Rejected from viewing due to pets
Just looking for some guidance regarding being rejected by estate agents for a viewing due to a pet.
I'm just getting started on finding somewhere new to rent and I'd like to understand the rules around this, especially with the upcoming rental law change in a few weeks.
Here's the story:
Called to enquire about viewing a newly listed flat. Mentioned we have an indoor rabbit.
Estate agent said they'd ask the landlord before booking viewing.
Called 24 hours later to see if there was an update, estate agent said they'd not contacted the landlord but now have viewings all weekend and are likely to receive offers over the weekend (nice, good value flat in London, makes sense).
Estate agent said as the other viewers didn't mention pets, we'd be unlikely to be chosen anyway if we viewed and bid.
No reason was provided why pets would not be suitable, other than that the property was carpeted
So I feel that in effect, we were rejected from even viewing a property due to being honest about our pet.
I know the new rental act says landlords are able to reject pets where there is good reason, but how are we ever meant to compete to rent somewhere when the estate agent can fob us off? Surely that's against the spirit of the upcoming low.
When is best to mention pets in this instance? At the stage where we've had a bid accepted?
We felt it was best to be honest about our pet going in, but I now feel incentivised to just lie and hope for the best!