After the letting property market began to open back up, local cat owners seeking suitable rental accommodation will be relieved to learn that a local free advice service has resumed.
AdvoCATS - based in Long Eaton-based is a charity that assists cat owners who are having difficulty finding rental accommodation which will accept their pet.
Many lettings agents include a no pets clause in their rental agreement, which means that cat owners can struggle to find a home where they can live with their animal. In some cases they have been forced to give up their pets before moving.
AdvoCATS, run by people with a solid background in cat rescue and animal welfare, acts on behalf of the cat owner, compiling documentation, such as vet references, pet assessments, tenant checks, etc., to enable a landlord to make an informed decision about allowing a pet in their property.
“Basically we help the pet’s owner to put together a cat CV,” explained Jennifer Berezai, who co- founded the charity in May last year.
This will include references from previous landlords, and a vet’s assessment of the cat and its behaviour, stating that the animal is in good health, is fully vaccinated and well looked after. Included in this will be a picture of the pet to provide the landlord with a good idea of the kind of cat it is.
Added Jennifer: "In view of the current corona virus crisis, all new cases will be undertaken whilst following government guidelines, staying safe/alert, with the safety of all parties our primary concern. Anyone advised to self-isolate should continue to do so and not move home.
“There are very well documented mental & physical health benefits associated with pet ownership, and in the current crisis, many people have realised just how much joy and companionship having a pet can bring to their lives – a trend we very much hope will continue now current restrictions are starting to ease and rescue cats are beginning to be adopted again.”
Cat owners or landlords seeking to resolve an issue with a pet in a rental property can contact AdvoCATSeastmids at advocatsem @ gmail.com or visit the website at www.advocatseastmids.org.uk for further information.