AdvoCATS rescue Ruth and her family

Nowhere to go

Ruth* found herself in a bad way after recently splitting up from her long-term partner. She was a single mum to a teen and a pre-teen, looking for a new place for her family, which also included three cats and one dog. 

On paper, she looked like a new landlord’s worst nightmare. The rented social housing contract was only in her ex-partner’s name, which prevented her from getting a reference.

Turning to AdvoCATS for help

Ruth was still living in the family home, and whilst the split was reasonably amicable, she was obviously keen to get settled in a new place as soon as possible. Unfortunately, she kept being turned down time and time again after several failed applications.

AdvoCATS knew they’d have to think creatively and outside the box to help Ruth find a pet-friendly rental for her and her family.

A new place to call home

In addition to the charity’s normal Tenant Check and Pet CV compilation, they suggested Ruth get some character references, particularly from her employer, a national vet charity. Having met both the kids, they then suggested the same from their schools, who were happy to oblige. Finally, having seen how spotlessly she kept the flat, they got her to take pictures of the interior and common problem areas, such as the foot of the stairs, which we then put into one document.

Armed with all this additional information, Ruth continued her new rental search and, within weeks, had been able to view three places on her shortlist. Her application for her favourite place was approved.

Ruth said, “On the viewing day, another family made an offer on the house. They were rejected and we were chosen instead – the landlady was very impressed with the extra paperwork AdvoCATS helped me to create. There’s no doubt in my mind that AdvoCATS played a vital role in our getting the property, without them I might have had to say goodbye to my pets. I don’t know how to thank them enough.”

*Name changed to protect identity.

The impact of the grant

We awarded AdvoCATS £2,607 to help them recruit and equip six new caseworkers. The charity anticipates an increase in workload when the Renters Right Bill becomes law, so this grant will help them help more families like Ruth and prevent pet relinquishment, keeping pets and people together.

About AdvoCATS

AdvoCATS is a non-profit, voluntary organisation established in 2018. It provides free practical support and advice to tenants and landlords who have issues with keeping pets in rented accommodation.

Get in touch with AdvoCATS if you are in need of assistance.