet through negotiations at the end of the tenancy. Because of the landlady’s fault re. the deposit the damages payable by Willet were reduced to £4,749.
Dog welfare
An aspect of this story has been overlooked by The Times newspaper report which is my source for this story. Why did the dog pee on the carpet so profoundly?
One has to speculate because the reason is unreported. The reason would have been made reasonably clear I would suggest if the newspaper had interviewed Willet. I will speculate. Willet left her dog in the apartment alone for long periods of time because she is a busy social media influencer trying to earn some decent money. Fair enough.
But it is said that you shouldn’t leave a dog alone for more than four hours. You may have seen those videos of dogs becoming incredibly distressed inside an apartment when their owner is away for a long time.
For me, and is entirely plausible to suggest that Willet’s dog peed on the carpet because they were stressed due to been left alone for long periods. And therefore, at its heart, this story is not about a landlord or a tenant i.e. humans but about dog welfare.
How many dogs are left alone like this in the UK annually? This is about standards in cat and dog caretaking. There is always room for improvement. Having read about cat and dog welfare for 17 years I can say with some conviction that across-the-board standards are not high enough but of course it depends upon whether you are seeking excellence or an average performance.
Some more…
Can leaving a dog alone in an apartment for long periods cause them to pee on the carpet?
Yes, leaving a dog alone in an apartment for long periods can lead to accidents like peeing on the carpet, especially if they’re unable to hold their bladder for extended periods. Here are some common reasons why this can happen:
1. Bladder Control Issues
- Young puppies and senior dogs often have less control over their bladders and may not be able to hold it as long as adult dogs. Puppies need frequent potty breaks because they haven’t yet learned to fully control their bladder.
- Adult dogs can usually hold their bladder for about 6-8 hours, but leaving them alone much longer can push their limits.
2. Anxiety or Stress
- Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, and being left alone for long periods might stress them out. Anxiety can cause them to urinate indoors as a reaction to their emotional distress.
- Signs of separation anxiety may include pacing, barking, destructive behavior, or inappropriate urination when left alone.
3. Lack of Access to Potty Breaks
- If your dog doesn’t have regular access to outdoor potty breaks, they may not have a choice but to relieve themselves inside the apartment. A dog accustomed to a routine of regular outdoor breaks may struggle if that routine is disrupted.
4. Boredom or Frustration
- Being alone for too long can make dogs feel bored, and some may urinate out of frustration or because they’ve been inactive for an extended time. Boredom can also lead to other destructive behaviors.
5. Health Issues
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or other health issues can cause a dog to urinate more frequently, sometimes making it impossible for them to wait until you’re home.
Solutions:
- Regular Walks: Hiring a dog walker or taking your dog out on a regular schedule (ideally every 4-6 hours for adults) can prevent accidents.
- Potty Training Aids: Some owners use pee pads or artificial grass patches for dogs in apartments when long absences are necessary.
- Crate Training: Many dogs won’t urinate in their crate if it’s properly sized, and crate training can help them develop stronger bladder control.
- Interactive Toys: Leaving toys or puzzles can help reduce anxiety and boredom.
- Vet Check: If the behavior is new or excessive, a visit to the vet can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Addressing your dog’s physical and emotional needs can go a long way in preventing accidents indoors.